The story goes that the people in Hell are seated at a banquet table full of delectable delights, but they are starving. Their arms don’t bend, and they can’t reach their mouth. The people in Heaven are seated at a similar table. Their arms also don’t bend, but they are not starving. They are feeding each other.
Hunger, mental illness, mentally challenged, homelessness; the world contains them all. Often when a conversation turns to this problem, someone will say these folks are working a scam; they’re trying to take your money. We all know that’s possible, but for many, meeting life’s necessities is a daily challenge. What’s a person to do?
Growing up I lived next-door to an old school that served grades 1-12. As the child of a teacher, I was just a few steps away from a school to which my father held a key, I knew the school inside out. In the furnace room there was a cot and our quiet janitor, Bruce, lived there. He was a very good janitor, emptying the trash, cleaning the bathrooms and always around to fix the problem anytime a student threw up. Nothing was ever mentioned as to why Bruce lived at the school, but Bruce had a place to live, he had food from the cafeteria, and he was employed. When the new school was built, there was a room for Bruce there as well. Bruce worked, his needs were met and he had dignity. The community was taking care of its own.
A child in the classroom does not own a warm winter coat. The teacher sees this and just happens to have a coat that might fit. The teacher is cleaning out her closet, the coat is in the way and the student would be doing the teacher a favor if she took the coat.
Once I and two other educators knew a student who wanted to go to the prom. She had a date but felt she couldn’t go because she didn’t have the money to buy a dress. Amazingly, we found a scholarship for a deserving student for a situation just like this. There was just enough money in it for a girl to go to the prom. Needless to say, the scholarship was a onetime thing.
Large or small things – coats, food, a bill paid, a need met – things one can do to help a situation. The help comes quietly, with dignity, with grace.
I am not in a position to reform welfare, I am not in a position to provide more mental health workers, but I am in a position to recognize an opportunity, and if I have the means to help. I will.
With a Little Help From My Friends
Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends
Mm, gonna try with a little help from my friends…
Cindy Arp retired from Knox County Schools as a teacher and librarian. She and husband Dan live in Heiskell. And she goes hiking once a week – even in a forest fire.