The May 12 issue of The American contained two stories that struck a resonant chord within me. I was tremendously saddened by the sudden, senseless death of Paul Reiter. The articles written of him portray a human being who cared deeply about his fellow man.
As I read I was dragged back to August 28, 2008, the day my brother Josef suddenly died. Paul and Josef are spiritual twins both possessing the gift for giving.
At my brother’s funeral I called for the congregants to “do a Josef” here and there throughout their daily lives. A small act of loving kindness showered on another human being makes our world a better place.
I read with admiration how 76 percent of the Riverview Gardens High School Class of 2011 have been accepted to colleges and universities on the page after the editorial. Kayla Farmer-Dampier is one of those seniors who will be attending college. She intends to play basketball and pursue a degree in physical therapy. I have worked as a physical therapist for 25 years in St. Louis. I would like to extend to Kayla if she needs any assistance in her quest to be a physical therapist, I would be happy to help.
This offer, on my part, is what Paul Reiter and Josef Diamond lived and breathed and now have passed on for others to emulate. Their legacy endures and I will do my best to keep it going.
Jay Diamond MHS,PT
PRORehab South City