Friday, July 10, 2009

Friday 55 & Da Count-A Sense of Service

FRIDAY 55

A man hobbles through the chow line,
waiting for the first good meal he's had in a while.
His feet are covered in blisters
instead of clad with shoes.
A boy serving food
notices the man's feet,
asks if he may help,
then removes his own shoes
to give to someone
who needs them more.


DA COUNT

Last week while I was at the beach, Diana was on a trip with friends and Calypso was staying elsewhere because I couldn't convince her to come to the beach. At the same time Mr. Lime and Isaac were on a work trip to New Orleans. Yes, this many years later there is still work to be done in cleaning up and repairing in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. I have not gone mainly because the mode of transportation (over 24 hours driving straight through) would demolish my back to the point of rendering me useless as a worker and the proliferation of mold is more than I think my lungs could handle as well. Mr. Lime and each of the girls have gone more than once. Last week was Isaac's first visit.

I knew it would be an eye opening experience for Isaac to see the destruction and the poverty in the areas where they'd be working (Lower 9th Ward). I know he's a hard worker and does not shirk from physical labor (paraphernalia left strewn around the living room notwithstanding). His dad has also been working with him ahead of time on various odd jobs locally to give him practical experience in some of the construction type skills he'd need. I'm told he did drywalling, spackling, flooring, and scrubbed out a particularly vile mosquito breeding ground which was formerly a swimming pool all with a good attitude and to the best of his ability. I was glad to hear that but not surprised. The group he was with also prepared and served meals as part of a soup kitchen for the homeless and needy.

What moved me to tears was hearing the above story I related in the 55 when Mr. Lime called to tell me what our boy had done. No one asked him to give his sneakers. Isaac saw another human being in distress and decided on his own to do what was within his power to alleviate it even at personal cost. Some may be inclined to say it was pointless because there are so many other people with needs that it makes no difference or that maybe my boy was manipulated. Some may ask if he plans to give away his shoes to every barefooted homeless man he ever sees. None of that matters. It made a difference to the man who received the shoes and I could not possibly be prouder of a young man with a compassionate heart who is moved to practical action.

30 comments:

misticblu said...

That is a true testament to your parenting accomplishment.
He IS because of you. He is GIVING because of you.
That was very uplifting!

Jazz said...

I was gonna say, it definitely makes a difference - if only to the man who now has shoes.

And things like this help restore my faith in humanity.

Bijoux said...

Awesome young man!

Desmond Jones said...

". . . None of that matters. . ."

Absolutely true.

I, too, am a bit in awe of the content of your son's heart that such and act of mercy would even occur to him. . .

You've got every reason to be busting-your-buttons proud of him. . .

Cheesy said...

Wow what a burst your buttons moments for you and the MR.... I am also proud of the young man in your life.
Smile and enjoy the person he has become! My lord he sure looks like mama huh?

Oh and just think! One less pair of shoes for you to have to pick up!

WTG you 2!

Elle Dubya said...

you're son has blessed me.

Hilary said...

Your boy is a gem. I can imagine the pride you must be feeling. You know you've done this parenting gig right.

Craver Vii said...

When Jesus talks about separating the sheep and the goats, it is this very thing that He is looking for.

anthonynorth said...

That's a great achievement, in more ways than one.

lecram said...

Aye... making a difference to one is making a difference to the world. Wonderful Count!

Alice Audrey said...

That is a rare, and valuable kindness.

Anonymous said...

Your boy is one amazing boy, but how could he not be with you as a mom! ;)

Wonderful 55 and fantastic story!!!

S said...

Your boy leaves his paraphernalia all over the living room? :O
;)


What a very cool and giving thing to do. More people should think like him. You ought to be very proud.

Ananda girl said...

Wow! Great 55 story. I love that it is true and that people like your son are out there. It gives me hope... and phooey on those who say our young don't care about anything but themselves. No wonder you are proud!

I'll be passing this story on.

Jocelyn said...

Your kid is so damn awesome. He got that from somewhere. Hugs to the whole family.

Did I mention yet that your kid is awesome?

Holy hell.

Jeni said...

That is truly fantastic that your son saw a need and handled it in his own way. So it was only one person to him, but it's showing he's a darned great role model and perhaps someone else saw and will follow in his footsteps too.
Several of the kids from our church's youth ministry have been going to various places for a week each smmmer for the past 4 years now -my 17-year-old step-grandaughter among them -and working to help people in a manner similar to what your husband and children have been doing. This year, they spent a week in Cincinnati, in one of the poorest areas of the city, helping teach other children, doing odd jobs to help people in need and it's been quite an eye-opening experience for the 17-year-old to witness and work in this manner. Truly a great experience for all concerned.

g-man said...

Somebody did something right Trini in raising such a fine compassionate young man,
You have every right to be proud!
Great 55 Michelle...thanks for sharing...G

Anonymous said...

It is as they say, Lime, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

Mona said...

You did so well, raising them up !

Compassion in heart is rare to find these days!

crazy4coens said...

You guys have done good! How wonderful that you are giving your children experiences in compassion. (I got here via Miz Ananda, BTW)

Anonymous said...

What an amazing son you have!! He's a special human being!

NYD said...

I never would have done that. Then again I wouldn't have been down in New Orleans helping out.
You got some damn fine men in your family. Damn fine.


Grump

LOL. I finally get a word Veri. that actually IS a word, yippie!

DianeCA said...

Wow! What an incredible son you have, with an honest sense of humanity and compassion. Thank you for reminding us what manKIND is capable of.

RennyBA said...

Well done - like a role model - a great reminder to all of us!

Commander Zaius said...

Isaac is an excellent young man coming from a great family. That made me feel good.

Kat said...

What a heart that young man has! It makes me tear up too.

Malicious Intent said...

Shoes are so highly overrated anyway.
I mean all they do is track in all that dirt onto those new floors they were making.

Good job Mom. ;)

Malicious Intent said...

I hope you don't mind, but I gave a shout out to your and your offspring on my blog. I love a good story about a great kid and a really good mom who beat...er...I mean raised them proper. :)

secret agent woman said...

I'm reading backwards and so out of order, but this is a beautiful contrast to the next post. This is what living your faith means.

Understanding Alice said...

Brilliant! I work with young people and time and time again they show the practical heart of love that sometimes adults fail to manage... like the three nine year olds i was chatting to yeaterday who were bored earlier in the week.... so they decided to raise money for charity - theyve got £14 so far :)