A Child, a Bicycle and a Stray Dog

--by Woelwaters, posted Aug 3, 2008

In South Africa we daily learn how to trust other racial groups. This is an amazing experience in itself, to understand the one-ness despite the different colours.

Leaving my mom's home on Sunday I saw some kids standing in the street, looking intently to the direction I was coming from. Something seemed wrong. Not sure what was happening, I stopped and wound down the window. A teenage girl peeped in and said: "My brother was riding his bicycle and was chased by that stray dog. He is dead scared of dogs, and just climbed over someone's wall to get away."

I looked back and saw the dog. A big, brown creature clearly belonging somewhere else, but not in a street where kids play and drive their bicycles.

"Get in," I said, "and show me where your brother is". In hopped three kids and we drove up the street to where a young boy was climbing over a wall back into the street. His cheeks showed clear tear stains. His bicycle was thrown down on the lawn. "Get in," his sister said. One of the elder boys got out of the car , bravely took the bicycle and started pushing it back home. The four of us slowly and closely followed him, passing the now disinterested dog, until we were back at their home. I turned back to the visibly shocked boy, patted his knee and said: " It's fine now."

He gave me a brave little smile and took my hand. They got out, thanking me heartily and hopped back into their premises. I felt humble , and grateful, to have done something so small to make someone's life a bit better.

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Posted by Woelwaters
Aug 3, 2008
Comments (10)

Readers Comments

Emma wrote: You know, your article has been used as a closing test in our school,which is in china. All the students in a whole grade read it and learned this virtue from you.

anonimus wrote: Dear Woelwaters
what a wonderful thing you did,i remember i was afraid of dogs when i was little and had to change routes every time to avoid them when i was going to school...i know what you did will remain with those kids for a very along time....:-}:-}:-}thanks for sharing and have a blessed day

gracieliz wrote: What a wonderful story! In the US now, most of us wouldn't dare to ask children into our vehicles, and most children wouldn't dare enter. I wish it wasn't that way. If it does take an entire village to raise a child, it can't work if the child is afraid of everyone in the village! Thank you for sharing.

lmil1954 wrote: Woelwaters, thanks for your story...sorry I didnt see it till now. You are a soul full of compassion. The children needed you and you were there for them. God bless you. LindaM:)

perseverance wrote: Small acts one by one add up and make a big lot.Like the mighty oceans is collection of drops

lOVEBUG wrote: Good for you. I've learned never to laugh at anyone's fears. I have many irational fears of my own and I am very greatful for those who stand with me and help me move to a safer place. God Bless

brighteyes wrote: I am so glad you were at the right place and the right time and noticed that something was wrong....

Thank you for stopping, for your tender heart and compassion for those kids.

My Sister was afraid of dogs after a police dog on our street chased her and knocked her done....she used to carry an umbrella as she never knew when he would be out....here in CO, there is a problem is some towns with pitbulls....many stories of bitings and maulings so he is right to be cautious!

MakeSomeoneSmile wrote: That was very kind of you. Acts like that for children will shape our future world. Thanks for caring!

JuneBug wrote: No gesture is too small...You did a wonderful thing! :}

butterfly wrote: i agree with all the comments. you are a very special person to stop and help. you are making a such a wonderful special difference in the world. they kids will always remember your kindness. you are an angel. love and light x

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