A Story Of Caring!

Dear Dr. LeCrone:

You once wrote a column that I use in teaching the value of empathy to my students. The story involved the power of one’s actions on other people. Please share this lesson again.

-A teacher in Oklahoma

Dear Teacher:

I feel certain that this is the story that you are referring to:

One day, when I was a freshman in high school, I saw a kid from my class walking home from school. His name was Kyle.

It looked like he was carrying all of his books. I thought to myself, “Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday? He must really be a nerd.” Shortly thereafter, I saw a bunch of kids knock his books out of his arms, made him trip and cause his glasses to fall in the grass. I sensed his pain, jogged over to him, handed him his glasses and said “Those guys are jerks, let me he help you.”

He smiled at me and said “Hey, thanks!”

Over the next four years, we became best friends. He really developed himself, became the valedictorian of our class and made a commencement speech that impacted many lives. His speech stated:

“Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years. Your family, your teachers, a coach . . . but mostly your friends. I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them. I am going to tell you a story.”

I looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the story of the first day we met. He had planned to kill himself over the weekend. He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his Mom wouldn’t have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home. He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile.

“Thankfully, I was saved. My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable.”

I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his darkest moment. I saw his mom and dad looking at me and smiling those same grateful smiles.

Never underestimate the power of your actions. With one small gesture, you can change a person’s life, for better or for worse.