I'm writing you specifically because you have the power to make a difference, and this story came to me from a very amazing teacher just before school started.
Thank you in advance for a few minutes of your time to introduce you to Terry Steiner, a fifth grade teacher in Washington State - a veteran of 32 years in elementary school, who last spring was chosen as one of six Washington teachers who make a difference in kid's lives. Terry saw our www.BlueRibbonMovie.com and decided to try it!
For a few weeks I have been wanting to try out the Blue Ribbon ceremony - kinda test drive it. Because school is out for the summer, I am not around kids so I needed a guinea pig. The arrival of the Blue Ribbons gave me that opportunity.
Actually I had been thinking about a person who seemed a very appropriate recipient - my local pharmacist.
I have a disease that requires a weekly injection (it's well under control and the patient is doing fine). My job is to call into the pharmacy and replenish my meds once a month. Then, I go to the pharmacy and pick them up. That's about as routine as brushing my teeth and potentially a social desert. But, the pharmacist there makes a difference. Everyone who knows him, just calls him Jim.
What has Jim done for me?
Once I had run out of my meds, he ordered for me anyway. They don't stock Enbrel in the pharmacy - it has to come from Seattle. He called me at home to let me know the order had been placed. I can't go without the weekly injection and my forgetting had potentially put my health in jeopardy.
But, it gets even better.
When I walk up to the counter he always smiles and says my name. He personally gets my order and asks me how I am doing. He has several staff people who could easily do this part. If I have ever needed any non-prescription products and can't find them, he immediately hops down behind the counter and takes me to the correct spot on the aisle where they are located. Last year, at school, I asked a few people at school if they knew the pharmacist at the Top Foods pharmacy. Their reply, "Oh you mean Jim, the guy with the smile on his face and so helpful."
Today I presented Jim with my first Blue Ribbon.
I was a little nervous. I practiced what I was going to say - I read Sparky's Blue Ribbon Ceremony script and headed out to the store.
I told Jim that last year I had been honored to be one of 6 teachers in Washington state for making a difference in kids' lives.
As would be the routine for Jim, he said,"Congratulations, you must be great teacher."
I wondered if Jim thought if maybe I was a little stuck on myself and why, out of the blue, would I tell him about my honor. But many stories come from a good segue . . .
I went on to tell him that I wasn't there to talk about myself but to honor him.
Here were two guys about 60 years old with his staff looking on.
I went on with the full presentation.
At first I tried to remember the script, but soon the words just poured from my heart - I kept the essence of Sparky's script alive.
As I shook his hand, he started to cry and said that no one had ever complimented him on his service as a pharmacist.
For a few more seconds he was lost for words, and then stuck out his hand to shake mine for a second time.
He went on to say that he had a hard time accepting recognition - that he was just a pharmacist.
I left him two more blue ribbons and the Blue Ribbon Story. I looked back as left the store, and I saw Jim surrounded by his staff proudly pointing to his blue ribbon on his chest!
Take care,
Terry
