By Judy Berman
One wintry evening in Syracuse, New York, an unlikely group gathered for a good meal and conversation.
Our companions were from all walks of life. At our table: a college student, a reporter (me), an advocate for the homeless and two homeless men. Mismatched for sure, but we had a wonderful time.
I don’t recall what we talked about or even what we ate. What I do remember is I was sad to see the evening draw to a close. Yet the afterglow of that shared experience makes me happy just thinking about it.
It brings to mind the tune, “Make Someone Happy.” Jimmy Durante’s sings: “Make just one someone happy, and you will be happy, too.”
While Durante’s singing about making someone you love happy, the song applies to all those we meet. When we reach out to others, we make their life better. That good feeling is contagious.
OK, the world might still have been the same when we stepped back on the sidewalk. But that encounter can make a difference to those we meet. I know it did for me.
The power of a smile and a kind word can be transforming.
“A joy that’s shared is a joy made double.” (John Ray)
May you have many moments of joy to share this holiday season and in 2014.
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COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Judy Berman and earthrider, 2011-14. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to (Judy Berman) and (earthrider, earth-rider.com, or earthriderdotcom) with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
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Music video: Sleepless in Seattle – song “Make Someone Happy” by Jimmy Durante https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88ysQcoZUNY
Photo: Homeless shelter – Boston (Feb. 2, 2007) – Sailors assigned to guided missile cruiser USS Mahan (DDG 72) serve lunch to homeless veterans at the New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c5/US_Navy_070202-N-8110K-047_Information_Systems_Technician_1st_Class_Tanya_Whitner_and_fellow_Sailors_assigned_to_guided_missile_cruiser_USS_Mahan_%28DDG_72%29_serve_lunch_to_homeless_veterans_at_the_New_England_Shelter_for_Homeless.jpg/640px-thumbnail.jpg
