MR. FISHER

Enjoy this "almost" true story about a gentleman and an extraordinary co-incidence. 

When Jackie Abelman became pregnant, she was thrilled and anxious at the same time. You see, Jackie is the family’s breadwinner. Her husband, Todd, is disabled and can only work part-time. However, he has trouble finding a job that can accommodate his special needs. 

As her pregnancy progressed to the second trimester and then the third, her anxiety turned to serious worry about how she will be able to take time off when the baby was born. 

There’s no paid family leave at the Fisher Insurance Agency in Muncie, Indiana.

The Fisher Agency is a mid-sized, family-owned insurance company started by Harold Fisher. Mr. Fisher is an older gentleman who comes to the office every day in a suit and tie, complimented by a pocket square and a crisp white dress shirt with his monogram on the cuffs - HBF. 

And this is now, post-COVID, when every day is casual on Friday.

Harold’s son and granddaughter run the company now, but the founder rarely misses a day of work.

On this day, Jackie is having lunch in the company cafeteria. Harold Fisher brings his tray over to where Jackie is sitting.

“Mind if I sit down?” Mr. Fisher asks.

“Please, join me.” Jackie looks up with a smile.

Jackie loves the formality and friendliness of old Mr. Fisher. They don’t make ‘em like that anymore. She thought.

As Mr. Fisher settles in at the table, he asks Jackie how she’s feeling, when she’s due, and if she’s ready for the joys and exhaustion a new baby will bring to her household.

“To be honest, I’m nervous. I’m worried about what will happen when I take the time off after the baby comes and what will happen to my family if I don’t have a job when I get back.” 

She goes on to explain about her husband’s disability and that she has a brother who she helps out financially while he is going through chemo. 

Mr. Fisher acknowledges her concerns and turns the conversation to safer grounds.

“Where are you from?” He asks.

“I’m from Chicago. I was raised on the South side.”

“Me too! What was your maiden name?”

“My name was Silver like the coin.”

He asked about her parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.

When she tells him about her family background, Mr. Fisher starts to cry.

“Is everything okay, Mr. Fisher?”

“Yes, Jackie. Let me tell you a story.” He says.

“Many years ago, there were two friends. One was a salesman who made a good living, and the other was a carpenter who struggled.

They were walking home together after their usual Wednesday night bowling league when the carpenter had a heart attack and tragically died suddenly.

After the funeral, he went to visit the widow of his good friend. He brought two buckets of fried chicken and the sides for the family’s dinner. The kids ate ravenously, and the widow didn’t take a single bite. She just watched her four children enjoy the meal.

The friend made it his habit to bring dinner to the family every Monday night, with plenty of fresh milk, eggs, bread, and cheese for the week ahead.

One night the widow told the friend of her late husband that her basement was filled with carpentry tools that she didn’t know what to do with. 

He offered to pack everything up and sell the tools.  

As a salesman, he knew how to maximize the profits from the tools he sold for the widow and her children. He was able to give the widow thousands of dollars which changed the fortune of the family.” 

“Jackie, I was one of those children. It was your great-grandfather, Sheldon Silver, the salesman, who inspired me to pursue a career in sales. 

And that’s why I’m passionate about life insurance and consider it my calling. And, I believe God put you in this place, at this time, so I can repay your grandfather’s kindness to you and your family.” 

Jackie Abelson was stunned to learn of her late grandfather’s impact on the life of the Fisher family. Her tears flowed as her heart swelled with pride…and relief that her worries would be over.

Mr. Fisher was true to his word. Jackie got six months of paid leave. 

He also gave Todd Abelson a job that allowed him to work part-time from home with flexible hours and a steady paycheck. He even hired Jackie’s brother, a cancer survivor, who turned out to be a top salesman for the company.

When we give comfort to the bereaved, the love that lives on has a ripple effect that continues to reverberate throughout the generations.

By Susan Diamond
Read More from Susan

“Mr. Fisher” is based on a true story. Names and details have been changed.