I’ve always rooted for the underdog. My Catholic parents raised me to practice compassion toward those in need. This was the 1960s and the birth of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty and our nation rose up to the challenge. I was an 18-year-old eager to lend a hand and was thrilled to be … Continue reading
Category Archives: Kindness & Compassion
Compassion for an old woman
An old woman smashed into my friend’s car, totaling it. Worse still, she had no insurance, which is required in our state. The judge ordered the woman to pay restitution. The problem was, she was on Social Security, barely scraping by. Yet she took responsibility for the accident, but told the judge she could make … Continue reading
My cancer journey: Blossoming at Gilda’s Club
After my cancer diagnosis in 2014, I mostly maintained radio silence. Close friends and family knew about my condition, but I didn’t utter a word on social media. I did attend prostate support group meetings where I received valuable practical advice. But I what really needed was for someone to throw me an emotional lifeline. … Continue reading
Random Acts of Kindness report
My wife and I decided to get a head start on Random Acts of Kindness Week in mid-February. It was fulfilling for us to step outside our immediate cares and concerns to extend a hand to others. Our Kindness Journal was a daily reminder to be considerate of neighbors, assist strangers in need and to … Continue reading
The stranger becomes a friend
People who look and speak differently than me have had a profound influence on my life. As an 18-year-old, I was a VISTA volunteer in Nebraska for one year. I worked closely with Latino migrant workers who picked the crops and struggled to make a living. I learned a good deal of Spanish and managed … Continue reading
Cancer survivors: I will lend a hand
By Ron Cooper Cancer remission brings newfound freedom to explore, discover, express. But it also entails responsibility to help others who are in active treatment or are struggling to cope with the remission/recurrence cycle. Five years after my diagnosis, I am still on guard that cancer will return. It has once and aggressive treatment fended … Continue reading
Easter egg baskets: It’s never too late!
By Ron Cooper Easter Day. A middle-aged man carries an armful of wrapped sweets to the checkout counter at a drugstore. Two of them slip from his grasp and tumble to the floor. I stop to retrieve them and casually remark: “Wow, I guess your kids are going to be happy receiving these today!” … Continue reading
