Originally posted Feb 5, 2023
I attended a nurse’s funeral yesterday. It was for Doug, the brother of a friend of mine who was senselessly shot while visiting a home health patient.
As I sat there listening to people tell their experiences with Doug, a much clearer picture emerged than the one I had from the little I knew him. Doug was a kind person who loved life and loved people. He continually gave of himself to help others – no matter who they were.
He held no position of power and was more likely to speak up for someone else than himself, yet his influence has circled the nation since his death. From the 180K+ employees of Providence Health System (his employer) to members of the US Congress, his example of kindness and giving of himself for others is impacting lives.
It was amazing to listen to the way he had impacted the lives of those who attended. People came from all over to honor Doug and the mark he made on their lives. I’m sure if you’d asked him what his influence on others was, he would not have felt it was great – and yet, in life and now death, he is touching so many.
Because of the way he treated others, many people have a better understanding of compassion.
Because of his (and his family’s) kindness, compassion, and forgiveness, even the family of the shooter is able to find some peace and healing.
Because of his story, members of Congress paid more attention to a request for improved mental health care and resources.
Because of his example, I am reminded that I want my influence to be one of kindness.
That means I need to make a conscious decision to be kind every day or hour or minute (yes – some days require a minute by minute decision).
The point is… I have influence and you do too. And it is probably greater than you know.
Take some time today and consider what type of impact your influence is making. Doug’s kindness allowed his influence to multiply in a positive way even after this horrible, senseless, tragic event.
So join me in choosing kindness as your influence – one act at a time, one moment at a time.
Let’s make Doug’s influence of kindness spread – go viral…. Let’s create a pandemic of kindness… a pandemic to help the world heal.