*Disclaimer: In this post I am going to brag on my kids. Not for the sake of bragging, but to share how they inspire me to be better, every day* But first, a story...
Last year, when my third graders and I were discussing kindness, I spontaneously told a story that I had not thought about in over 30 years. When I was about 10 years old, I was skiing with some family friends. For whatever reason, I was by myself on this particular run. I hopped off of the ski lift and proceeded down the hill. Next thing I know, I am butt down in the snow, with my legs bent and the attached skiis behind me. I wasn't hurt, but I was stuck. I couldn't reach the skiis to release my boots and I couldn't maneuver my legs to their proper position. So all I could do was just sit in the snow and shiver. As I was plopped there in the middle of the slope, numerous skiers swished right on by me. I must've been stuck there for at least a half hour. Every few minutes or so, I would again try to get myself out of the predicament. The interesting thing was, many people on the ski lift would yell down to others, to help me...yet when they passed me by, they didn't. I honestly don't know how I removed myself from the mountain, I just know that I did it on my own. When I told that story to my students, they couldn't believe that no one stopped to help me. It led into a great discussion on helping others that we see in need. How many times have I been just like those people on the ski lift and slopes? How many times have I noticed someone in need or struggle but I just keep going, figuring someone else would step in and help? I took the time to notice, but I didn't take the time to act. Fast forward to yesterday. My daughter, Leslie and I were at the movies. About 10 minutes into the movie, I noticed a woman, with a cane, standing at the stair railing near us. She was breathing extremely heavy and muttering curse words under her breath. She did this for about 5 minutes. I also noticed Leslie watching her instead of the movie. The woman let out a deep disappointing breath and went back down the stairs and left the theater. Leslie turned to me with that sympathetic look and said “Mommy! That woman can’t make it up the stairs to her seat. Do something.” My first response was “What can I do?”. My second was to leave my seat and find the woman. I asked her if she was in need of a seat. She told me that she had a seat, but it was up too far because she has trouble walking. I offered her my seat, but she nicely declined and said she would come back to another show with her son. She told me that she was just exhausted and just needed to sit. I offered her my seat again but she again declined and with a smile, told me to go enjoy my movie. I tell this story, because I am so beyond proud of the kind, courageous and caring soul of my daughter. And how she pushes me to be a better person. I keep replaying this scenario over and over in my head. I am a bit disappointed in myself that it took a nudge from my daughter, to actually do something. If she hadn't done so, neither would I. After the movie, we went to visit my son who works at Sprouts. I always love going there because whenever I hand the checker his name badge (for my discount :) they always have such wonderful things to say about Trevor. It never fails, doesn't matter which checker I go to. My heart just beams for the amazing human that is my son. Yesterday, I did not receive the usual small talk from the cashier...but instead received something more. My son introduced me to one of his co-workers. He was an older gentleman (older than my son). The man proceeded to share a story with me. He said "You have a great kid here. Do you know that he came over to my house last week to help me with my computer? I was having trouble with a PowerPoint that I created." When I looked at my son's face, he just gave me shrug and that look of "Well of course I helped." All I could think was "wow" this kid is so full of kindness. He is taking a full load of college courses and when not in school, he is working. Yet, this kid (who by the way is no longer a kid), my kid, carved out time to help this man- just for the sake of helping. These two stories of kindness have caused me to do a lot of reflection. They have inspired me to be more bold in helping others. To act rather than just take note. Kind of crazy to think that these two "Gen Z" kids are constantly teaching their old mom a thing or two about being a good human. My call to action is this: When you notice someone in struggle, after you ask yourself "Well, what can I do?"- Do something. It will make a difference in that person and you.
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February 2023
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