Hank’s Happenings: The Power of Showing Up
Hi friends! Hank here.
I’ve been thinking about something lately.
My job at Gilda’s Club Minnesota is pretty simple. I show up.
I greet people when they walk through the red doors. I sit beside people when they need a quiet moment. I make sure everyone gets a proper tail wag. I listen to stories, supervise activities, and, when absolutely necessary, remind everyone that breaks are important.
I’m also very good at accepting compliments.
But here’s what I’ve learned: showing up matters.
Sometimes, people come to Gilda’s Club looking for information or a support group. Sometimes they come to a class or an activity. Sometimes they aren’t quite sure what they need. And sometimes, they just need to be somewhere they feel understood.
That’s where community comes in.
I may not have the right words, but I can sit beside someone. I can offer a paw. I can make someone smile. And I can remind them that they don’t have to go through a difficult moment by themselves.
Of course, I’m only one small part of the community at Gilda’s Club. There are staff, volunteers, facilitators, members, caregivers, friends and so many others who show up for one another every day.
And that’s pretty special.
Because cancer can make life feel very uncertain. Having a place to connect with people who understand can make a difficult day feel a little less lonely.
So, if you ask me what I’ve learned at Gilda’s Club, it’s this:
You don’t always have to know exactly what to say. Sometimes, showing up is enough.
And if you happen to show up with treats, even better.
Hank’s Homework:
Your homework this month is simple:
Show up for someone.
Check in with a friend. Sit with someone who could use some company. Invite someone to take a walk. Send a text just to say, “I’m thinking about you.”
You never know how much a small moment of connection might mean.
And if you’re the one who needs someone to show up for you, I hope you’ll remember this:
You deserve community, too.
Until next time,
Hank
Chief Greeter, Professional Listener, & Very Good Boy
Gilda’s Club Minnesota
