Individuals Paying It Forward

As an educator and librarian I have worked with thousands of people over the years. On occasion a few have asked me what they could do for me in return. I have always told them there was nothing they could do for me, but that someday they would meet someone who needed their help. When that happened they were to help that person in honor of me. I know of one case where this was done, but I hope it was more than one.

Many years ago I had a female student, junior high age, who would stay after school and help me. I didn't know it at the time but she was being abused sexually and physically by her father. Years later she contacted me and told me I was one of her "angels" and how much I had helped her. Because of my kindness and her wish to help other abused children she became an attorney and is now the Executive Director of a center for abused children. I know this was not due solely to her contact with me but I am proud to have been able to help her, even though I didn't know what her exact problems were at the time. We all meet and touch so many people in our lives and sometimes we never know if something we have done is "Paying it Forward". In my opinion that makes it even better because we are now consciously aware of what we are doing.

I guess that is my version of "Paying it Forward".

Jeanette