As youngsters, many of us baby boomers were encouraged by our parents on the weekends or during school breaks to go outside and play rather than to stay in the house and watch television— or as my dad called it, “being hypnotized by the boob tube.”
When banished to the outdoors, we neighborhood kids gathered together tight as a school of fish. While taking in some fresh air, we rode our bikes, did our best to balance on those newfangled contraptions called skateboards and played games like hide-and-seek.
As a bonus, outdoors was where we found the Good Humor ice cream truck as well as the Helms truck peddling sweet pastry goodies.
Besides horsing around, some of us did what we could to earn a little pocket money— to pay for those Good Humor or Helms treats.
While I preferred my young career to be in the childcare field (I loved to babysit), friends of mine raked leaves for the neighbors, pulled weeds or washed the neighbors’ cars.
In those days, parents expected their progeny to be courteous and respectful of others, and, believe me, if we weren’t, and they found out, there would be hell to pay.
Growing up, kindness was rewarded more than getting good grades, musical talent or beauty. My parents just wanted me to be nice to others.
I can’t say I always lived up to those expectations, but it sure was a priority in their eyes.
All of the above reminiscing came flowing out after I read a press release sent to me regarding an upcoming “Kindness Challenge” that the Dignity Health’s Southern California Hospitals is sponsoring. I have a special place in my heart for Dignity Health, as I was born at its St. Mary Medical Center in Long Beach.
According to the release, the hospitals plan to reach more than 100 schools during their week-long challenge to inspire 79,000 students to create a culture of kindness.
The program takes place Jan. 25—29.
Events will take place at schools in the neighborhoods surrounding Dignity Health’s Southern California Hospitals, including those in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Glendale, Northridge and our very own St. Mary Medical Center in Long Beach.
In our area, Birney Elementary School will host a “Kindness Art Show” later this month.
Dignity Health said that the event will feature 15 to 20 students creating a representation of “what kindness is” using a variety of mediums including paint, chalk, pencil, etc. to create their colorful renditions. They will be joined by St. Mary Medical Center leaders, managers and staff in a discussion of their art and what kindness means to all.
It tickles me that my birth hospital or, as I like to refer to it, my original alma mater (definition: Latin/ alma “nourishing/kind” , mater “mother” ), is participating in such a worthy endeavor; it sounds like a great way to encourage and emphasize thoughtfulness.
