Robert Ebsen

It sounds like a lot of money: $115. It is. But when you spend that amount of money, the returns can be immeasurable.

I mean, I would spend $115 on a new printer. The printer gives me great pleasure. I would spend $115 on fixing my pool heater. The pool heater gives me great pleasure.

When I spent $115 last week on an ad in a local magazine, I wondered, “Will it give me great pleasure?”

Well, it has given me great pleasure.  Let me tell you about it.

For six months I have profited from a balance class at the local OneGeneration senior center in Reseda.  I mean, in six short months my balance has gone from terrible to much better. I enjoy and profit from the class so much that I decided to give back — to pay it forward.

When the balance class teacher mentioned she no longer would be subsidized by the school district, and that she did not know if the class would continue, I sprang into action. I placed an ad in a local magazine, which read, “Balance class for seniors. One Generation building – Reseda. My name and cell phone number.”

I wondered how many people would call me. My guess ranged from one to three. When I received calls from five people, I was very happy. Four out of those five people have come to the class.

Not only have I introduced four balance-challenged people to a class they definitely will profit from, but I have earned their gratitude for contacting them. That has been just as remarkable and fulfilling.  It was worth far more than $115.

I enjoy helping people, seeing them happy and fulfilled.

The balance class has changed my life.

Now, hopefully, it will improve the lives of those I was able to reach with my ad.

Not a lot of money for such a gift.

Mr. Ebsen may be contacted at robertebsen@hotmail.com