Teaching My Daughter Through A Real-Life Experience

--by gracieliz, posted Jul 16, 2009

One day I had my youngest daughter, Lauren, out shopping and running errands with me. We were rounding the corner of a fast-food place to pick up something quick to eat, a rare thing for us. There was what appeared to be a homeless man, maybe 65 or so, who had a couple of dogs on wire leashes. He wasn't begging, but he smiled and waved at us.

Once we picked up our food, I drove back around and asked him how he was, and said his dogs looked as though they really loved him. He said indeed they all loved each other, then said something like, 'I lost about everything in a fire a few months ago (a building he was squatting in) except for these guys, and I have all I need. But I sure do miss my Bible.' I smiled and waved, and told my daughter that we were taking a small detour.

We drove to the used book store a couple of miles away, and found a lovely Bible in like new condition. I paid 6 or 8 bucks for it, and we drove right back to the area. He had walked over to a shady spot next to the convenience store, and was just sitting, petting his canine buddies. My little 12 year old got out of the car, and walked over to the man, Bible outstretched. He took the book from her, then asked her (and me) if he could give her a hug. She said sure, and he really hugged her, this homeless and unwashed man, and he cried. She hugged him back, and I think she learned so much from that little interlude.

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Posted by gracieliz
Jul 16, 2009
Comments (32)

Readers Comments

josietn wrote: Beautiful!

peacehunter wrote: I thank you for being there for him. So simple but probably changed him and your daughter forever.

Shirley Marsh wrote: What a wonderful example your child has in you. Bless you and all like you and all who will now try to emulate your example because you shared. Ripples in a pond!

kimj wrote: I think this is a great story. It is always important to teach our kids about the loving and kindness of god.

thaata wrote: Children learn fast and by observing others. They react to kindness and love positively because basically they are loving and kind hearted. God bless you.

Debbie Perkin wrote: That's wonderful. A similar thing happened with my 7 year old daughter; at christmas we were in the city and saw a young homeless gentleman sitting on the floor. I went over to him with my daughter and we sat and talked with him and then bought him some food. Today at school, my daughter has organised a cake sale to raise money for homeless young people in our local area. And hopefully, this will inspire others.

Twinkle wrote: Wow, that story really made me cry. It is truly beautiful what you did that day.

Davinci. PHARAOH wrote: A teacher affects etrnity; he can never tell where his influence stops / what nobler employment, or more valuable to the state, than that of a man who instructs the rising generations?

Patti H. wrote: This is an awesome story and you most certainly did show your daughter a life lesson. This gave me goose bumps. I wish more people were like you!

God bless!

Dr Siddiqui wrote: A simple heart touching experience for u,ur daughter and the readers. Thanks for sharing it.

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