The Tale of Two Patients: Retired Investment Banker and a Retired Chef

At work the other day, I had the pleasure of meeting two wonderful patients: a retired chef and a retired investment banker. Conversations with both were incredibly enriching, but my exchange with Mr. IB and his wife stood out. His wife, still actively practicing law in the city, left me inspired. What began as a casual chat blossomed into a deep, thought-provoking discussion about education, a subject close to my heart.  

Mr. IB shared his dynamic post-retirement journey. Feeling restless after leaving his banking career, he chose to teach middle schoolers for fun, only to uncover systemic flaws in education. His perspective on the need for reforms was both insightful and refreshing. We covered so much in a short time, and I was reminded of how much we can learn from engaging with others. 

Two of my key contributions to our chat were referencing the late John Taylor Gatto and Aleysha Ortiz.  

John Taylor Gatto was a highly regarded educator, named New York City Teacher of the Year in 1989, 1990, and 1991, as well as New York State Teacher of the Year in 1991. With nearly 30 years of experience teaching in New York City’s public schools, Gatto had deep insights into education and wrote extensively on the subject.  

I also mentioned Aleysha Ortiz, a young woman from Connecticut rooted in the Hartford School District. Aleysha, a high school graduate, is suing the state for her inability to read and write. She is seeking damages of $3M. Personally, I thought she had a case, perhaps a breach of the social contract? Well, I’ll leave that to the litigators to sort out.

We even touched on political leanings. If you know me, you’ll know I don’t judge party politics. My focus is on understanding raw facts while respecting others’ sensitivities. Everyone has their beliefs and reasons for holding them. It’s not my place to change minds, but I do love sharing my own views, particularly on social issues, in a respectful dialogue.  

These conversations enriched my day. Before leaving, I made a point to say goodbye to Mr. IB and his wife. They expressed how much they enjoyed our discussions and wished for more people like me in the world—a sentiment I returned wholeheartedly.  

As for the retired chef, he shared stories of his restaurant days, emphasizing how well he treated and compensated his employees. The passion and sincerity in his eyes were unmistakable. His commitment to treating others with respect and fairness resonated deeply with me.  

Reflecting on these encounters, I feel grateful. Both patients taught me so much, not just about their lives but about the power of genuine human connection. I hope one day I can look back with the same pride in my actions and contributions to others.  

Let this be a reminder to step out and talk to strangers. You never know what wisdom or inspiration you might find.  

God bless you for reading and commenting  

Pal Ron