The Freshman
One day, when I was a freshman in high school, I saw a kid from my class was walking home from school. His name was Kyle. It looked like he was carrying all of his books. I thought to myself, "Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday? He must really be a nerd." I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game with my friends tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on.
As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him. They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt. His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him. He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes. My heart went out to him. So, I jogged over to him and as he crawled around looking for his glasses, and I saw a tear in his eye. As I handed him his glasses, I said, "Those guys are jerks. They really should get lives."
He looked at me and said, "Hey thanks!". There was a big smile on his face. It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude.
I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived. As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him before. He said he had gone to private school before now. I would have never hung out with a private school kid before. We talked all the way home, and I carried his books. He turned out to be a pretty cool kid. I asked him if he wanted to play football on Saturday with me and my friends. He said yes. We hung out all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him. And my friends thought the same of him. Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the huge stack of books again. I stopped him and said, "Dang boy, you are gonna really build some serious muscles with this pile of books everyday!" He just laughed and handed me half the books. Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends. When we were seniors, began to think about college. Kyle decided on Georgetown, and I was going to Duke. I knew that we would always be friends, that the miles would never be a problem. He was going to be a doctor, and I was going for business on a football scholarship. Kyle was valedictorian of our class. I teased him all the time about being a nerd. He had to prepare a speech for graduation. I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up there and speak.
Graduation day, I saw Kyle. He looked great. He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school. He filled out and actually looked good in glasses. He had more dates than me and all the girls loved him! Boy, sometimes I was jealous. Today was one of those days. I could see that he was nervous about his speech. So, I smacked him on the back and said, "Hey, big guy, you'll be great!"
He looked at me with one of those looks (the really grateful one) and smiled. "Thanks," he said.
As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began. "Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years. Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach...but mostly your friends. I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them. I am going to tell you a story."
I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the story of the first day we met. He had planned to kill himself over the weekend. He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his mom wouldn't have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home. He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile. "Thankfully, I was saved. My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable."
I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment. I saw his mom and dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful smile. Not until that moment did I realize it's depth. Never underestimate the power of your actions. With one small gesture you can change a person's life.
For better or for worse. God puts us all in each other's lives to impact one another in some way. Look for God in others.
2006-08-01 06:36:34
·
answer #1
·
answered by buford_bargain_hunter 2
·
1⤊
0⤋
Good afternoon! I hope it is lovely where you are. Down here in the south we have a gorgeously sunny day with blue skies and white puffy clouds.
I slept really well last night so I feel good and I'm about to eat some dark chocolate which will make me feel even better. I've just finished ironing my pants so that I can go to work, and I like my job!
I hope you have a nice day! If you've been picking up too many negative vibes you need to smile and laugh. Let me think of a good joke for you.....
alright here's one from Reader's Digest:
These are from the poor translations category:
Not sure how to find an exit in southwest Namibia? Just read the sign: "Go back toward your behind."
A language barrier in Thailand? No way! One sign assures Americans "Of Clouse We Spoke England!"
And here's a bumper sticker I saw this week - maybe it's a bit negative but I liked it:
Does my flag offend you? Call 1-800-LEAVE-USA
Have a good day : -)
2006-08-01 06:44:40
·
answer #2
·
answered by Anne Teak 6
·
0⤊
0⤋
Yes, I do. It's a beautiful day. I survived two surgeries done at the same time. I have a wonderful granddaughter. I have terrific daughters and a good son. I love the color blue. I have a new book to read. I may have a new boss by the end of the day (please, Lord, please). I am going antiquing on the 19th. I'm so happy RLK moved the bookcase out of the living room. My new fans work well. I enjoy my lunch buddies. I love Sherwin Williams Compatible Cream which is now the color of my living room and kitchen.
Anything else?
2006-08-01 06:35:17
·
answer #3
·
answered by Blue 6
·
0⤊
0⤋
Negative vibes? How about, I like beans Woo Woo Woo I love beans, how 'bout you? High in Fiber, Low in Fat, I bet you didn't know that! When I eat beans I sit on my own little cloud no one comes to visit me on my little cloud. I don't know why, maybe it's because I'm cuttin' muffins! Because I love beans WOO Woo Woo.
Now, does anyone know what that is from?
2006-08-01 06:37:48
·
answer #4
·
answered by Anonymous
·
0⤊
0⤋
Yes. My friend just gave birth a few hours ago to a 10 1/2 pound baby....naturally.
2006-08-01 06:33:04
·
answer #5
·
answered by nikki puddin 3
·
0⤊
0⤋
Where I'm at the sun is shining, I got to get out of bed and kiss my little boy this morning. Then I got to work and there was already coffee there;) Life is GOOD!
2006-08-01 06:33:34
·
answer #6
·
answered by MANDY 2
·
0⤊
0⤋
yeah i do: i love u and ya to many negative vibes
2006-08-01 06:34:44
·
answer #7
·
answered by Anonymous
·
0⤊
0⤋
Have A Nice Day!
2006-08-01 06:43:56
·
answer #8
·
answered by anitababy.brainwash 6
·
0⤊
0⤋
LMAO, that music has been caught in my head ALL day and also you simply introduced it again! A duck walked as much as a lemonade stand and he stated to the person runnin the stand, howdy acquired any grapes?...
2016-08-28 14:31:04
·
answer #9
·
answered by Anonymous
·
0⤊
0⤋
THANK YOU!
I am so sick of people who keep thinking negative!
play the guitar and piano,music is my passion.
My motos: When one door closes,another opens.
After rain ,sun will shine.
I try to think positive and thats what it keeps me going.If you have something else to ask-ask! I will be more than glad to answer. ♥
2006-08-01 06:36:26
·
answer #10
·
answered by Anonymous
·
0⤊
0⤋
Negative and honesty are two different things.
And I love you.
Positive enough?
2006-08-01 06:33:12
·
answer #11
·
answered by Anonymous
·
0⤊
0⤋