In the midst of hardship and suffering, it’s necessary to recognize there are a growing number of everyday people doing the right thing. Whistle-blowers losing jobs, customer service representatives working late and today, my dentist Dr. John Steinberg, DDS make a world of difference in a different world.
“Right-Action in Action” is a new blog series to call out and recognize the seemingly small acts of compassion that collectively can affect the direction of society. Everyone has tools, gifts and kindness that when shared, make the world a better place. Too often we give attention to the con-artist, liar or crook instead of the stranger who returned the $10 bill that dropped out of a pocket or sales clerk who worked 10 minutes late to help an elderly person carry packages to the car. I’d like to help change that.
As I allude in recent songs, the past few years have been financially wicked for me. Intuitively knowing the world was filled with misfortune I can not change, I spent the past couple of decades idealistically perceiving life as things are presented to be and wondered why they are not. This past year, I have awakened to that which always was but is now vividly apparent. Then I got a tooth ache.
I know when I have a tooth infection and know it costs a lot of money to fix. The reason I know what it costs is we’re still not done paying for my husband’s last root canal, earlier this year. I’m not fond of dental work anyway, but without health insurance or income, I was in tears. If I let the infection fester, in addition to causing excruciating pain, if unattended, the infection will kill me.
I’ve been going to Dr. Steinberg for more than 10 years. He has always been attentive, friendly and competent. His staff is exceptionally organized and compassionate. I don’t want to be a statistic of preventable deaths used for health-care reform so I scheduled an appointment. Although Dr. John and his staff are always a demonstration of right-action in action – by the way they practice, today he deserves a special commendation.
The economy in Michigan is miserable. Even “recession proof” businesses experience declining revenues because people have either relocated out of state or simply do not have enough money to live. Dr. John’s office was more quiet than usual. He gave me the anticipated news and the option – of extraction. My thoughts drifted to the homeless people I’ve seen on the streets and in parks, gumming the remains of a discarded fast-food product.
Then Dr. Steinberg did something exceptional. He offered me a discount for the root canal then told me about quality care I could get at a dental school for a fraction of the cost. At a time of decreasing revenue, my dentist recommended a lower cost solution. He sent me home with a necessary prescription and cut my price for the office visit. Dr. John, thank you for being an example of Right-Action in Action when I need it most.
I will be writing more “Right-Action in Action” articles about people who have made a difference to other people. Please send me an email with suggestions for future articles.
“Right-Action in Action” is a new blog series to call out and recognize the seemingly small acts of compassion that collectively can affect the direction of society. Everyone has tools, gifts and kindness that when shared, make the world a better place. Too often we give attention to the con-artist, liar or crook instead of the stranger who returned the $10 bill that dropped out of a pocket or sales clerk who worked 10 minutes late to help an elderly person carry packages to the car. I’d like to help change that.
As I allude in recent songs, the past few years have been financially wicked for me. Intuitively knowing the world was filled with misfortune I can not change, I spent the past couple of decades idealistically perceiving life as things are presented to be and wondered why they are not. This past year, I have awakened to that which always was but is now vividly apparent. Then I got a tooth ache.
I know when I have a tooth infection and know it costs a lot of money to fix. The reason I know what it costs is we’re still not done paying for my husband’s last root canal, earlier this year. I’m not fond of dental work anyway, but without health insurance or income, I was in tears. If I let the infection fester, in addition to causing excruciating pain, if unattended, the infection will kill me.
I’ve been going to Dr. Steinberg for more than 10 years. He has always been attentive, friendly and competent. His staff is exceptionally organized and compassionate. I don’t want to be a statistic of preventable deaths used for health-care reform so I scheduled an appointment. Although Dr. John and his staff are always a demonstration of right-action in action – by the way they practice, today he deserves a special commendation.
The economy in Michigan is miserable. Even “recession proof” businesses experience declining revenues because people have either relocated out of state or simply do not have enough money to live. Dr. John’s office was more quiet than usual. He gave me the anticipated news and the option – of extraction. My thoughts drifted to the homeless people I’ve seen on the streets and in parks, gumming the remains of a discarded fast-food product.
Then Dr. Steinberg did something exceptional. He offered me a discount for the root canal then told me about quality care I could get at a dental school for a fraction of the cost. At a time of decreasing revenue, my dentist recommended a lower cost solution. He sent me home with a necessary prescription and cut my price for the office visit. Dr. John, thank you for being an example of Right-Action in Action when I need it most.
I will be writing more “Right-Action in Action” articles about people who have made a difference to other people. Please send me an email with suggestions for future articles.