A Family Tradition Lives On

--by brighteyes, posted Apr 19, 2009

Every morning my friend would stop on the way to work to grab a quick breakfast for herself and her son, before dropping him off at school. They tended to frequent the same eatery every morning grabbing an egg sandwich, juice, coffee for her, milk for him.

One day she ordered an additional breakfast. Once they had eaten and were headed out the door, she stopped, said good morning to a homeless man sitting outside of the restaurant and handed him the additional breakfast she had ordered. He thanked her profusely, grinning, telling her it was the first meal he had in a great many days. She couldn't help but feel good and was glad she finally took action.

She told her son that she had seen him every day that week outside the restaurant and that no one, herself included, had stopped to offer him support, food, drink, comfort, etc. She further explained that homelessness can happen to anyone and the importance of service to others and what random acts of kindness were.

And so began her Kindness Tradition...each day thereafter she and her son continued to buy and supply the homeless gentleman with breakfast. The practice was continued until they moved away several years later but the lesson was firmly implanted in her son by then.

She smiles as she tells me that this kindness legacy continues with her son, who remembered this childhood tradition and lesson. Now a college graduate and gainfully employed, her son stops every day at Starbucks for his morning cup of coffee and purchases a breakfast for a homeless person nearby before commuting to the office.

What a great family legacy that he can pass along to his children as well...

5887 Reads

Posted by brighteyes
Apr 19, 2009
Comments (18)

Readers Comments

HappyDae wrote: My heart aches for those who are homeless. Your act of kindess is a gift of a beaytufyk spirit that continues through your son. What a wonderful example you have set. ! Love and peace, happydae

sleepytomato wrote: This is a truly beautiful story :)

Rock on.

mommakat wrote: What a wonderful story. This is such a great way to teach your children what a random act of kindness is and how it can affect someone. This is the kind of thing that leaves a lasting impression as evidenced by the story. Thanks for sharing.

Sanyogita wrote: Hey, u n ur son are so thoughtful n caring. Its so rare, that people like you stop at homeless people to say just "hello" n give a helping hand. Thanks for making a big difference.

jeremy wrote: Good i have read it.

Samson wrote: I love the conduct, it passes on to children like that. I would like this to be told to many parents so they can inspire their children in a similar manner.

Mtalii wrote: This is what i would call planting the seed of kindness for the present and posterity.

Nice act. Thats greatness.

Nice post.

warior wrote: Good.

grandmadee2003 wrote: What a wonderfule tradition to pass on. You set a terrific example.

cinnamonhead wrote: What a terrific story, we all need to take care of each other.

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