Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Five More Minutes


--by ytk9z, posted Jul 1, 2008

While at the park one day, a woman sat down next to a man on a bench near a playground.  "That's my son over there," she said, pointing to a little boy in a red sweater who was gliding down the slide.  "He's a fine looking boy" the man said. "That's my son on the swing in the blue sweater."

Then, looking at his watch, he called to his son. "What do you say we go, Todd?"  Todd pleaded, "Just five more minutes, Dad. Please? Just five more minutes."

The man nodded and Todd continued to swing to his heart's content.  Minutes passed and the father stood and called again to his son.  "Time to go now?" Again Todd pleaded, "Five more minutes, Dad. Just five more minutes."  The man smiled and said, "O.K."

"My, you certainly are a patient father," the woman responded. 

The man smiled and then said, "My older son Tommy was killed by a drunk driver last year while he was riding his bike near here. I never spent much time with Tommy and now I'd give anything for just five more minutes with him. I've vowed not to make the same mistake with Todd.  He thinks he has five more minutes to swing.  The truth is, I get Five more minutes to watch him play."

Life is all about making priorities, what are your priorities?  Give someone you love 5 more minutes of your time today.

6499 Reads

Readers Comments

MakeSomeoneSmile wrote: This is great, thank you very much for sharing!
JuneBug wrote: This is a GREAT story! It is so easy to get caught up in the rush of life! Thank you for posting this! :}
lOVEBUG wrote: A lot of food for thought, thank you for sharing
speedi wrote: a heartfelt story,thank you so much for sharing it..
mitu915 wrote: I was deeply saddened to hear about this father's loss, but I'm glad that he truly values every minute he shares with his additional son.
cabbage wrote: What a beautiful story. When my son says "Just give me 5 more catches"--I give him 10 more just to enjoy that special time.
They don't stay young forever....it is truly precious time. I am so sorry for your loss. I am glad that your other son is getting your time and attention.
AURELIA wrote: The grow so quickly and more so these days. Time is precious and that was a good way of looking at it. It was a hard lesson for him to learn in a very sad situation and I'm glad he helped others too. :) ~Aurelia
perseverance wrote: Giving your time is showing your love affection care warmth and so on and so on.I would have done that If I have to live all over I will do more as what was lost can never be got back Especially the magical time which is the same for any one at the beginning of each day!!!
warmth wrote: I have read this b4. But thank u for posting it and reminding again to stop and appreciate the things we have and take some time to share love with others. God Bless u and a big hug from me :)
lmil1954 wrote: Hi ytk9z it sure is nice to meet you. What a wonderful story! Nice way foir me to start my day. God Bless you. LindaM:)

Add A Comment