An Aesop Fable That’s Legend at Lenbrook
Remember Aesop’s fable “The Lion and the Mouse”? The one where a huge lion catches a tiny mouse and is ready to swallow him but the mouse very convincingly pleads for his life.
The mouse says (I’m paraphrasing…), “Please let me go. You never know when I might be able to help you one day, and I will.” Amused at the thought of the tiny mouse ever being able to help him, the lion lets him go.
Some time later, the mouse comes upon the lion trapped under a hunter’s net in the forest. The mouse very quickly gnaws through the rope and sets the lion free. The lion is amazed and very grateful for the mouse and his kindness.
“No Act of Kindness, No Matter How Small, Is Ever Wasted,” Aesop Moral
A number of Aesop’s morals can be attributed to this fable. But my favorite is the thought, “You never know what impact your actions — no matter how small — might have on another person.” A smile, a compliment, a favor, opening a door, lending a helping hand … each simple act could turn out to be “a day changer” for someone at that particular time in his or her life.
Lenbrook is in the business of service and we’ve proudly served our residents for 33 years. We look for opportunities to be of help and to make an impact. Our residents often tell us how much they appreciate our associates for their acts of kindness.
An Act of Kindness Repays Countless Kind Actions
One couple, in particular, made it very clear that they wanted to repay Lenbrook associates’ kindness in a more lasting way. Dr. and Mrs. Stuart Schwarzschild approached our leadership team about this and made their desires known to their daughter.
Upon his passing, Beverly Clark, the Schwarzschild’s daughter, called a meeting with 100 of our frontline associates. She presented each associate with a book of Aesop’s fables and, along with it, a handwritten note about acts of kindness and a substantial check. She told the story of The Lion and the Mouse, and how we never know how our actions will impact someone else. She said the kind actions of Lenbrook’s associates, while her dad and mom was a resident here, really touched them. This was their way of saying “thank you” and repaying the kindness shown to them.
Lasting Impressions and Positive Impact
This act of unexpected kindness and generosity is something our associates will never forget. And we’ll never forget the Schwarzschilds, their love of Aesop’s fables, and his life, which included countless acts of kindness throughout the Atlanta community in the more than 50 years he lived in the city with his wife, Betty, and taught at Georgia State University.
The legend and lessons of The Lion and the Mouse definitely live on here at Lenbrook.
Tonight, I think I might just pull out my family’s copy of Aesop’s fables and re-read this amazing story about the importance of kindness again with my kids.
Chris Keysor is President and Chief Executive Officer of Lenbrook. His passion for the senior living industry began early in his career as a CPA with KPMG Peat Marwick. Chris progressed in executive responsibilities over the years, working for a senior healthcare provider, healthcare financing organizations and senior living consulting groups. Chris is also a nationally ranked Ironman triathlete, which he says comes in handy raising his two young children with his wife here in Atlanta.