Why I remain an optimist
Tuesday, November 3, 2020 at 07:26AM 
Yesterday I did my regular volunteer grocery shopping and delivered a couple of orders to residents of senior-living apartments. Besides delivering the groceries, I usually visit for a moment with the recipient and always ask if there is anything else with which I can help. So I sometimes get asked to take out trash or another small task. No biggie.
One sweet older lady - 80+, 5 ft tall, and probably 80 pounds soaking wet - took me up on my offer of additional help. "Could you please open these three pill bottles for me?" she hesitantly asked, pointing to them on the counter where I set her groceries. In 20 seconds, I had the caps off. And headed to my next delivery.
It was such a simple act but somehow it made me think about how easy acting kindly can be. I am certainly no saint and I honestly believe most Americans (humans in general) are kind by nature. It is what, given the gloom and doom of the news that stresses politics and pandemics and inflammatory rhetoric, fortifies my generally optimistic outlook.
Everyone I know personally is at heart a generous person. A loving person. A person who would help when asked. And I know liberals and conservatives. Fundamentalists and atheists. Old people and young. Granted, I suppose I live in a bubble of middle class folks. But were I betting man and asked if a stranger was generous or selfish, I'd always bet on that person being kind.
Tomorrow (or hopefully soon) the election outcome will be known. Whether "my side" wins or loses, I will remain convinced that the future will be brighter. If we all open somebody's pill bottles for them today.
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Oh, the comic above appeared in the local paper a couple Sundays ago. It resonated with me.
In doing my volunteer shopping for a local nonprofit organization that works to help older adults stay independent (working the commitment around my mid afternoon naps whenever possible), I continue to be amazed by just how much "stuff" is available for purchase at the local supermarket.
- Hundreds of varieties of cat food (and cat owners are more particular about this than they are about their own food.
- Dozens of variations of Secret Deodorant for Women (I searched for 10 mintues and never found a match to what was requeste.)
- Foods like "herring fillets in red wine sauce" and braunschweiger (people still eat those?)
- Gluten free noodles, breads, and you-name-it
- Several varieties of Fig Newtons, canned black beans, and tomato soup
- Hundreds of different frozen pizzas
- At least three sizes and three brands of any product
And the list goes on. I hope I got the right kind of kitty litter for my last order.
Reader Comments (3)
I also remain an optimist, Doug. Although, between the political chaos (which we get to watch far too up close around here) and the pandemic, my positive outlook has been sorely tested this year. Next year will mark the start of my 70th year on Earth and I'm looking forward to being able to celebrate the occasion out in the world, far beyond the walls of my home.
Well done my friend!
Thank you, Kenn! My biggest hope is that the outcome of this election is a lesson in humility for BOTH political parties!
Doug
Hi Tim,
Yeah, I am hoping for a better 2021 as well. I have not placed the travel restrictions on myself as many people have. I am careful, I believe, but continue to shop, volunteer, teach F2F, and taking driving trips. Oh, I still have a couple years before hitting 70!
Doug