Hope & Unity Begin With Kindness

Cruz ‘n’ For Kindness
November 1, 2018

Ever have one of those moments when what you thought was going to be another routine life event morphed into something deeply moving and significant? When right before your eyes you saw and felt a tableau that became a marker – something that has staying power – something you learned that cannot be taken from you? Just a few days ago, this happened to me and it wasn’t on a mountain top vista or the sweep of a tropical beach. Rather, it was just around the corner. Most would not consider Jake’s Junction Pub exotic but for a couple of hours on that night Jake’s became sublime.

Members of the MUHS Class of 69 sometimes gather at Jake’s just to connect, reminisce, plan for a fast approaching 50 year reunion, or just to care for each other. I married into this class and it has always been my observation that they are a close-knit group with a special camaraderie. Some classes are special that way. This particular gathering included (using maiden names) Eileen Hines, Cindy Corkhill, Sue FitzRandolph, Kathy Cookson, Tom Westrick, Mike Green, John VanHorn, Jarret Goodman, Bruce Penny, Bruce Loften, Bob Hinkel, John Kasharek, and Dennis Cashore. Of course there were a couple of interlopers like me.

Of note here, is that Denny Cashore has been unable to attend these gatherings because his health has, kept him home bound in the Madison area for several months. Knowing this, a handful of his classmates have been stopping in see him from time to time. Organizer Bruce Loften thought it would be great to get Denny to Milton so that more friends could gather around. Denny liked the idea, so Bruce set it up and brought him on down. Classmates responded warmly and generously. I watched as lifelong friends, one after another, entered Jake's, walked up to Denny for hugs, handshakes, and conversation. The smile on Denny's face filled the entire room. Oh, the stories that were being spun. Denny's sister, Candy, garnished the gathering with a cake.

This is the stuff of life. Life long friends being kind and caring for one another. We drastically underestimate the influence we can be. We must remain patiently, locally, and personally engaged in the spaces, opportunities, and lives around us. I witnessed the power of this unfolding a few days ago at Jake's. It was wonderful to watch and be a part. This is the way to build community – one person to one person relationship at a time. Thank you Class of 69 for showing us how the language of unity and hope begins with kindness. #WAM