One of the things that pops into my mind when I think of a chain reaction is a line-up of dominoes that all fall in sequence when the first is knocked over. It has been said that a little kindness can start a chain reaction and that we should start our own chain reactions. For purposes of this post, let me offer this thought provoking definition, “In a chain reaction, positive feedback leads to a self-amplifying chain of events.”. I believe this story fits the profile. See if you agree as you read the following.
Those of you who know me understand that I fancy myself as a community builder so I suggest that you might also consider this thought as you read. “Community is about a series of small choices and everyday actions.” - Jenny Anderson.
This particular chain reaction, while dating back 13 years to 2008, was only recently relayed to me. It struck me so profoundly that I thought it worth sharing. There are two main characters, both long standing friends of mine and of each other. One is lady who is now in her 9th decade. I know her well. I know her character. I know her strong faith. She likes to be called Merry Sonshine. This is not a misspelling but a tribute to her faith. I recently asked her how she first came by this name. She replied that her mother, whom I also knew as strong women of phenomenal character and faith, used to sing the children’s song, “Good Morning, Merry Sunshine” to her nearly every day of her life when she was a young girl. I didn’t know this song, but a quick search of YouTube produced many renditions.
The second character, a teacher, spent nearly his entire adult career as an outstanding Milton educator. He is a true professional and also a man of strong faith and integrity.
So let’s begin. One of the traditions of Milton grade schools was the 2nd grade annual visit to the Milton House. Students attending East and West would walk to the destination. This was a pretty good trek for the West kids but provided a great outing. In May 2008, the appointed day for the outing turned out to be gray and overcast. No rain was predicted so the trip went on as planned. The route from Milton West heading east on Madison Ave would take this 2nd grade class directly past Merry Sonshine’s house where she would often sit on a platform swing under her beautiful spreading maple tree. As this troupe approached Merry’s house, the teacher noticed Merry sitting in her swing. Many of us might have walked by without even acknowledging this person on her swing let alone make a friendly gesture toward her. Even though he was on the opposite side of the street and marshaling an entire class of 2nd graders, over the bustle of the busy avenue traffic, our teacher shouted out, “I knew I’d see Sunshine today!”.
Not only did our teacher know he'd see Sunshine that day, he also understood and accepted this tenant, “The charge for all of us is to defy the forgettable flatness of everyday work and life by creating a few precious moments.” - The Power of Moments by Chip and Dan Heath. With his greeting, he not only provided a great example for his 2nd graders but, with his innate kindness, also started his own chain reaction – positive feedback leading to a self-amplifying chain of events.
Here is how his chain reaction played out. A few days later, he received this poem, penned by Merry Sonshine, in his snail mail. It so captures her joy, her pleasure at being greeted by a group of kids and their teacher passing by her house on their way to the Milton House. An ordinary, gray, overcast May day became something special, the “stuff” of community, because our teacher choose to create a few precious moments. Here is Merry Sonshine's poem, “May Day Joy”, her heartfelt, emotional response to a simple greeting from across a busy street. If it doesn't warm the cockles of your heart, then your wood is wet.
MAY DAY JOY
On this – the first day of May, the clouds were having their way.
'Twas dreary and sad and I felt so bad,
So, I sat in the swing to sway!
In the distance, I suddenly heard the songs of so many birds!
The music restored, and my spirit soared,
And “joyness” within me was stirred.
An then, even more voices came. T' were happy but not quite the same!
They walked down the street; their smiles were sweet,
(School children – too many to name)!
The teacher headed the pack, the helper worked at the back!
And child followed child – their excitement was wild!
So many were like “jumping jacks”!
Their fists pumped into the air. The big trucks passed them there.
Their horns bellowed out, the kids gave a shout!
(The sight to my eyes was rare)!
The teacher smiled my way. The wave of his hand, he displayed!
He then shouted out with a great joyful shout:
“I KNEW I'd see Sunshine today”!
Written by Merry Sonshine
2008
“We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow man, and among those fibers, as sympathetic threads, our actions run as causes, and then come back as effects.” - Herman Melville. A small choice by one 2nd grade teacher that day 13 years ago, started a chain reaction that resonates to this day. Our teacher keeps his poem in his Bible, not a bad filing choice by any means. When he needs sustenance, affirmation, and respite from the onslaughts of the day to day, he turns to this book where he finds spiritual nourishment and, triggered by his greeting back in 2008, Merry's 'joyness', fills his soul again and again.
Thank you, Merry Sonshine, for your poem and your blessing and thank you, teacher Mike, for your strong positive influence in this Milton community that so many of us love so much. You inspire me to ask, “What chain reaction can I initiate today?”
#cruzan4milton#WEAREMILTON
