EXTRA MILER: JoAnn Robbins a model of kindness

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May 8, 2007

By Carol Dawson The News and Tribune Tue May 08, 2007, 05:13 PM EDT

“That which I love is always beautiful.”

— Norwegian Proverb

•••

It is far too easy to see the negative in people and in our own life. However, our Extra Miler JoAnn Robbins doesn’t see things in that manner.

She looks for the beauty that is within the people she meets and it is obvious that they see her beauty in return. JoAnn will be surprised by this column, as she is so adamant that she is not deserving of recognition, that her friends who nominated her advised it might be best to keep it a secret until publication.

JoAnn is best described by her friends as the perpetual caregiver. Her sister-in-law, our own Extra Miler Norma Robbins, said, “JoAnn is simply not a judgmental person. She accepts people for who they are and she is always open to help a friend.”

JoAnn seems to bypass the negative and focus on the positive. She is the type of friend that everyone wants by their side.

JoAnn’s cousin, Doris Jean Wright, described how JoAnn never turns anyone down who is in need of help.

“Dixie Staley, JoAnn’s neighbor, was one of the many recipients of JoAnn’s generous and loving nature,” Wright said. “JoAnn was always by Dixie’s side for whatever she needed and more. When Dixie passed away recently, it was a huge loss for JoAnn.”

When asked about JoAnn’s motivation for doing so much for so many, Doris Jean replied, “It is obvious that JoAnn does everything she does to please God … she loves the Lord and her motivation and strength comes from that love.”

“JoAnn is a true servant leader,” comments Bruce Barkhauer, her minister from First Christian Church. “She has been involved in several key projects for our congregation, including a process of faithful planning and the oversight of a $2.5 million construction project that resulted in our Grace Center.”

JoAnn saw the need for this facility and saw it as not just a building, but an opportunity for her church to reach out to the people in her community.

Bruce adds, “JoAnn has a passion for helping others and has dedicated her life in retirement to working at places such as the Community Kitchen and offering care for the elderly. She is involved in her community, is an advocate for those in need and is a gifted organizer.”

JoAnn gives fully of herself no matter the time of day or night and never complains of the intrusion or the time. Friends talk of times when JoAnn has been called out in the middle of the night to drive to a friend’s home to provide assistance. She goes willingly and without hesitation.

When Norma Robbins married her now late husband, Dave Robbins, she distinctly recalls how accepted she felt after meeting JoAnn.

“JoAnn accepted me unconditionally with a hug and a smile and I can never fully express to her how much that meant to me,” she said.

JoAnn possesses one of those unique virtuous hearts. Norma Robbins ended our interview with these words: “JoAnn has a huge heart and her purpose in life is to help people in need. Her father taught all of his children to look for the good in people and to be quick to offer a helping hand.”

Because of her unconditional love for mankind and her every day witness to the joy of giving care to those in need, we thank JoAnn Robbins for being our Southern Indiana Extra Miler. Surprise, JoAnn!

KINDNESS TIP OF THE MONTH: Set an example for the young people in your life by doing good deeds when they are with you. Don’t wait for something to be formally organized — go out with your children and show them how to “give back” to their community.

Pick up trash in a local park, offer to shop for a neighbor who needs assistance, or make cookies for someone who is ill or shut in. Studies have proven that altruistic people are typically happier people and happier people are typically healthier people. So I guess this means that one of the best ways to be healthy is to be kind to others.

Carol A. Dawson is a resident of Jeffersonville and president of a national training and consulting company, EEO Guidance Inc. If you have seen or been a part of an act of kindness or know an extra miler, let us know about it. To submit a story or act of kindness, contact Carol via e-mail: Extra.Milers@newsandtribune.com or send mail to: The Extra Milers, The Evening News, 221 Spring St., Jeffersonville, IN, 47130-3340.

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