Never underestimate the power of your actions

“Dear Dr. LeCrone, In the past, you have written on the importance of friendship in psychologically healthy peoples lives. I thought that you and your readers might enjoy the following. I don’t know the authors name.”

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.” I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game with my friends), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on. Shortly thereafter, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him. They knocked all his books out of his arms and tripped him. His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass. He looked up and I saw terrible sadness in his eyes. My heart went out to him. So, I jogged over to him and as he crawled around looking for his glasses, I saw a tear in his eye. As I handed him his glasses, I said, “Those guys are jerks”. He looked at me and with a big smile on his face said, “Hey thanks!” I helped him pick up his books and we talked all the way home. He turned out to be a pretty cool kid. The more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him, and my friends thought the same of him. Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends. Kyle was valedictorian of our class and made the commencement address on graduation day. That day he looked great. He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school. As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began.

“Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years. Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe 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 weakest moment. I saw his mom and dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful smile. Never underestimate the power of your actions. With one small gesture you can change a person’s life. For better or for worse.

Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D. Copyright 2001