Once Upon Chris Gardner's Lemon Tree

“Born February 9, 1954 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Christopher Paul Gardner's childhood was marked by poverty, domestic violence, alcoholism, sexual abuse and family illiteracy. Gardner published his autobiography out of a desire to shed light on these universal issues and show they do not have to define you. Gardner never knew his father, and lived with his beloved mother, Bettye Jean Triplett (nee Gardner), when not in foster homes. Gardner is indebted to Bettye Jean for his success as she provided him with strong "spiritual genetics" and taught him that in spite of where he came from, he could chart another path and attain whatever goals he set for himself.” (http://www.chrisgardnermedia.com/main/biography.htm)

If this passage about Chris Gardner’s life doesn’t ring a bell for you, maybe clicking here will jar your memory.

Chris Gardner’s secret weapon for survival: his mind! Even at a young age, Chris knew how to read and realized that this unto itself would provide hope for him. His ability to expand his hope through learning is inspirational. His sacrifice, even beyond the pain he was already experiencing, for the chance to improve his life and his son’s life is one that many of us might not have the strength to make.

As if that weren’t enough, what else makes Chris Gardner special? Chris has taken his lessons and recognizes that without the help he did get, the teachers he did have, he may not have succeeded. He is now “forwarding” the favour by:

• Sitting on the Board of the National Fatherhood Initiative;
• Sitting on the Board of the National Education Foundation and sponsoring 2 awards;
• Sitting on the Board of the International Rescue Committee;
• Remaining committed to the Glide Memorial Church in San Francisco;
• And helping to fund low-income housing project and employment opportunities for Tenderloin (a notoriously poor area of SF).

See Chris on 20/20:
• Part 1
• Part 2

What’s my point?
My point is that when people have the hope to pull themselves out of poverty, can find the right teachers so they can learn what is required to stand on their own feet, and then expand their hope to reach incredible heights, they give back. It’s like the concept of the stone in the water and the ripple it creates.

I believe that each of us have the opportunity to be the “stone”. Help people find their hope; help people learn; and watch them make a difference. If you can teach - and make it a habit to teach - you’ll keep creating ripples. This does not cost money, takes less time than you think, and makes a world of difference!