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The Blue Hole: My First Lesson in Giving

When I was a kid, we would take a trip to the Blue Hole in Erie County Ohio. It was said to be a bottomless spring fed lake, and the water was crystal clear. As we sat around the water on benches, my parents would buy us each a bag of popcorn and a coke. I didn’t realized it as a child, but we didn’t have much money, so the trip and the popcorn was the best they could do for us as a vacation.

We would lean over the rail, and my father would start his narrative of divers not being able to find the bottom. As our imaginations expanded with the sound of his voice, I noticed my father’s hand slowly reaching into my popcorn bag to take a handful. I jerked it away quickly and scowled at him letting him know that this was my popcorn. The hurt look on his face is something that I will never forget. He stopped talking and walked over to one of the benches provided for tourist, and closed his eyes.

I didn’t notice before, but he didn’t have a bag of popcorn, nor a drink. I stood there for a moment justifying my actions, and felt that he should understand that I was just a kid. Then it hit me. He didn’t have a bag of popcorn.

He denied himself the pleasure so that we could have the great experience. He could afford what he could afford, and he gave it to my brother, my sister, and me. I walked over with my popcorn, and sat down next to him on the bench. I then scooted over under his resting arm and held my bag in front of him. “Please Dad, share some popcorn with me.”

He pulled me in closer, and we shared what was left. In that snapshot, I learned that giving was a moment of sharing between giver and receiver. It was never about how the giver feels, or how wonderful it makes one look. It was about the relationship, and expressing how important that relationship is to each. Presents wrapped up in bow can come in many different forms.

I was a little closer to my father that day, and in this tumultuous time, that memory brings back a gratitude for the lesson. In this season, that memory is where I choose to focus. Family is about the other. Friendship is about the other. Business and services should be about the other. As I watch our staff focus on the hearing health of others, so that our patients can stay connected with friends and family, I am grateful. They make the patient important, and the patients give back to the relationship. One can’t teach this. It is who they are. When focusing on the other is important to both sides, giving finds a true meaning. It’ truest meaning.

Written by:
Dale Hansen
Published on:
December 4, 2020
Thoughts:
14 Comments

Categories: Miscellaneous, Philosophy, SliderTags: Audiologist, audiology, family hearing and balance center.cardinal hearing centers, Hearing Aids

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Marie

    December 4, 2020 at 9:32 am

    Very nice.

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    • Dale Hansen

      December 4, 2020 at 9:33 am

      YOU are.

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    • Richard Reikowski

      December 7, 2020 at 7:05 am

      Agree Mary!

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  2. Gail

    December 4, 2020 at 9:35 am

    Thank you for sharing, that was wonderful!!

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    • Dale Hansen

      December 4, 2020 at 9:35 am

      YOU are wonderful

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    • Richard Reikowski

      December 7, 2020 at 7:05 am

      I agree Gail. Appreciated Dale sharing this story!

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  3. Tiffany

    December 4, 2020 at 10:03 am

    This was such a great story! Thanks for sharing, Dale.

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    • Richard Reikowski

      December 7, 2020 at 7:05 am

      Right on Tiffany!

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  4. Richard Reikowski

    December 7, 2020 at 6:30 am

    This was such a touching story and sharing of your personal experiences with your father. How meaningful it was for both you and your father! I would have done the same by holding onto my popcorn, with a family of seven and money was not abundant. Thank you for sharing this!

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    • Dale Hansen

      December 9, 2020 at 11:16 am

      You are welcome. It was a lost memory.

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      • Richard Reikowski

        December 10, 2020 at 11:41 am

        Smile!

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  5. Kaylee Porter

    December 7, 2020 at 12:04 pm

    Thanks for sharing! Great story to read on a Monday.

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    • Richard Reikowski

      December 9, 2020 at 11:15 am

      Yes, completely agree Kaylee!

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    • Dale Hansen

      December 9, 2020 at 11:16 am

      Thanks Doc

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