Marking the March

Sheesh. Time flies. My last entry was in July. But fret not, I'm still here. And can only say that my absence is because I've been Marching so much that I haven't made time to type about Marching.

Six years ago on my birthday, I challenged friends to "March Forth" into their communities and give back, lend a hand, or at least listen to a neighbor. The response was heartwarming and far reaching. I've found that I'm less persistent (translation: nagging) to friends around this birthday/challenge anniversary. I used to send mass emails and letters - "hey friends, March Forth. And tell me about it so I can share the good news and we can multiple these efforts." By year six, I'm still committed but not as aggressive (or as energetic). I seem to have developed this expectation that this philosophy should now be a part of our every day thinking, right? Possibly it is. Many of my friends and family are very involved in their church, a scout troop, PTO, a nonprofit board, Little League, blood drives, food pantries, and many are more cognizant of simply reaching out to a stranger with a smile or a kind word. So, maybe it IS part of our every day lives. Or maybe it's like Flag Day. Some of us fly flags all of the time. Some of us think about it frequently but haven't yet made the time to replace that tattered flag or installed the bracket. And good deal of us need Flag Day to serve as a catalyst to fly that symbol we love. And collectively on that day in June, we can feel connected together across aisles and miles in a show of respect for our country.

So, instead of a plea, think of this as your catalyst. The date is to remind you, propel you to March Forth into your community. And not because I'm asking you. Or because it's my birthday tradition. March Forth because good things come from our time, our talents, our treasure and our compassionate, selfless disposition.

And collectively on this day in March, we can feel connected across aisles, cultures and miles in a unified commitment to living with kindness and making a positive impact on the world in our brief time here.

Elevated Kindness

It was a whirlwind birthday celebration weekend in the amazing city of Chicago. Seven friends exploring the sights, the architecure, the parks, the river, the restaurants and pubs. The weather was mostly sunny, as too was the company.

We took the El all over town - the city's anciently wonderful train system. Easy on, easy off, easy pay, fairly clean and only one encounter with a tweaked-out man posturing, yelling and saying he was a gargoyle. Compared to my NYC subway adventures, I almost felt cheated there wasn't more drama on the tracks. Well, not really.

We were rushing off the train and met by a pop up storm outside the tunnel exit. Still not dismayed. Even the storm was Midwesternly pleasant. After 10 minutes, it let up, we exited. And that's when it happened. Jodi stopped and did a frantic search of satchel & pockets.

Her iphone was left on the train.

Immediately, our crew of friends scattered in response: to the tunnel to seek out a CTA employee, on the phone w/ information to contact the CTA office, and me dialing Jodi's number over and over in the hopes someone would answer. No luck with any avenues...until after about a dozen dialing attempts, a male voice answers Jodi's phone. I physically bounce to attention yelling "ooh ooh ahh hello, who is this?" "I found this phone on the Red Line and am looking for someone to give it to." said the stranger. pause. "But I can't find any CTA security."

"We can come to you, where are you," I ask, nodding at my travel mates. So, then 3 of us were off to meet him. It ended up being a 20-min ride with us watching the transit map, ticking w/ nervous energy, and counting the stops. Once we hit the mark, we ran off the train in 3 directions looking for someone we don't know.

The Jodi spotted him. Well, actually, she spotted her phone. Then him. We never got his name. He was in a bit of hurry. Probably a little weirded out that a chunky lady (me) went running at him yelling "phone guy" and wrapping him a hug. Jodi offered him money. He declined. I offered again, insisting. He declined and obvious was uncomfortable that we'd even thought he'd accept. We thanked him over and over. Told him that good Karma will reward him. Then he was off -- to catch his other train.

And we stood for a minute. Relieved to have found the coveted telephonic lifeline. We were giddy. Within seconds, we realized our elation was more about the fact that there was a stranger on a train that took time to do a kind deed than it was about having the phone back.

Would you try to find the owner of a lost item? Of course, we say yes. But what if you were in a hurry (this stranger seemed to be). What if you were having a horrible day. What if you figured someone else would take care of it? What if.

This kind stranger...he didn't ask What If. He just did. He marched forth. In the middle of July, he Marched Forth.

So, this famous Chicago system isn't the only thing that was elevated.
Our belief in kind strangers was as well.

It's been a while. Shame on me. Sure, we see Marching Forth every day. But sometimes we need to be reminded of the good. Sometimes, we need someone to lift the blind for us. So, I'm back at it.

A few weeks ago, my church honored a gentleman for his years of volunteer service. No big deal. You hear this story every day, right? So, here's why it's something special. For 25 years, Jim Basye volunteered in a Sunday class. Twenty-five years. He missed 3 Sundays EVER. Clearly committed. Clearly Marching Forth.

But there's more.

For 25 years, Jim lead a special group of developmentally disabled adults - The God's Treasures class. The group of up 15 special adults meets, goes over a topic, maybe colors, arranges restroom visits, then, as a group, attends worship service. The God's Treasures group are not spectactors. They are members of the church, quiety absorbing what they wish from the worship service. They participate in candle lightings, readings, their holiday party. When one of the Treasures chose to be baptized, the group, along with Jim, stood up with her, proud and supportive. And crying.

Jim is not the boastful type. He quiety devoted himself. He didn't March as much as he softly padded. Did anyone, until now, even know he'd only missed 3 Sundays in 25 years? Well, likely the God's Treasures members remember those 3 days he missed. Adoration brings a keen memory.

Jim Basye was honored for his 25 years of dedication. Twenty five years of Marching Forth - one quiet step at a time. And, as this humble, caring man was celebrated for his service, he was surrounded by his very special friends. Some smiling. Some crying. But all changed because of him.