This past Sunday, while on a bike ride with my wife (Jane) and daughter (Julia), I heard a loud crash behind me, followed by my daughter screaming, “mom, are you OK?” I immediately stopped, jumped off my bike and turned around to see Jane lying on the ground, with cuts and scrapes on her arms and legs, and looking a bit confused. A man who lived in a nearby apartment came running over asking if we were OK, and Jane assured him that she would be fine. Regardless, he (also named, Jeff) ran up to his apartment to get water and bandages for Jane while his girlfriend (Pam) stayed with us.
In the meantime, after sitting for a bit, I helped Jane up and began slowly walking her to a more shady area out of the bike path. As we arrived at a curb, she passed out in my arms. I eased her onto the ground where she quickly awoke and sat up – not even realizing what happened. Jeff (the local resident) saw this happen on his way back from the apartment, and promptly called 9-1-1.
In no time, an ambulance and fire truck arrived on the scene. An EMT checked Jane’s vitals – all seemed OK, so she declined the ride to the emergency room and opted to head right home. However, my car was parked about 6 miles away, so Jeff gave me a ride (he refused to let me call an Uber or just bike back), while Pam invited Jane and Julia up to their apartment to rest and have something to drink. About an hour later (because I forget the keys to my car on the first trip), we arrived back to get Julia and Jane, who at this point was feeling much better (albeit quite bruised up). We thanked Pam and Jeff for their kindness and headed home.
Aside from a bunch of bumps, scratches and bruises, Jane is doing fine (and we are on alert for concussion symptoms). But, perhaps the big take-away from this story is the kindness of people. In a world where the news often highlights inhumanity, these events gave me much greater confidence that the world is truly filled with kindness. I believe that the majority of people care about those around them and have each other’s back.
So, today, I appeal to you to do something kind to experience the power of giving and make a positive difference in the world – and encourage others around you to do the same (fee free to share this email). While everyone should do this in a way that is most meaningful to them, here are a few ideas to consider:
1. Support those impacted by the Merrimack Valley gas explosions – The Lawrence Emergency Fund is assisting those impacted. Check out the site and, if you’re so included, make a donation.
2. Help those impacted by Hurricane Florence – The American Red Cross is just one of the many organizations helping with this disaster.
3. Help fight cancer by participating in (or sponsoring me for) Be Bold Be Bald! – This one is personal. After losing my business partner to cancer in 2007, I (along with my colleagues at Small Army) created Be Bold, Be Bald! – a national event where people go bald for one day (by wearing a bald cap) to honor those who battle cancer, and raise money by getting people to sponsor them for their bold move. This year, the event is on October 19 – and you can go bald wherever you are. Here’s how you can help:
- Sign up to participate (as individual or start a team) and raise money for your selected cancer charity.
- Sponsor me and the Small Army team for going bald
- Just spread the word and encourage others to participate or sponsor someone by visiting our site and using the social media sharing links
A big thanks to Jeff and Pam for demonstrating the greatness of humanity, and helping us out on Sunday. Thank you in advance for your act(s) of kindness today and in the future – whatever they may be. (And, for all my Jewish friends, Happy New Year!).
Have a great day!
Jeff Freedman
CEO/Managing Partner
Small Army | Finn Partners