by Jane Malkoff MSN RN NP

Who do you look up to?  Who is the greatest influence in your life?   Is there a certain one and only or are there several?  I love stories about individuals who create a lasting effect in someone’s life.  These stories are amazing for forging a deeper connection to the person telling the story and for discovering qualities worth emulating.

The most influential people in my life are not famous and often not formally educated.  One of the biggest influences I have had is a high school dropout yet one of the smartest people I know.  He worked his career in a factory.  He uses the word ain’t regularly and pronounces fish as feesh and Washington as Warshington.  I have never been embarrassed by him or wished he was famous or formally educated.  He’s my dad.

My dad’s life has been about working hard, loving my mom, taking care of family, reading, hobbying, and philosophizing.  His favorite drinks are coffee and the cheapest beer he can find.  He is an avid reader and able to discuss any topic.   As he grows old and continues on for one year now since my mother’s passing, it is relevant to honor the sage he is.

In the city where my dad lives there was a man with disabilities.  This man was loud, somewhat confused, could curse profusely, and was not clean.   He was known in the city as Jim-the-can-man.  Jim-the-can-man would gather beer and soda cans to redeem for cash in order to survive.  My dad didn’t call police when Jim would walk right in his house and begin carrying on and on.  He found out how to connect with Jim.  He saved cans for him and made sure he appeared well.  When Jim was thirsty my dad also made sure he was given one of the good drinking glasses to drink from.  Years later when Jim quit coming around my dad found out where he was and if he was safe.  This is one example of how my dad influenced me on being in true community with others.

My dad won’t make Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People but at the Clarity Family of Services his influence will remain constant.  Our success in caregiving and advocacy is founded on the principle we are in this together.