Yesterday I went to the library to find out how to go about getting a library card. It is a very historic place, but I didn't stay very long. When I was leaving, a group of kids came in. I would guess they were about 10, as their tornado-like entrance was not accompanied by an adult.
They were coming in while I was approaching the door to leave. The last boy to come in with the group, sees me leaving, turns and walks back to open the door for me.
"Thanks, bud" I said.
"You're welcome."
"You have a great day."
"Thank you. You do, too."
Kelli Brown always uses the expression "warms my heart," so I'm pretty sure I picked up the phrase from her. As I walked towards my car, my heart felt so warm. A simple quick gesture from this sweet little boy made my entire day. I thought about his family and what a good job they were doing raising him. I thought about his luck of the draw growing up in this town of shambles. I thought about what he would be like in a few years. Would he keep this sweet demeanor or try to be more tough to fit in with his peers? Braddock teeters on abandoned and amazing. There really are amazing things going on, and I hope that he is a part of it. The after school programs, the urban farms, the free things offered at the library. Places like this need to succeed not for the people that have lived here forever as much as for the kids who have just started to.
No comments:
Post a Comment