Spreading a little kindness
A local mother and her young daughter were just about to finish their lunch at a restaurant last weekend when a man approached, wished her a happy Mother’s Day, and laid something on their table.
It was one of those generic guest checks restaurants sometimes use. On the back was written, “Happy Mother’s Day.”
The woman turned it over and read:
“My mother passed away 3 years ago & I promised her I would always pay for a mother’s dinner somewhere.
“So Happy Mother’s Day.”
He had paid the woman’s check.
His mother must have been a wonderful lady.
Her son didn’t turn out badly, either.
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Had enough bad, divisive, political news lately? Wondering if it’s possible to bury the hatchet elsewhere than in the head of someone whose views may not always match yours?
Let me tell you a story about the very greenest of the green organizations going out of its way to befriend big business.
It’s the Nature Conservancy. There can’t be any argument about it being the most successful environmental movement on the planet, if you know anything about it.
I was reminded of the Conservancy’s value during a dinner in Morgantown for some of the organization’s supporters.
As Conservancy notes on its website (nature.org), “The mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends.”
On every continent are preserves established by the Conservancy to protect landscapes, water resources, plants and animals. Here in West Virginia alone, there are 20 preserves, including the Ohio River Islands.
I’ve been to some of the Conservancy’s preserves. Trust me when I tell you they are among the most beautiful places in our state.
More than 600 Conservancy scientists in 69 countries are engaged in important conservation research work.
And here’s the thing: Most big businesses seem delighted to work with the conservancy, often donating land and money to help the organization’s work. How is that possible, some fellow tree huggers may ask?
Because the Conservancy doesn’t demonize anyone. Those who support it — many wrongly accused of being determined to destroy the earth — like that.
Perhaps we should try that approach in Washington.
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Myer can be reached at: mmyer@theintelligencer.net.