Every Saturday morning I rush off to Pilates class.
I have a five speed, stick shift. For some reason I was a little discombobulated two Saturday mornings ago. After class I started my car when I noticed a car drive by with two guys who were looking at me with a funny looks.
Suddenly I realized I had driven into the car next to me.
OOOPS!! Who drives into a car in a parking lot?
Only me---who’s life is Murphy’s Law! (My sons would love laughing at me on this one!!!)
I got out of my car and left a note on the poor guy’s car. When the young man called he said,
“I was so upset when I saw my car, but when I saw your wife’s note, I felt so much better.”
Integrity is doing the right thing when no one is watching. This past Saturday I called #2 to see if he could squeeze me into his schedule at the University of Pennsylvania.
We meet for dinner.
“So how are you?”
“Good.”
“How’s your buddy John (not his real name)?”
“Well he’s having a rough time.”
“Really?”
“Yah.”
“Why?”
“Well, he’s at Wharton, he rushed a fraternity, he’s doing crew.”
“Oh.”
“He’s taking a semester off.”
“Oh, I see.”
“How’s Bob?”
“He’s OK.”
“His grades OK?”
“I guess.”
“What’s going on with him?”
“Well he talks with the high school coach and what’s going on there.”
“Oh.”
“What’s going on?”
“I don’t know and I don’t care.”
“Right.”
“Is he OK?”
“Yah.”
“Is he acclimating better?”
“Yah.”
“What about Bob? Is he OK? Have you heard from him?”
“Yah.”
“And what about Drew? How’s he?”
“He’s good. I’m going to go to Mardi Gras one year.”
“That’s great honey, you plan for that. I’m so glad Drew is doing well.”
And on it went. Later as we were driving home my husband said, “Did you notice he won’t criticize or speak ill of anyone, the kid that was rushing a fraternity, doing crew and in Wharton, everything he’s doing--he wouldn’t criticize that kid. He is amazing isn’t he?”
“Yes, he is.”
The truth is #2 is smarter and greater than I will ever be. I didn't gossip...I was too busy with my own life. Children are sponges. I taught my children that mistakes mean you're trying. Every failure brings you one step closer to success. All I ever expected was for them to do their best...and to never ever give up. Remember parents lead by example. I had one rule and I still do---no lies.
Thank You for Being Here. It really means a lot to me that you take time out of your schedule to come by.
Copyright 2009
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