Bridging Generations: The Far-Reaching Impact of Extending Your Hand

I write today to share with you a story about the transformative power of compassion. It's a story that begins before I was born, in a small restaurant in Montreal called Encore Une Fois, where my parents worked for several years after they immigrated from Vietnam to Canada.

I recently had the privilege of seeing the restaurant for the first time and visiting with its former owner, Lenny, and his wife, Merle, who graciously shared their memories and stories of my parents' earliest days in North America, their hardships, and their incredible work ethic.

I learned that two of the restaurant’s regular customers, Rose and Nancy, sponsored my family, covering their rent, helping them to find jobs, and providing the foundation upon which my parents would build their new life.

Growing up in the US, I had only previously heard bits and pieces about their time in Canada but standing in front of the restaurant with Lenny that day, I felt connected to my parents’ journey in a way I never had before.? And an overwhelming sense of gratitude.

Neither Lenny, Rose, nor Nancy could have known that by extending a helping hand, giving two non-French speaking immigrants a job and a place to live, they would set in motion a chain of events spanning decades and continents.

After establishing themselves in Canada, my parents later moved to the United States, gave birth to me, and created opportunities for our family that exceeded their wildest dreams.

In today’s overstimulating and fast-paced world, it can be tempting to hesitate when presented with an opportunity to help others.? We might wonder, "Does it even really matter?"

My existence is a testament to the fact that it matters more than we know.

The next time you have a chance to lend a hand – to a team member, a neighbor, or a stranger – take it. Go out of your way. Extend yourself.? Be the one who chooses empathy and action. The power of choosing to help others will ripple outward in ways you can't imagine.