Honoring People Who Inspire Us to Persist in Serving People
Last week three stories inspired me to persist when other stories threatened me with despair.
For 15 years, Randy Smith, 54, and volunteers have moved and lit his Wenatchee Valley Cross. The 100-foot cross with 1,000 lights shines atop a 24,000-pound concrete pedestal in Wenatchee Heights, compliments of Wenatchee Sand and Gravel and Star Rentals. Volunteers fuel a gasoline generator until they raise $5,000 for electrical lines. “Out of all the things I’ve done, this is my most worthwhile project. It’s the one God would point to and say, ‘I like that one. It touches the most people.’” It lightens me up.
James Bain, 54, Florida, is free after 35-years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. He said, “I’m not angry, because I’ve got God.”
He’s got supportive people too. Pro bono lawyers from the Innocence Project helped him file a petition for state of-the-art DNA testing after a judge denied Bain’s earlier petitions. Police personnel had sealed evidence in bags and kept it in climate-controlled storage, which permitted indisputable tests. And Floridians award innocent inmates $50,000 per prison year.
Bain should receive $1.8 million to sustain his desire for fried chicken, Dr. Pepper and possibly schooling. That is, after spending time with his family and ailing mother. “That’s the most important thing in my life right now, besides God.” And, I’d hope, thanking conscientious people.
Closer to home, Viva Barnes, 55, completed her degree at Western Washington University by taking one course per term for 21 years. Her experience was the reverse of the Dorian Gray character who stayed young as others aged: she aged as students stayed young. “At first it was intimidating because everyone was half my age. I found the students were more than encouraging.”
She started with a math class to help her as a cashier, but ultimately her journey evolved to personal growth. “I think that’s what it started to become,” she said. “It’s advancement, but its also enrichment in your own life.” Her creative writing might enrich our lives.
These people inspire me. I need it after reading that hospitals in North Central Washington struggle with more and more uncompensated care. “The sad part is, people don’t have anywhere to go, so they’re all turning to us,” said Dale Polla, administrator at Okanogan Douglas Hospital in Brewster.
Nevertheless newspaper commentators abandon healthcare reform. Why dismiss a plan that covers 30 million uninsured people and cuts healthcare costs? Even more callous are analysts who gleefully focus on the supposition that Democrats will lose either way in 2010 elections. If Democrats pass healthcare, it’ll be onerous. If Democrats fail to pass it, they’re useless.
Understandably doctors and the public think our healthcare system needs repair. We should pass the bill. Our nation’s greatness rises from doing the right thing one step at a time.
Fortunately we can draw inspiration from persistent, positive individuals like Smith, Bain, Barnes and people around them who do the right thing for the right reason, especially in the Christmas season.
For 15 years, Randy Smith, 54, and volunteers have moved and lit his Wenatchee Valley Cross. The 100-foot cross with 1,000 lights shines atop a 24,000-pound concrete pedestal in Wenatchee Heights, compliments of Wenatchee Sand and Gravel and Star Rentals. Volunteers fuel a gasoline generator until they raise $5,000 for electrical lines. “Out of all the things I’ve done, this is my most worthwhile project. It’s the one God would point to and say, ‘I like that one. It touches the most people.’” It lightens me up.
James Bain, 54, Florida, is free after 35-years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. He said, “I’m not angry, because I’ve got God.”
He’s got supportive people too. Pro bono lawyers from the Innocence Project helped him file a petition for state of-the-art DNA testing after a judge denied Bain’s earlier petitions. Police personnel had sealed evidence in bags and kept it in climate-controlled storage, which permitted indisputable tests. And Floridians award innocent inmates $50,000 per prison year.
Bain should receive $1.8 million to sustain his desire for fried chicken, Dr. Pepper and possibly schooling. That is, after spending time with his family and ailing mother. “That’s the most important thing in my life right now, besides God.” And, I’d hope, thanking conscientious people.
Closer to home, Viva Barnes, 55, completed her degree at Western Washington University by taking one course per term for 21 years. Her experience was the reverse of the Dorian Gray character who stayed young as others aged: she aged as students stayed young. “At first it was intimidating because everyone was half my age. I found the students were more than encouraging.”
She started with a math class to help her as a cashier, but ultimately her journey evolved to personal growth. “I think that’s what it started to become,” she said. “It’s advancement, but its also enrichment in your own life.” Her creative writing might enrich our lives.
These people inspire me. I need it after reading that hospitals in North Central Washington struggle with more and more uncompensated care. “The sad part is, people don’t have anywhere to go, so they’re all turning to us,” said Dale Polla, administrator at Okanogan Douglas Hospital in Brewster.
Nevertheless newspaper commentators abandon healthcare reform. Why dismiss a plan that covers 30 million uninsured people and cuts healthcare costs? Even more callous are analysts who gleefully focus on the supposition that Democrats will lose either way in 2010 elections. If Democrats pass healthcare, it’ll be onerous. If Democrats fail to pass it, they’re useless.
Understandably doctors and the public think our healthcare system needs repair. We should pass the bill. Our nation’s greatness rises from doing the right thing one step at a time.
Fortunately we can draw inspiration from persistent, positive individuals like Smith, Bain, Barnes and people around them who do the right thing for the right reason, especially in the Christmas season.
Posted by JSR at 12/24/2009 5:06 AM 
Categories: Health,Compassion,Build Better Communities,Common Sense
Tags: healthcare reform Wenatchee Valley Cross Viva Barnes James Bain Randy Smith
Categories: Health,Compassion,Build Better Communities,Common Sense
Tags: healthcare reform Wenatchee Valley Cross Viva Barnes James Bain Randy Smith
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