“No matter how old we become, we can acquire knowledge and use it. We can gather wisdom and profit from it. We can grow and progress and improve—and, in the process, strengthen the lives of those within our circle of influence.”  --Gordon B. Hinckley

I did not know O. H. Mabey, Sr. personally although he did stitch up my head when I was a kid. However, I have done a little research, and the man was an influencer long before influencing was popular. He was Malad’s first mayor from 1943-1945; was the chairman of the Village Board before that; served as our doctor for over 40 years, retiring in 1969; was a bishop, Chamber President, Lions Club President, and the list goes on. More important than these resume-worthy accomplishments were the trust and affection those in his circle of influence felt for him.

Grant and Thora Jensen lived across the street from the elementary school when I was a student there in the 60s. I remember their handicapped son, Kyle, riding his tricycle up and down the sidewalk. Kyle was tall and a teenager at the time. What I didn’t know, until Dr. Mabey was inducted into the Oneida County Hall of Fame, was the trust citizens like Grant and Thora put in his opinion. At the Hall of Fame banquet the story of Grant and Thora’s anguish when Kyle was born was related. They wanted to do what was best for their son, but they weren’t sure what that was. Many advised them to put Kyle in a home, but they didn’t feel good about that option. In the 1950s and 60s care and expectations for the handicapped were much different than today. Grant went to Dr. Mabey and explained their quandary. Grant related that Dr. Mabey sat with him for some time, letting him pour out his heart. After listening, he told Grant he believed that he and Thora were doing what was best for the boy. Grant said he never questioned their decision to keep Kyle at home after talking with Dr. Mabey. That’s trust.

I came across a reference to Dr. Mabey in my own family history. The following was written by Hannah Evans Deschamps, about my great-grandmother: “Mary Jane Jones Evans, passed away on December 10, 1934, while sitting in her chair fully dressed. She died without a single struggle. She simply went to sleep from which she never aroused. Her doctor, O. H. Mabey said, ‘Sister Evans died without tasting death.’” I can’t think of more comforting words for a family to hear.

So, your circle of influence may be small or large. It really doesn’t matter. What matters is how you influence that circle. Life is Good when trust and affection are strengthened. Thank you, Dr. Mabey, for strengthening the foundation of our community.