The Extended Hand

Have you ever heard of Tom Lee of Memphis?

I hadn't until I came upon his statue this summer while jogging along the banks of the Mississippi River.  What struck me was the simplistic beauty of the memorial and the resolute look on Tom's face.

In the early evening of May 8, 1925 Tom rowed his small skiff Zev into the muddy Mississippi to save 32 people from the sinking steamboat M.E. Norman.  What was most remarkable is that Tom didn't know how to swim.   And he didn't even know anyone on board the ship.  He must have been scared.  I would have been.

Looking at Tom's statue made me think how often I extend my hand to help others.  Not enough.  I plan to make this a goal this year.

If Tom Lee can extend his hand, can't we?