Hats off to Zach – who is Zach? I will proudly tell you – he is a fabulous young man who showed up and kept showing up.
My mother lives alone with her cracked-out loyal companion Reggie, the most fantastic and spoiled cocker-poo on the planet. Tough winter, tough knee’s – and then this life-shattering virus hit, tough spring.
My mom resides in this utopian little town where people live to help other people; however, during this insane pandemic my siblings and I were crazy protective and wouldn’t let anyone near her. But, the dog group (people who actually may be sainted) came forward to pick up little Reggie for runs. Then the son of one of these saints stepped up to walk Reggie. Every day, seven days a week Zach showed up. My mom repeatedly told him not to feel obligated, that he didn’t have to come every day, this kid replied, “Reggie needs to walk.” At 2:30, regardless of the New England weather, with his mask on, Zach would come bounding up the stairs and Reggie would go charging out the door to greet him. Don’t think he was in it for the money, I think my mother was paying him minimum wage from her teenage days, and this wonderful young man kept showing up.
A while back a misguided friend criticized the youth of today. I was quick and perhaps a bit too aggressive (note to self – refresh Dale Carnegie notes) in jumping down his throat in defense of the youth. I took offense. As an educator and a fan of all my friend’s kids, I have the utmost confidence in our youth. We are in good hands. The youth will lead the way.
Look, we have Zach!
My mother lives alone with her cracked-out loyal companion Reggie, the most fantastic and spoiled cocker-poo on the planet. Tough winter, tough knee’s – and then this life-shattering virus hit, tough spring.
My mom resides in this utopian little town where people live to help other people; however, during this insane pandemic my siblings and I were crazy protective and wouldn’t let anyone near her. But, the dog group (people who actually may be sainted) came forward to pick up little Reggie for runs. Then the son of one of these saints stepped up to walk Reggie. Every day, seven days a week Zach showed up. My mom repeatedly told him not to feel obligated, that he didn’t have to come every day, this kid replied, “Reggie needs to walk.” At 2:30, regardless of the New England weather, with his mask on, Zach would come bounding up the stairs and Reggie would go charging out the door to greet him. Don’t think he was in it for the money, I think my mother was paying him minimum wage from her teenage days, and this wonderful young man kept showing up.
A while back a misguided friend criticized the youth of today. I was quick and perhaps a bit too aggressive (note to self – refresh Dale Carnegie notes) in jumping down his throat in defense of the youth. I took offense. As an educator and a fan of all my friend’s kids, I have the utmost confidence in our youth. We are in good hands. The youth will lead the way.
Look, we have Zach!
