I am so glad that young people are our future. I have been inspired in so many ways recently with my nephew. He's been through this awful experience but he has handled himself with strength and maturity. He's shown me over the last days that love and kindness is more important than anything else. He's also made a few friends that have made me feel the same way. Today, they have inspired me.
Follow me over the fold for inspiration, and hope in the next generation.
A couple of days ago my family (including my nephew) were walking around the neighborhood. We were just making small talk about nothing in particular when Matt noticed one yard was in need of work. There were leaves strown all over the place. Weeds had taken over a flower bed. Branches littered the yard. Matt asked if the house was abandoned. I told him that it was occupied by a sweet old lady. I went on to say that her husband had died recently, and since then, the yard had been neglected.
This afternoon Matt came home from school with 7 other teenage boys. One of them had a pickup truck full of rakes. He told me they were going to clean up this old ladies yard. It almost brought me to tears. Why hadn't I thought of that? Matt asked if I'd go with them to make an introduction.
The elderly lady came to the door and as I told her that the boys were there to clean up her yard she began to weep. Her family lives in another state, and due to a medical condition she is unable to care for her yards needs. The boys talked to her a few minutes and got to work.
Two hours later the leaves were bagged, and flowers were planted in that flower bed. Yes, the boys had bought flowers and even planted them. I am seriously inspired. When talking with them, the boys said they did it because "it was the right thing to do".
I'm touched that Matt thought to do this. I'm even more touched that he was able to convince 7 other teenager boys to help him. I'm seriously amazed. Those same teenage boys are now in my living room watch NCAA basketball. I have been banished. Teenagers amaze me and if the upcoming generations are anything like these boys we will be better off.
This made me think, what if we all did something kind for someone else during the next week. Wouldn't the world be a better place?
I've seen that teenage boys can be cruel, but they can also be very kind. I'm amazed that Matt has been able to make so many friends so quickly. These guys downstairs are apparently just a few of the friends he's made. I can assure you that he will be breaking many girls' hearts when he comes out to them. The girls are calling him day and night. (Who can blame them?) Such is teenage life. Even with all the tradegy life seems normal again if for only a few hours.