A Small Gesture Can Make A Big Difference

Always Helping

Carl was a brother of mine in our local Elks Lodge. He was relentless in his service to helping promote the ideals are fraternal order was founded on.

More Doesn't Always Help

But like myself sometimes he reached to far into the bottle of fermentation to find the wellness we all so desperately try to achieve. He was a good person who liked talking and being part of our brotherhood. Time converted the brotherhood into a human hood and that kind of changed us all, because we liked keeping it the way it was, a boys club.

Sent Him a Get Well Message

Carl’s consumption rate caught up to him and almost ended his life. His hospital stay was long. During his recovery members were encouraged to call, visit or send a get-well message. I chose the latter.

Got Better

When he gained his needed wellness he returned to the lodge. He told me thank you for the card. He said it was the only one he received. I remember what I wrote, get well we miss you. That card changed both of us a little and we moved closer together and talked more often, after that.

Small Thing Big Difference

Till then I never realized what just a little gesture of kindness could do for someone and in return I felt better because I did it. Sounds like a good gesture, is good for all of us.


Don L. Terrill

photo by Orin Optiglot