There is Hope For Tomorrow

I had just finished my workout and was headed out the door to run a few errands, pick-up dinner, and head on home. Lenny was going to be late downtown with a school board meeting, but I really just wanted to get home and relax for a bit. The YMCA was crowded with a mix of hyper kids and haggard adults. It’s the end of the day, near the end of the week and everyone wanted it all just to end. After registering Lenny and me for our fall session dance class, I gathered up my belongings and headed out to the car.

My arms were full: Purse, workout bag, and laptop. Trying to balance all three was a bit taxing and the harried people brushed by me like I was one of the pillars that flanked the room. One particular bump caused me to bobble my laptop. Recovering, I maneuvered to grab my keys out of my purse and push through the double doors.

Head down, I shuffled forward slowly with my load. I was pondering how the heck I was going to get through the doors. I half turned, ready to push the door open with my body – when I actually walked THROUGH the doorway. I paused, wondering if I all of a sudden had some magical powers to mentally open doors when I looked over and saw someone was holding the door for me.

He couldn’t have been more than 8-years old. He was a skinny kid. He had reddish brown hair, freckles, and blue eyes. He was grinning from behind the glass. I nodded to him and said, “Thank you.” What he said next almost knocked me out.

“You’re welcome ma’am. Do you need me to help you carry anything to your car?”

Who is this kid and what planet did he come from?

After a few stunned seconds, I looked at the little boy and said, “No, I think I have it. But thank you for offering.”

“Okay – you have a good day!” And with that, he disappeared back into the lobby.

The whole way to the car, I shook my head, not believing the manners on that kid. When was the last time I met a kid with actual good manners. And with a practical stranger! I didn’t think anyone taught politeness anymore. But it was a pleasant surprise.

As I started my car, my cell phone rang. Picking up the call, I chatted with a friend for a few moments, which turned into 10-minutes. When I finally had hung up, the car had cooled down to a reasonable temperature and I was about to throw it into reverse. As I checked my rearview mirror, who did I see but my young doorman and a professionally dressed woman. They were heading to their car…which happened to be parked next to me.

I thought for a moment, remembering the shock I had felt when he had offered to help. Nodding and making a silent decision, I rolled down my passenger side window.

“Excuse me, ma’am?” The woman turned around and peeked into my window. I could the little boy as he buckled himself into the back seat.

“Yes?”

“I just wanted to thank you.”

“For what?”

“For raising your kid right. We need more thoughtful people like that.”

Before she could say anything else, I smiled, bid her goodbye, and rolled-up my window.

Just when I think this world is going to hell – something like this always happens. It restores my faith in people. We need that shot in the arm every once in awhile, you know?

Thanks again, little buddy. Your mom should be very proud of you!