In a small town, my parents made friends with a 15-year-old boy who lived across the street. He came every day for a year and helped and hung out with her. He would go food shopping with my dad, carry bags, and even cut their grass.
I thought at first that his kindness was just being polite, but I soon learned that he really cared and was concerned. He was selfless, which isn’t often seen in teens.
When my mom went to the hospital, things changed. She was weak and tired, and she needed help. To be there for her, the boy asked to come over.
When he saw her in the hospital bed, he lost his cool. It was easy for him to cry as he held her close in his arms. My mom hugged him back, her eyes welling up, and she could hardly sit down.
In that moment of silence, they had a deep connection that went beyond being friends. He became part of the family through love and kindness.
He said in a low voice, “I’ll be here for her and for them both.” His deeds matched what he said he would do: he was completely committed.
We often forget about the unsung and humble stars among us. Kindness can be shown by anyone, at any age. Sometimes, the strangers we meet become our closest guides.
