By ROB PAYNE For Williamson A.M.
Almost every job comes with at least one perquisite a little something extra that you get from your job just because you do what you do. It often becomes old and stale to you, but to a person or family in need, it can make their day. We became a family in need following my wife's diagnosis of what may be the cruelest disease identified, ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease. As the disease progresses, people continue to bring the perks of their works to us, blessing us almost daily. The following examples show how sharing something that you consider routine in your day could be the highest point in someone else's. Rod works for Kellogg's. Though he and his wife, Nan, are neighbors and bring dinner once a month, that wasn't enough for them. Rod explained our situation to his company, and their combined generosity brought cases of product to our door. They filled our pantry with individual serving packages of over a dozen different types of cereal. Each of them (except the one with raisins) is a favorite of our kids. They wake up knowing they can choose whatever cereal they want each morning. It's just like the favorite part of the vacations they remember: continental breakfasts with all the cereal they can eat. Now all we need is a cow or a friend who works for a dairy! Paul is a lawyer. He offered a precious gift: his time. When Marcy was no longer able to sign documents, he executed the paperwork to give me power of attorney. As we refinanced our home, changed our car situation, and performed other legal transactions, it has been a huge timesaver. In some cases, the transaction would have been impossible if Marcy had to have been there. Connie lives next door and was a sales rep for a hospital supply company. She knows all the hygiene products that work well for patients who are bed bound and was able to round up some samples of each of the best products. We think of her each day as we use them for Marcy's baths and clean ups. Years ago Karla volunteered with Marcy to work in an animal shelter. Her real job is in radio. When friends put together a golf tournament for us as a fund-raiser, Karla spread the word at her station and throughout the radio community. The golf tournament was well publicized and when all was said and done, it was one of the elements that made the tournament a grand success. If someone you know is going through some troubling times, consider giving them something you get every day. If you can't think of any perks you get, talk to your friends maybe you know someone who gets good stuff all the time. Together you are sure to come up with something to perk up someone else's life.
Every Day Is Precious is a column to remind us to treat everyone we see today as if it could be the last time we see them. It is written by Rob Payne, whose wife, Marcy, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) in August of 2000. Now 40 years old, she has gone from winning 5 and 10K races to being quadriplegic and on a ventilator at home. For more ways to help others, to find more about Marcy, or to receive email updates on her condition, visit www.everydayisprecious.com. Readers may contribute to her care by sending donations to Every Day Is Precious, 2051 Harvington Drive, Franklin, TN, 37069. If you have helped someone without being asked, or know of someone who has, share it with others. Send to rob@everydayisprecious.com or to Every Day Is Precious, 2051 Harvington Drive, Franklin, TN. 37069.
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