All of a sudden, I heard my son spontaneously singing Happy Birthday to a resident who was attending a reception with high school students (including my son) who had just presented a musical program at this wonderful senior living community.
His name was Harry and someone had informed my son that Harry had a birthday that very day. So my son spontaneously sang Happy Birthday to Harry. At that very moment, Harry became one of my son’s adopted Grandparents.
Harry was a senior adult orphan. His wife had passed away a few years earlier. If he had family, nobody knew who they were and thought perhaps there may be a shirt tail relative or two living in a distant state. But for all practical purposes, residents and team members (and now my son) were Harry’s family.
As with every elder amongst us, there is a special story. And Harry’s story was very, very special.
He was one of a handful of G I s who were featured on the cover of Look magazine when U.S. forces invaded North Africa during World War II. He was on the staff of General Dwight David Eisenhower and knew the General personally and was in regular contact with him.
At that time, I happened to be reading a biography about Ike but if I really wanted to know about Eisenhower all I needed to do was ask Harry.
One day, Harry walked into my office. “We have a problem” - he emphatically said as he started the conversation. His opening statement really stunned and surprised me. I thought I had a great relationship with Harry and I certainly was not aware of any issues and concerns.
“What is the problem Harry?” “I want to adopt your son.” Replied Harry.
It was a couple of years later from our meeting in my office and Harry had put together his Life Bio. On one particular page, he described the day his life totally changed around because of his adopted son.
We are often looking for big and bold ways to make a difference in the lives of others. For Harry and my son, it all began with the unplanned spontaneous singing of Happy Birthday.
Let’s keep our eyes open for those moments each day when the seemingly small events of life crescendo up into a magnificent symphony that is greater than anything we could have ever imagine or dream.