How I Learned Compassion~A Mother's Day Story

This is a true story and something I have kept close to my heart throughout my life. Some lessons can only be taught by example. This is one of scores my Mother taught me.

The Field Trip

As if it were yesterday I remember boarding the big yellow school bus for some 5th grade field trip. I was so excited that my mom had volunteered to help the teacher that day. Of course it meant she would sit next to me and everyone would know how much I was loved.

To my disappointment , however, she chose to sit next to someone else that day. I was crushed. That was MY mom. She's supposed to sit with ME! Not some boy I  hardly knew! Besides, nobody liked him. He played barbies with his sister at lunch time. He wasn't like the other boys.

 Everyone laughed at him....except for that day on the bus. A friendly lady with red hair, fair skin, freckles and a beautiful smile, chose to be his pal for the day instead of showering all of her attention on her own daughter. A daughter who knew how much she was loved, and would survive one afternoon being #2.

Mom talked with the quiet boy,they laughed, walked on the beach and collected shells. We all sat together and had lunch but I was still mad at not being her center of the Universe.

We made it back to the school. Mom said goodbye to the boy and gave him a big hug. Then we went home.

I learned compassion that day, although at the time I didn't comprehend. Before we made it to the 6th grade, the boy who stole my mother's heart for a day killed himself. I never really knew what happened, but I know he was bullied and laughed at by the other kids at school. But for one sunny day on the beach, a beautiful red headed lady with a lovely sweet smile, warmed his heart.

We lost her two years later.

I love you Mom and I miss you every single day.

Happy Mother's day