People in small jobs can have big impact

In society today, people with impressive titles, making huge salaries, are often admired and extolled. Someone in a seeming less important role, say as a cashier in a grocery store, not always but sometimes we think of them as not having a meaningful job.

As we can see, by the complimentary article about Helen Marino, this is anything but the truth!

Mrs. Marino passed away on Tuesday, at the age of 94. She had been a cashier with Dominick's for 45 years. I never met her, but by the kind, caring, and admiring comments of those who did, I could tell that this woman touched a lot of lives, and they are better for it. People said that customers loved to talk to her and that everyone was really shaken when news of her death circulated.

Someone like this woman, who we may see quite often in our daily routines, that makes a favorable impression and makes us a little happier, a bit more carefree as we go about our tasks, really does have a meaningful job. They don't have to be in a fancy office, or drive a luxury car Mrs. Marino walked to and from work, even when she was in her 80s to have a significant role in society.

Reading about this remarkable lady reinforces the fact that a smile, a thoughtful greeting, a look of recognition, and a big heart can make a huge impact on this world and its inhabitants. Take a few moments and think of all the people in your lives that maybe are in “ordinary“ careers, but who most assuredly live extraordinary lives!

Barbara Ann Kohn

Palatine