Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Remembering My Father's Vest


--by behappyrightnow, posted Feb 21, 2015
As a child, I had a lot of pent-up anger and was not good at communicating constructively.

Once, as I was getting ready for school, my mother accidentally handed me my father's vest instead of mine.  This was around the time that I was getting to be larger in size than my father, and so as I put the vest, I felt like I was being choked in it!  I realized that it was a small oversight on my mother's part, but somehow the feeling of being choked overwhelmed me and filled me with anger.

Without thinking much, I took out my anger on my mother.  I was so upset that she had handed me the wrong vest, that I responded by violently ripping it apart from my chest!

Later, my mother shared her own frustration with my father: "See what your son has done."

Instead of scolding or abusing me, my father calmly  responded by asking my mother to stitch up the vest.   He then wore it to work the next day.

When mother told me about my father's response -- much later, when I had recovered from my fit -- I immediately felt a great sense of shame for my violent behavior, just imagining that he was spending the entire day wearing a torn vest.  At the same time, I was filled with great admiration for my father, whose gentle kindness taught me a life lesson I would never forget.

On that day, I took a resolve to never let anger get the better of me.  And whenever I falter, I try to remember my father's vest.
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Readers Comments

twiceblessed wrote: What a powerful story! Thanks for sharing. Next time I'm angry, I think I'll think of your father's vest too.
Jacinda wrote: Yes I agree with twiceblessed this is an amazingly powerful story. I too will think of your story. Thanks heaps! Hope you have a good week, Jacinda
StarBrite wrote: Your father gave you a life lasting gift. What wisdom to show you exactly what angry aggression can cause. Actions speak louder than words. This is a powerful story and lesson. ~Starbrite
cabbage wrote: That is such a powerful story. Not many of us would have responded as your father. You are blessed to have such a shining example in your life. Thank you so much for sharing your story.
unknown wrote: beautiful bhrn :)
thanks for sharing such vital life's lessons witnessed live ! I loved reading it :) lovingly, deepula.
Aurelia wrote: I don't know how I would have responded to you for doing that to the vest. Your dad certainly found a way to deal with you in a very clever way. I am glad you have learned well from him and are passing on this important lesson to so many.
God Bless and Keep Smiling :0)
~Aurelia
laobo wrote: I am moved. Thanks!
angelwingz wrote: A very wise parent,we need more such wisdom. In our lives! Thanks for sharing.
GuessWhat wrote: Wow. Actions indeed speak louder than words :) i too, sometimes, have difficulty overcoming my anger and react badly to situations. I will try to remember your father's example when i get angry the next time!
warmth wrote: It is very difficult to manage anger and you have succeeded in it. Kudos to u and thank u for sharing this kind story and setting an example. :)

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