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Mosaic Musings...interactive poetry reviews _ Words of Wisdom -> Rosetta Stone _ Today is a gift

Posted by: Cleo_Serapis Jun 3 06, 06:57

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’ tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on.

As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him. They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt. His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him. He looked up and I saw this 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, and I saw a tear in his eye.

As I handed him his glasses, I said, "Those guys are jerks. They really should get lives.” He looked at me and said, "Hey thanks!" There was a big smile on his face. It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude. I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived.

As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him before. He said he had gone to private school before now. I would have never hung out with a private school kid before. We talked all the way home, and I carried some of his books.

He turned out to be a pretty cool kid.

I asked him if he wanted to play a little football with my friends. He said yes. We hung out all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him, and my friends thought the same of him.

Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the huge stack of books again. I stopped him and said, “Boy, you are gonna really build some serious muscles with this pile of books everyday!” He just laughed and handed me half the books.

Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends. When we were seniors, we began to think about college. Kyle decided on Georgetown, and I was going to Duke. I knew that we would always be friends, that the miles would never be a problem. He was going to be a doctor, and I was going for business on a football scholarship.

Kyle was valedictorian of our class. I teased him all the time about being a nerd. He had to prepare a speech for graduation. I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up there and speak.

Graduation day, I saw Kyle. He looked great. He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school. He filled out and actually looked good in glasses. He had more dates than I had and all the girls loved him. Boy, sometimes I was jealous.

Today was one of those days. I could see that he was nervous about his speech. So, I smacked him on the back and said, "Hey, big guy, you'll be great!"

He looked at me with one of those looks (the really grateful one) and smiled. "Thanks," he said.

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 just 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.

Not until that moment did I realize its depth. Never underestimate the power of your actions. With one small gesture you can change a person's life. For better or for worse.

"Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly."

There is no beginning or end. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is mystery. Today is a gift.

Posted by: Siren Jun 3 06, 08:29

Dear Lori,

What a wonderful story! I read this and cried. Today is a gift and everyday sharing with friends that care about you is a gift. Feeling the warmth of others and giving out warmth is a gift.

You have touched me deeply with this dear friend...

May every year add to our list of special friends and may we always give our warmth and friendships and never forget what an act of kindness, a smile and a giving soul can birth.

They birth a better world for us and ours.

Much love to you and to all my friends here...

Dani

Posted by: Cathy Jun 4 06, 09:44

This is a beautiful story Lori! We don't stop to think about what effect our actions might have on someone else and this serves as a reason to be good to others. I'm glad I dropped in to see what this thread was about ...

Thanks for posting~

Cathy

Posted by: Don Jun 4 06, 10:44

I think everything passed "unspeakable" can be deleted.

Posted by: Toumai Jun 4 06, 15:31

Lovely story, Lori. Well done whoever originated it.
I agree with Don; the last few lines are not needed
Fran

Posted by: Nina Jun 4 06, 16:42

Hi Lori

A very touching, heart-warming story. I too agree with Don. The last lines are overkill. Understatement is much more powerful.

Nina

Posted by: SageAndroid Aug 30 08, 23:50

Very Nice.

Did you write it Cleo?

True story?

Posted by: Thoth Aug 31 08, 00:45

What a touching story with strong moral. Lori.
Yes, indeed, today is a give, and your actions can make a difference.
Thanks for bringing that home so vividly.

I don't know if this is yours or a quote but just somthing I picked up, I think was overlooked.

"I would have never hung out with a private school kid before.!"
should read;
"I had never hung out with a private school kid before.!"

Hugs, Wally

Posted by: Cleo_Serapis Aug 31 08, 08:34

Hello,

I did not write this,I received it in an email some time ago - so I wasn't planning to fix the typos so it can be quoted the way I received it. The punctuation policer in me wants to, but I don't think I should, lol!

Glad you enjoyed it as much as I do each time I read it.

~Lori