NIAGARA, Wis. — When I was growing up, I would from time to time complain to my mother about someone in my class at school. The complaints would generally come after I felt that the other student had slighted me in some way or done something I did not consider to be “fair.” My mother would listen to me and then remind me that there may be a reason for the other child’s actions that I did not fully understand. She always advised me, along with my siblings, that we should never judge another person until “we had walked a mile in their shoes.”

Of all the lessons we learned from our mother, this one was one of the most important. It was the lesson of empathy. Our mother was reminding us that until we had experienced life as they had experienced it, we could not appreciate their challenges and limitations or any of the many events and experiences that had shaped them into the people they had become. She was telling us not to judge them, and inherent in that advice was that we needed to strive to better understand them before we could make any judgment of them.

Empathy is a human quality that makes us better partners, relatives, colleagues, and friends. Simply explained, it is the ability to understand and share in someone else’s feelings. It is one way we can connect with others, particularly those who have different identities or circumstances than we have.

Empathy can be learned and exercised in a number of ways. Perhaps the easiest way to develop this trait and make it part of our personality is by listening and extending grace toward others. We can remind ourselves that we cannot judge someone we do not completely understand; nor do we know their challenges and the obstacles they face every day in their own lives. When we make a point to tune into their emotions, it helps us to understand them more clearly, which strengthens and deepens our relationships.

Empathy helps us get to know ourselves better as well. By putting ourselves in someone else’s shoes and imagining how they must feel, we are given the opportunity to view life from a different angle. This expands our capacity to hold other people’s struggles alongside our own. There is great importance and beauty in true empathy. This trait goes a long way in making us more compassionate, whole-hearted human beings.

These quotations help to further illustrate the value and power of empathy.

— “The great gift of human beings is that we have the power of empathy; we can all sense a mysterious connection to each other.” — Meryl Streep, actress.

— “Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each other’s eyes for an instant?” — Henry David Thoreau, poet.

— “An exchange of empathy provides an entry point for a lot of people to see what healing feels like.” — Tarana Burke, activist.

— “Empathy begins with understanding life from another person’s perspective. Nobody has an objective experience of reality. It’s all through our own individual prisms.” — Sterling K. Brown, actor.

— “Empathy comes from the Greek ’empatheia’ — ’em’ (into) and ‘pathos’ (feeling) — a penetration, a kind of travel. It suggests you enter another person’s pain as a you’d enter another country …” — Leslie Jamison, novelist.

— “Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone … just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had.” — F. Scott Fitzgerald.

— “I think we all have empathy. We may not have enough courage to display it.” — Maya Angelou.

— “Whenever you are about to find fault with someone, ask yourself the following question: What fault of mine most nearly resembles the one I am about to criticize?” — Marcus Aurelius, Roman emperor.

— “This capacity for empathy leads to a genuine encounter — we have to progress toward this culture of encounter — in which heart speaks to heart.” — Pope Francis.

— “Only the development of compassion and understanding for others can bring us the tranquility and happiness we all seek.” — Dalai Lama.

— “No one reaches out to you for compassion or empathy so you can teach them how to behave better. They reach out to us because they believe in our capacity to know our darkness well enough to sit in the dark with them.” — Brene Brown.

— “All I ever wanted was to reach out and touch another human being not just with my hands but with my heart.” — Tahereh Mafi, author.

— “Judge tenderly, if you must. There is usually a side you have not heard, a story you know nothing about, and a battle waged that you do not have to fight.” — Traci Lea Larussa, writer and illustrator.

— “I do not ask the wounded person how he feels, I myself become the wounded person.” — Walt Whitman.

I will end with these words from former President Barack Obama: “Learning to stand in somebody else’s shoes, to see through their eyes, that’s how peace begins. And it’s up to you to make that happen. Empathy is a quality of character that can change the world.”

Through the practice of empathy, we can all help to make this world an easier — and happier — place in which to live.

NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

The center welcomes anyone who would like to entertain residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.

The third Tuesday of every month at 2 p.m. has a Memory Cafe — a fun hour to spend with others. For more information, contact Jaime Hathaway at jlhathaway@protonmail.com. The program runs on donations.

Sunday: Strong Tower Church, 2 p.m.

Monday: Nail day, 10 a.m.; yarn club, 11 a.m.; movie in dining room, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Communion with Don and Donna in the dining room, 10 a.m.; cooking group, 10 a.m.; early bird bingo, 1:45 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Pastor Dan, 10 a.m.; trivia in the dining room, 11:45 a.m.; LCR dice game, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Balloon volleyball, 10 a.m.; reading, 1 p.m.; Yahtzee, 7 p.m.

Friday: Willy Nelson chair workout, 10 a.m.; Golden K bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Board games in dining room, 10 a.m.; “The Wall” on the Game Show Network, 7 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 8:30 a.m.; hangman, 9:30 a.m.; chair exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; afternoon matinee with snacks, 2 p.m.

Monday: Memory books, 9:30 a.m.; resident council, 10:30 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 2:30 p.m.; jokes and cocoa, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Just friends, 9 a.m.; casino trip, 9 a.m.; book club, 9:30 a.m.; balloon toss, 10:45 a.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; travel club, 2 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/garden club, 9:30 a.m.; parachute, 10:45 a.m.; Christ United, 2 p.m.; balloon toss, 2:45 p.m.; night bingo, 6:15 p.m.

Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1 p.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; happy hour with Gayle, 2 p.m.

Friday: Crazy hat crafts, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; mystery ride, 1 p.m.; spelling bball, 2 p.m.; crime movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: “Price Is Right”/volleyball, 9:30 a.m.; geri-gym, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.; action movie, 6 p.m.  

Optalis Healthcare

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: Sunday check-in and leisure cart, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; afternoon coffee, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; National Napping Day, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; after-dinner reminiscing, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; magazines, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; root beer float social, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Hope Church, 9:30 a.m.; visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; desserts and conversations, 5:30 p.m.

Thursday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; Alfred Hitchcock Day, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Golden K bingo, 2 p.m.

Friday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; current events and news, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Manicures, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Yahtzee/board games, 1:30 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Families are allowed to attend activities and are encouraged to join in.

Sunday: Hot cocoa and daily word puzzle, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; popcorn and movie, 1:30 p.m.; church service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Pamper and polish, 10 p.m.; resident council, 1 p.m.; fly swatter balloon, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; hangman, 10 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary, 9 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9:30 a.m.; short stories, 10 a.m.; Scattegories, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Friday: The Breakfast Club, 7 a.m.; Hedbanz, 10 a.m.; happy hour with Jim on the piano, 2 p.m.

Saturday: St. Urho Day — wear purple; Uno, 10 a.m.; prize bingo, 2 p.m.; call a friend

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

No information was available.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

906-774-5158

Sunday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; trivia and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.

Pinecrest Medical Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Morning visits and reality orientation; bunco, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; church services, 1:30 p.m.; guess that TV tune, 2:30 p.m.; coloring pages; daily chronicles.

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; “You be the Judge,” 11 a.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.; Bible studies, 3 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; movie, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Tuesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; juice hour/who-what-where, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; cribbage, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; food talk and resident council meeting with Lucy and Coria, 10:30 a.m.; what’s in the bag, 11 a.m.; crafty Wednesday, 2 p.m.; rummy, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; tea party, 11 a.m.; planting flowers, 2 p.m.; picture this, 4 p.m.; drama club; daily chronicles.

Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation; bingo, 10:15 a.m.; joke of the day; paint and sip, 2 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; resident choice, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation; exercise group, 10 a.m.; juice hour, 11 a.m.; Bible studies, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 3 p.m.; activity packets, daily chronicles.

SENIOR CENTERS

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Menu for the week –

Monday evening meal: One or two pork chops, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans almondine. Carryout is available at 3:30 p.m. and in-center dining begins at 4 p.m. — call ahead for cost and to reserve a meal.

Tuesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetable, salad.

Wednesday: Barbecue ribs, twice-baked potato, vegetable

Thursday: Bacon-lettuce-tomato wrap, cup of beef barley soup, broccoli salad.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Dine-in eating at noon Monday through Thursday. Carryout meals, soup and salad bar are also available. Friday meals are on hold indefinitely. Menu for the week —

Monday: Cabbage rolls, vegetable mix, biscuit.

Tuesday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, peas, peaches.

Wednesday: Spaghetti with meat sauce, California blend vegetables, garlic bread.

Thursday: Chicken stew, biscuit, pudding.

Crystal Falls Center

906-875-6709

The center serves meals for dine-in or takeout – call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or to place an order. All food is purchased from local vendors. All dinners include warm vegetables, salad bar, soup, homemade desserts, coffee, tea or milk. Salad bar begins at 4:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 5 p.m. Pickup for takeout meals is 4 p.m. – call ahead and leave a message with a phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —

Monday: New item — Chicken bacon ranch wraps with french fries.

Tuesday: New item — Enchiladas with beans and rice.

Wednesday: New item — Porcupine meatballs with mashed potatoes.

Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency

DICSA

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256, ext. 244.

This is a Meals on Wheels program only. Home-delivered meals only — call to make arrangements. Menu for the week —

Monday: Spaghetti with meatballs, green beans, garlic bread.

Tuesday: Chicken noodle soup with vegetables, biscuit with butter, fruit cobbler.

Wednesday: Garlic parmesan fish, roasted garlic potatoes, carrots, garlic and cheese biscuit, pudding.

Thursday: Crack chicken penne, peas, dinner roll.

Friday: Omelets, cheesy potatoes, fresh fruit.

Note: All meals include a choice of skim milk, juice, or no beverage.

For more information, call Sarah VanMarter at 906-774-2256, ext. 244.

Crystal Lake Center

Iron Mountain

906-828-1776

Schedule for the week:

Monday: Les Artistes art club, noon to 3 p.m.; woodcarvers, starting at 9 a.m.

Tuesday: Cards — Pinochle and cribbage, noon to 4 p.m.; Happy Quilters, noon to 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Bingo, 1 to 3 p.m.; cards cost 25 cents, with 10 games played. 

Thursday: Spinning Spools quilting, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; board games, 1 to 3 p.m.

Friday: Cards — Smear, noon to 4 p.m.; chess, noon.

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Head cook: Joan Wickman, 906-246-3559

Program president: Lisa Casey, 906-282-7899

Salad bar opens at 11 a.m., with the meal at 11:30 a.m. and dessert to follow. Evening meal is served every third Wednesday of the month, with sponsored activities. Takeout meals are available. Delivery offered to homebound residents within Felch, West Branch and Breen townships.

Menu for the week –

Monday: Hamburger stew with biscuits.

Tuesday: Chicken ranch wrap with chips.

Wednesday: Pork cutlet, mashed potatoes, vegetable.

Aging and Disability Resource Center of Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Menu for the week —

Monday: Baked chicken, stuffing, baked sweet potato, cauliflower, fruit.

Tuesday: Porcupine meatballs, mashed potatoes, squash, fruit.

Wednesday: Spaghetti with meat sauce, spinach orange salad, garlic bread, fruit, rice pudding.

Thursday: Liver and onions or chicken breast, au gratin potatoes, green bean medley, fruit.

Friday: Cheese ravioli, dark green salad, garlic bread, carrots, fruit.

Note: All meals served with whole grain bread, butter and milk.

Aurora-Hillcrest Dining Center

Serving on site Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 11:30 a.m. RSVP by calling 715-589-4491. Homebound meals will be delivered on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Florence Community Center

Serving at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday. For reservations, call 715-528-4261.

Fence Town Hall

Serving at noon Wednesdays only. For reservations, call 715-589-4491.

Tipler Town Hall

Serving at noon on the second Thursday only. For reservations, call 715-528-4261.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Barb Peters

906-498-7735

Center is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Meals are served through the Menominee-Delta-Schoolcraft Community Action Agency in Escanaba. Meals on Wheels program is available for those who are homebound.

Monday: Country-fried steak with gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, diced peaches, whole wheat bread.

Tuesday: Meatloaf with ketchup glaze, boiled red potatoes, diced carrots, fruit cocktail, whole wheat bread.

Wednesday: Chicken chili, side salad with cheese and tomato, garlic breadstick, pineapple tidbits.

Thursday: Tortellini Alfredo with peas and mushrooms, corn, root vegetable blend, fruit cup, whole wheat breadstick.

Milk available at all meals.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Salad bar opens at 11 a.m., with the meal served at 11:30 a.m. Thursdays, salad bar opens at 3:30 p.m., with the meal at 4 p.m. Meals can be prepared for carryout. Menu for the week —

Monday: Spaghetti with meatballs, green beans, garlic bread.

Tuesday: Chicken noodle soup with vegetables, biscuit with butter, fruit cobbler.

Wednesday: Garlic parmesan fish, roasted garlic potatoes, carrots, garlic and cheese biscuit, pudding.

Thursday: Crack chicken penne, peas, dinner roll.

All meals are served with choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

Niagara Senior Center/Café

715-251-1603

Dinner is served at noon Tuesday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation for the meal is $5 for those older than 60 and $11 for 60 and younger. Bingo is played on most Wednesdays. Transportation to the meal site is available.

Bingo on Tuesday and Wednesday at 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Chicken parmesan, penne pasta with red sauce, broccoli, peaches.

Wednesday: Pork roast, mashed sweet potatoes, green peas, wheat bread, blueberry torte.

Thursday: Chicken and gravy, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, tropical fruit, biscuit.

Norway Center

Director: Alicia Rochon

906-563-8716

Dine-in eating begins at 11:30 a.m. Salad bar available from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Takeout meals are available for pick-up from 11:15 to 11:30 a.m. — those attending should let staff know in advance if planning to dine in or picking up the meal. Menu for the week —

Monday: Wet burrito, refried beans, rice.

Tuesday: Meatballs, egg noodles and gravy, vegetable.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, gravy, peas.

Thursday: Chicken parmesan over noodles, vegetable, garlic bread.

Center activity schedule:

Mondays and Thursdays — Exercise at 10 a.m. and card bingo after the meal.

Monday through Thursday — Card game 101 from noon to 3 p.m. Call Joe at 906-563-5587 for information.

Tuesdays — Quilting and sewing.

Wednesdays — Ceramics and crocheting.

Last Monday of each month — Book club at 9 a.m.

Second Thursday of each month — Birthdays and bingo.

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

Dine-in meals served. Salad bar opens at 11 a.m. and meal is served at 11:30 a.m. Carryout meals also available. Dine-in meal is $5 and takeout meal is $6. Reservations are required and should specify if dining in or taking out. Come and enjoy a meal with us — all are welcome — any age. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Egg salad with minced ham and pickle sandwich, onion rings.

Wednesday: Baked ham and scalloped potatoes.

Thursday: Beef stew.