Editor’s Corner Let’s spread a little respect, love, and empathy

attitude taught me that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and that respect is not something that should be reserved only for those who have achieved a certain level of success or status.

is a powerful force for good in the world and that by seeking to understand others, we can make a positive difference in their lives.

As Mother's Day approaches, I find myself reflecting on the many ways that my mother, Jessie Porter, has shaped my life. From an early age, she instilled in me values that continue to guide me today: respect for others, love, and empathy. It is difficult to overstate the impact that these lessons have had on my life, and I am grateful to my mother for being such a wonderful teacher and role model.

Growing up, my mother made it clear that respect was not something that could be taken for granted; it had to be earned. She modeled this by treating everyone she encountered with kindness and respect, regardless of their age, background, or status. Whether she was talking to a grocery store cashier or a CEO, my mother always gave people the benefit of the doubt and assumed the best in them. This

My mother's lesson about love was similarly profound. She taught me that love is not just a feeling but an action. Love is something we do for others, not just something we feel inside ourselves. Whether it was making my favorite meal for dinner, taking me on special outings, or simply listening to me when I needed someone to talk to, my mother consistently demonstrated her love for me in tangible ways. Her actions taught me that love is a verb, not just a noun, and that true love is about putting others' needs before our own.

Perhaps the most important lesson my mother taught me, however, was about empathy. She had a remarkable ability to put herself in other people's shoes, to see the world from their perspective, and to understand their struggles and challenges. This empathy allowed her to connect with people on a deep level and offer them the support and encouragement they needed to overcome their difficulties. Her example taught me that empathy

Looking back, I realize that my mother's lessons about respect, love, and empathy were not just abstract concepts but practical tools that have served me well in every area of my life. In my relationships with friends and family, I have found that treating people with kindness and respect creates a positive atmosphere in which everyone feels valued and appreciated. In my professional life, I have found that empathy has allowed me to connect with colleagues and clients in a deeper way, to understand their needs and concerns, and to work collaboratively to achieve shared goals. And in my personal life, I have found that love is the foundation of all healthy relationships, whether with romantic partners, family members, or friends.

As I celebrate Mother's Day this year, I am filled with gratitude for my mother's influence on my life. Her lessons about respect, love, and empathy have shaped me into the person I am today, and I am a better human being for having had her as my mother. I am also reminded of the importance of passing on these values to the next generation. As I raise my own children, I hope to model the same qualities that my mother taught me and to help them grow into empathetic, compassionate, and respectful individuals who make the world a better place. In a world that can often feel harsh and unforgiving, my mother's lessons have been a beacon of hope and light. They remind me that no matter what challenges we may face, we always have the power to treat others with kindness, to show love to those around us, and to seek to understand and empathize with others. As we celebrate Mother's Day this year, let us honor the mothers who have taught us these valuable lessons, and let’s use the valuable gifts to help make the world a better place. Whoo! Whoo! Until next time! All aboard!