I just had a remarkable “twib moment” while traveling from Stuttgart to Munich. After finding out my train would be delayed, I ran to another one, catching it at the very last moment, before realizing I would have to change trains again at the next stop.
I felt stressed. Then an older lady in front of me smiled at me. She started chatting about her journey, her grandchildren and more. When I pointed out how relaxed she seemed, she told me: “Well, I’m a Green Lady”. I then discovered that she is a hospital volunteer, working for a nonprofit organization called Green Ladies, named after their green lab coats.
The organization involves 10,000 women – and 900 men – who visit patients in hospitals and nursing homes, helping them with their admission or just having a chat, going for a walk, and making their day a little easier. Chancellor Angela Merkel had just honored their work a few weeks ago. I left the train feeling calmer, warmer – and very impressed.
Originally published on November 29, 2019.
