Of the billions of words we hear, if is funny in a strange sort of way that we have the ability to remember (or at least think we remember) word for word conversations or exchanges of years and years ago. I guess that is what is referred to as making an impression. I have shared a few already in other posts like K-0004 (Learn Your Craft)
This is another one.
At a funeral of a cousin I attended a good 30 years if not more ago, I was struck by a few words said by the Rabbi presiding over the service. She said, “I have never regretted going to visit someone in the hospital, only not. I have never regretted going to a funeral or a shiva, only not”. Those simple words have stuck with me to this day.
This is not about the practice of law. This is about the practice of being a mench – a kind and compassionate person, someone who does the right thing, even when difficult.
This is more than simply being nice. (K-0001 – Be Nice). This is about being a member of the larger community. And we do it not for glory, not for reward, but because it is the right thing to do.
Do the right thing within your firm or organization. Do the right thing and get involved within your community, whether it be with your time or your pocketbook, or both. Coach your kid’s team and help your local charitable organizations. They need your help. And take that extra time to go visit that someone who means something to you who cannot come and see you. The Rabbi was right ; you will not regret it.