The Power of One

Steven Covey's greatest (IMHO) story was of a child and an adult walking the beach after a storm the night before. The shore was littered with dying starfish tossed up by the waves. The kid was tossing the starfish back into the ocean one by one.

The adult, looking at the horizon, gently said "Son, there's a lot of them; you're not making that much of a difference." Said the kid as he tossed another into the waves, "Made a difference to that one."

My cousin Linda died recently. Our great-grandparents were all settlers in Nebraska in the mid-19th century. Our parents' generation left Nebraska, but we remained close; her family and mine each had four siblings, and we grew up knowing each other well.

But, for me, that was the least true for Linda. She always felt, to me, to be overshadowed by the more glamorous success stories in her family. Little did I know.

Our family values were clear and reflected in many stories. There are too many stories already in this post, so I'll just say we all resonate deeply with the positive side of the Tim Walz saga--another Nebraskan. Deep respect for, and quiet generosity toward, individual human beings, coupled with a "mind your own damn business" ethos.

Linda's daughter requested donations to a charity in Linda's name. I sent in a check. Here's what I got back:

Thank you so much for your very welcome donation to support Nabirye in memory of Linda Johnson Krouse. Linda was close to this dear little Ugandan girl, even having a video call with her only a couple of days before she collapsed and ended up in the hospital on life support. With the addition of your gift, the total donations received now cover over seven years of Nabirye's tuition and other school expenses. Linda's spirit lives on!

Nabirye was born to her young mother Shafiga after rape and being chased from her family home for "shaming" them. At first, an older man took Shafiga into his home during her pregnancy, promising to care for her and baby, but after Nabirye's birth it was not a good situation and they fled. An older woman (named Namususwa Monica) took them in, where they have lived since. Linda's sponsorship of Nabirye's education and other needs has meant the world to her, her mother, and also to their guardian.?

Your donation really helps to secure her future, thank you! Please pass the word. We hope that donations in Linda's name will cover her young sponsored daughter's monthly needs as long as it's needed.?

Made a difference to that one!

Oh, dear Linda. I never knew that story. It so reflects our Nebraska-in-spirit deeply held family values, including the fact that I never heard her mention it. She was one of us, maybe the best of us, all along.

Quick Wisdom Quip: Do the next right thing for the next person in front of you.

Practical Tip:? Do you know someone you deeply respect? Tell 'em before they die.