Shockey

Had a text message at 4 AM and another at 6. Somebody did not get the message that I actually sleep, and for sure they are not reading this because they would have known that I was hit by a Mack Truck yesterday. Don't feel much better today, but I will slog it through. "The show must go on" and ERs and health clinics do not close. Fortunately it is only a half day at a clinic I absolutely love working in, even though it is an hour commute. It is a beautiful commute. The drive takes me through the most beautiful part of the valley. I used to drive it 2-4 times a week and became familiar with the sights along the way (the sheep farm, goat farm, horse farm, llama farm (no kidding one was even named Dolly) and cattle farms). I watched the animals change with the seasons, saw their pregnancies and watched them foal. They developed predictable behaviors and patterns, so much so that you knew when  they were content. "Cows in the woods" meant it was a good day. If it was stormy they would either huddle together, or be off in a corner of the field near the barns. I actually enjoyed watching them.

More particularly I enjoy working in Winchester. There is a real sense of community spirit there, especially at the company I sometimes work at which hosts a medical clinic for its employees. Shockey has been in business since 1896 (117 years) and is still family owned. Mr Shockey (now in his mid 90s) comes to work every day and it is his presence and vision that sets the tone for employee morale. The company started an in-house preventative health and medical clinic for its employees even before the "health crisis" . But that is not what makes it special. What makes it special is Mr Shockey's sincere and caring attitude for his employees. He is one of the sweetest and genuine individuals you will ever meet, part of "The Greatest Generation" and his sincerity touches the very core of your being, it touches his employees and everyone he meets. It inspires those around him to do their best and to rise to greatness. I have never worked in a place where the employees cherish their boss like a treasure and yet, that is how he affects everyone (and yes he is a treasure). This effect is not limited to the company but spreads out into the community. The result is a community that works together to support each other, one that cares for each other and one that uplifts all they meet. There is no sense of competition, but more of a broad spectrum of camaraderie that filters and trickles down to the young. It is so uplifting to even experience a part of that. I wish I could put my finger on what it is because I aspire to have that effect on people. I have seen it before, mostly in those of the WW II generation. I fear it is something we have lost, but maybe someone will be smart enough to pinpoint what it is that has this effect on others and inspires in a kind and exciting way.

Anderson Cooper PLEASE interview Mr Shockey before it is too late. (I wish some one who writes well would tell his story.) Come to think about it, my Dad has the same demeanor. He's always concerned about everyone but himself (even at 89.5) maybe that is the ticket. There is no "What can I take from the world" but rather "What can I give it". Now there's a thought. If more people had the opportunity to experience this, it could be contagious. Maybe we should start a campaign. Really, kindness can be in all of us.