Oldest Son is sensitive about the world around him. He has always cared about others, many times before he thinks of himself. He makes me very proud especially when he acts from his heart. Right now he is understandably struggling with issues being presented in one of his college courses. He sent the following text to me:
What does a mother say to that? I don't know. Do I tell him that these things happen and we can only prayer for these people? Do I ask him what he thinks he can do to change it? Act locally? Act globally? Investigate the Peace Corps? Get through this class and focus on his college education so he can change his world through teaching high school? What's the right answer? Again, I don't know.
I do want to point out while there are horrible crimes being committed all over the world there are also many good and kind people. He already knows that and might think I am talking down to him (great offense to a nineteen year old) so when I came across the following letter to the editor in the local paper today I decided to cut it out and tape it to his bedroom door.
To the Editor:
I was traveling down X Street after work Thursday afternoon and stopped for a red light at the very busy intersection at Y Street. To the left, I noticed a disabled man with a walker standing on the corner. As the light turned green, I realized he was trying to cross X Street.
Just then, the driver in front of me left his truck and escorted the man across the intersection, waving off cars until both men were safely on the other side. It took a while because the disabled man walked very slowly. The cars behind me backed up.
When the driver returned to his truck, he sheepishly waved as though he felt he needed to apologize for holding up traffic. I wish my kids had been there to witness this simple, but profound, act of kindness.
And the silence was beautiful - not one angry, impatient honk of a horn. To the man in the white Chevy, a nod of appreciation.
Not a huge event but maybe enough to remind my son there is still kindness in this world.