Look for the helpers

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ To this day, especially in times of ‘disaster,’ I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers—so many caring people in this world.”

This famous quote is attributed to Mr. Rogers.  It is said that he first made the statement public in the ‘80s but would reference it many times throughout the years when “scary” things were happening in our world.  It was meant to provide comfort to kids, but if I had to guess, it has provided comfort to an awful lot of adults as well.

Today, those helpers are showing up in all sorts of ways – our first responders, healthcare professionals, educators, grocery clerks, bankers, lawyers, accountants, delivery drivers, and yes, even public relations professionals. Neighbors, friends, total strangers.
Like you, I have had many conversations these last several weeks about COVID-19 and the impacts it is having on our businesses, our employees, our families and our friends.  Everyday, we are given new information to sort through and use to make decisions. But in each and every conversation there is a story of an act of kindness, of being a helper, of hope and of comfort.

We saw this in the days after 911.  And we are seeing it now.

I, for one, am grateful for the helpers. And if I can be a helper to someone else, then that is what I shall be.

Stay healthy and safe.