Genuine Curiosity

Author Dwayne Melancon is always on the lookout for new things to learn. An ecclectic collection of postings on personal productivity, travel, good books, gadgets, leadership & management, and many other things.

 

What's your cup of tea?

Last weekend I heard a story from a Monsignor at church, and I kept thinking back on it all week.  I'd like to share it with you.

The story he told is about a woman named Hannah, and it goes like this:

A bald, emaciated man lay in the hospital bed exhausted and weak after a bone marrow transplant for leukemia.  His nurse tiptoed in.

“Mr. Jensen. I am your nurse, Hannah”.  He barely nodded.

Hannah checked his vital signs, and asked,  “Would you like some soup?”

He shook his head, no - "I just want to sleep," he said.

Hannah came back later with medication.  He took it and sank back against the pillow.  Hannah offered him the paper but he did not want it. Feeling defeated and concerned, she left.

She went to the nurses’ kitchen to pour herself a cup of tea.  Then she changed her mind, grabbed the large teapot, and placed it on a tray with some toast and two cups.  Then she headed for Mr. Jensen’s room.

“Would I be disturbing you if I have my tea here in your room?" Hannah asked.  “I would like to watch the news, if it is all right.”

“Not at all,” Mr. Jensen said, but he was clearly taken aback.

Hannah turned on the TV, then poured herself a cup of tea.  “I brought an extra cup, if you would like some,” she offered.

“Maybe I will have half a cup,” he said.

Jensen and Hannah watched the news in silence, until he nodded off.  As she got up to go, he asked, “Are you in tomorrow?”

“I am, and I will have tea with you again tomorrow, if you would like.”

“Yes, I would like that” he answered.

The next night Mr. Jensen had two cups of tea and a piece of toast – his first solid food in a month.  The third night he and Hannah talked about their families, their hometowns, their lives outside the hospital.  The fourth night, he got out of bed and sat in a chair.

A few days later, Hannah found Mr. Jensen’s room empty.  He had recovered enough to go home to recuperate.

Some time later Hannah was downtown shopping when she heard a familiar voice.  “Hannah it is good to see you”, said Mr. Jensen, as he gave her a big hug.

“This is Hannah, “ he said, introducing her to his wife.  “She saved my life with a cup of tea”.

We have lots of opportunities to make a difference in others' lives.  Most of these happen (or don't) based on spur of the moment decisions in our hearts and minds.  

We all know that productivity is the collective result of small actions. Don't underestimate the power of small gestures of kindness, either.

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None of us is as good as all of us

Rosa has some big mojo going on at Talking Story in a recent post. As I interpret it, she's talking about the value of community over content.

The content on Talking Story is fabulous, but the community makes it profound. I'm proud to be a formal part of the Talking Story community - but it's not some kind of secret society- all are welcome, and it's all about the learning.  Stop by and check it out.

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The coming of summer

"Man is the only animal that laughs and weeps; for he is the only animal that is struck with the difference between what things are, and what they ought to be." - William Hazlett

Many people make New Year's resolutions, and vow to change their ways 'round the beginning of each year.  Not me - it seems that I become introspective about this time every year.  I'm not sure why that is - maybe the long days remind me there is so much more I could be doing; maybe it's some hold-over from when I was a kid and summer always seemed like a new start.

Whatever the reason, I've been reflecting on the aspects of my life that I want to change.  This is, at once, both empowering and discouraging - I think that's the essence of Hazlett's quote.

Among the abilities that set us apart from the other animals are our capacity to choose, and our ability to consciously acquire new skills.  Combine these with our capacity to hope, our ability to alter our environment, and our ability to love, and you have something amazing.

Of course, not everyone chooses the same way.  Some choose to be destructive, to hurt others, or to steal others' joy.  I must admit, after the fact my choices sometimes feel closer to this end of the spectrum.  My wish is that I always recognize these, learn from them, and make better choices the next time.

I've learned a lot in the past year, I've met some very cool people, and I've gained new perspective on what I really want for myself and my family.  I feel like I'm in a pretty good position to make better choices for the coming year.

So, as summer comes, I encourage you consider who you are, who you want to become, what you've been doing for yourself and others, and what actions you can take to improve.

Laugh or weep - the choice is ours.

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