Changing a Tire and Teaching a Son

--by MakeSomeoneSmile, posted Aug 10, 2011

Last week as I pulled into the parking lot with my son for his baseball game, I saw a woman trying to change her flat tire. I told my son I would get him over to his practice field and then I was going back to help the woman change her tire.

When I got back to the parking lot, nobody had stopped to help her. I went over and offered. She tried to be nice and said that she was fine, but I could see otherwise so I insisted. Besides, my mother as she watches me from above would have cut a deal to send a pigeon to deliver a “special present” for me if her son had walked by and done nothing. Another woman parked nearby and said she had some wipes in the car, as I was getting dirty from the tire. She waited for us to finish and then gave us the wipes. I could tell it made her feel good in her own way. There were opportunities for kindness all around!

The best part for me though wasn’t just the fact that I could help. It came after my son’s game was over. As he and I walked to the parking lot he asked me why I went back to help the woman. I told him that it was the right thing to do. When he said to me, “next time Dad I want to help you change a tire” I was reminded that our children learn kindness from us and I will not let them down!

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Posted by MakeSomeoneSmile
Aug 10, 2011
Comments (17)

Readers Comments

Bluebell wrote: It is lovely when a single act of kindness touches so many people, the lady that needed help, the lady who stopped to help and of course the professional HO kindness expert who changed the tyre, the bonus was the little boy that learned "the right thing to do". Love and Light and Endless Blessings, Bluebell

wayfarer wrote: Awwwww! Awwwww! Awwwwwwwww!

Just all good! You're a wOnderful man, MSS!

FairyBubbles wrote: That's lovely - and you are a wonderful role model to more people than you know.
(((HUG)))

bluxess wrote: Yes, I enjoy hearing those completing statements, 'its the right thing to do' ... Each time, I am compelled to help, I get those words ... I am glad to hear this from you too ... And as you rightly pointed out, I am so happy to hear you wanting your son witness and take the kindness act forward ... I feel this is our greatest gift ... God bless, thanks for sharing.

hasifa wrote: What a beautiful teaching moment. Thank you for helping that woman. Most importantly thank you for taking the time to teach your son the importance of doing the right thing. Your son will grow up knowing why it is important to reach out to others. That is a gift that keeps on giving because every person that he will reach out to in the future will be due to the values that you are instilling in him now.

RMB333 wrote: WONDERFUL! Yeah! The parents are the VERY first living examples for kids. You have learnt FROM yours & now you are passing down TO yours and, the Teachers & Outside world follows from there on... Thanks a million for sharing. Bless you!

Nihanth Dara wrote: What you did and shared is really good. Now a days children are learning mainly by observation and doing things and if they observe good things they will be doing them for sure. !

Cam wrote: I only hope my son gets to experience such moments.

moral12 wrote: That was a great lesson in kindness you demonstrated for your son. Kudos to you!

Joy wrote: Thanks for sharing your story of kindness. What a great example you set for your son. Blessings to you both.

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