Day#26 My hope is that as you read these blogs, you will become inspired. Perhaps you will say to yourself, "I could do that!" or "I am going to contact that person and contribute some time, talent or money to assist them." or maybe you just read the day's entry, smile and feel better about the world we live in. That is my intention and my hope. My other intention, though secondary, is also very strong. I want to acknowledge those I write about. I want to thank these incredible human beings for listening to an inner prompting, and taking the action to make our world (and theirs) better.
Today's blog is an acknowledgment of a man who listens to the dreams of others. His kindness as he listens is astounding. No matter the topic or subject, he has the ability to access a kind place within himself and respond to the speaker in a direct and compassionate tone. In times of sadness, distress, planning, shock or anger, it is amazing what kindness can do to make a huge difference in a person's outlook or future.
Peter Schroeder was born with one hand that was not fully formed. Despite several operations, his hand never fully developed and he was left with what his granddaughter calls his "baby hand." Courage is also a part of Mr. Schroeder's make up. Not the type of courage that would take him to bungee off a bridge, nor the type of courage to defy the Midwest rules of behavior he was brought up with. His courage is the type that came from learning to tie his shoes with one hand, to play baseball everyday after school despite being the last kid picked for the team. His courage would lead him to learn and play the guitar and golf and one day say, "My hand did not happen to me, it happened for me." This is not a Pollyanna approach. Peter believes it. "It makes me memorable," he says with a smile.
Peter Schroeder is memorable not because of a misshapen hand, he is memorable because his mission is to connect with as many people as he can every day. He believes he can "make their day" and he does. A tired and overworked gate attendant at the airport finds a smile when Schroeder shows up with a cup of Starbucks with which he surprises her. The bagger at the local market lights up when Schroeder asks him what is his favorite movie, or who he would most like to see in concert that weekend. Peter Schroeder talks to people in elevators, and people love it. Some smile, some laugh and they all depart a little lighter, a little brighter. Peter has "made their day."
A present day knight, Peter Schroeder seems to be a throwback to another age when valor, honesty, kindness, and loyalty were words that men lived by, words that set them apart and put them at a round table to help shape the land they lived in. Peter believes human beings are born with these attributes and they only need a nudge to appear. This is not a man who knows cynicism.
Peter is the guy on the bowling team, the man who holds the door and winks at the little old lady walking through. Charm helps, as do blue eyes that sparkle. He likes absolutely nothing better than to share, which he does through writing (he is a published author - "It's Your Movie" and "Ten Tips for Family Caregivers"), through performingh (he is a singer songwriter - look for him on iTunes), through coaching (a Certified Master Coach), through motivational speaking, and most recently he and a friend began, Elder Proof Home, an online site that addresses keeping seniors safe, independent and thriving. The new site has articles, tips, a variety of products, and coaching for family caregivers. Elder Proof Home is a result of Mr. Schroeder's involvement with his elderly father. He (Schroeder) moved from Sedona, Az. to a suburb of Chicago to supervise his father's care almost four years ago. What he thought would be a 6-9 month commitment has turned into a much different outcome. Living in his father's townhouse, returning to sub-zero temperatures and dealing with the day-in and day-out stresses of being responsible for a 92-year old man with dementia, has been what Peter describes as a mixed blessing. When asked why he moved in with the senior Mr. Schroeder, Peter reports there was no other option. He saw a need and knew he could make "his father's day."
His Action: Take the high road. Recite the boy scout code and live like Davy Crockett.
Peter Schroeder makes a difference to a wide variety of people daily. He uses any avenue open to him to bring joy and kindness. He believes this to be his sacred mission.
You can reach Peter at pete@peteschroeder.com His books are available on Amazon and ElderProof Home
Some of his songs are on iTunes and others on www.peteschroeder.com He also has a variety of You Tube presentations, some are listed as A Man For All Seniors (Schroeder performs for seniors), others are listed as Peter Schroeder or PGS. Do yourself a favor and let him "make your day."
Peter Schroeder is a principle in the WOMCD movement.
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