It was February in New England, and the Blizzard of ’78 immobilized the entire region. Highways were shut, cars abandoned in helter-skelter fashion as the unsuspecting (yes, this was way before weather.com) fought snow-drifts on foot in the quest for safety. I was a young mother with two toddlers – no credit cards, PayPal, mobile banking, and ATM’s. There wasn’t even Google, WiFi, Facebook or other “social” stuff. Which made it worse because I didn’t have any milk, bread, or much of anything after days without power or heat. Hubby decided to venture “out.” He walked for 5 ½ miles in one direction to the country store: Falk’s Market in Plainville, MA. When he got there, Mr. Falk smiled,

“How’re you all doing – the wife, the kiddies?”

Hubby replied, “Look, I have to level with you. I have no cash, nothing but my kids and they’re going hungry.”

“Wait here,” Mr. Falk said.

He went into the back of his store and returned with a bag full of essentials: milk, bread, cold cuts, and fresh fruit. He handed the supplies to my hubby and said, “I know you’re good for it. And here’s a couple of lollipops.”

Mr. Falk has long since passed on. Years later when I question if someone is a “good” person, I still require them to pass the “Falk’s Test.” They must demonstrate wisdom, selflessness, and, in an unassuming manner, do the “right” thing without asking for or requiring a media blitz.

That’s what “good” people do. How about it? Could YOU pass The Falk’s Test?

Jo-Anne Lema

Plainville, Massachusetts
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