RSS 2.0 FeedJune 17, 2011, Weekly editorial
We can be kind
“What can we do when there’s nothing we can do? We can be kind.”
These lyrics to David Friedman’s song were important enough to Sister Monica Henkemeier of Our Lady of Mercy Academy in Syosset to include them in her advice to graduating seniors recorded in the Mercy Tribute Video.
Even if she had not uttered them, I would associate them with her, because she is the epitome of kindness and graciousness.
The Circle of Mercy is a lot about doing and giving, it seems to me. The girls learn to make a difference in so many ways, in fundraisers, tutoring, you name it. Sometimes it is in organized school, church or community activities. At other times the inspiration comes from their own hearts, as when my daughter Cristina and her friends got the Chaminade Darby Players to perform their spring play once again at the Oceanside Care Center. Their drama coach, Michael Bruno, sees it as a new Chaminade Darby tradition.
Sometimes the Circle of Mercy is just being there for each other, lending an ear or giving a smile or a hug. Being a kind person is as important as doing good deeds, don’t you think?
Have you ever found that after someone was cranky or mean to you, you found yourself sharp with somebody else? You had to sit yourself down and say, “Hey, that wasn’t fair to that other person.” And when someone paid you a compliment, didn’t that make you smile and be kind to someone else? What goes around keeps going around, and we have a chance every day to stop bad karma and start a ripple effect for good.
When Cristina set out to do the Mercy Tribute Video, it was a daunting task. She wanted to make it a video her classmates would enjoy years from now, remembering the beautiful campus, their favorite music, their teachers, Sports Night, dances and other events. She tried to include people from all the friend groups. She had fun editing their playful and joyful gestures to the music. Usually, when you have fun creating something, the fun is contagious. If I had my life to live over again, and I saw that video, I would want to go to Mercy!
I think that it captured what it means to be a Mercy Girl.
Congratulations to Cristina and all of the Class of 2011. This week, we salute the graduates of all of our local high schools. You are going to make this a better world, I’m sure. After all, you already have!
