Today my little sister texted me to tell me about something that had happened at school. I say little, but she is fifteen and more mature than I am ;) She was in Biology class and asked her teacher a question about MS. Her teacher responded and shared that his own father had MS and had passed away a few weeks ago. My sister told her teacher that he didn't have to answer the question, but he said that it was a good question and told the class about treatments his dad went through and the effects of MS. After sharing his story, the teacher had to step out of the room and the class fell silent. They all felt sorry for their teacher, as they had no idea he had gone through such a horrific experience. It came as a shock to the class and, reasonably, left a mark on the students. I told my sister not to feel bad that she asked the question because it was a great question, and she had no idea about her teacher's situation. I told her that this is why we have to treat everyone with love and respect because we never truly know what someone else is going through. Everyone has their own travesties and challenges that they must endure. Some people keep it to themselves, especially from their students or coworkers, and so we have to be mindful of others. My sister then told me that his wife was expecting, which stings even more. His child will never know their grandfather. That part hit me harder. Maybe because I was already heartbroken to hear this teacher, a man who I knew when I was in high school, had lost his father, but more so because I value the relationship I have with my grandparents and know that this child will never have that. I took my grandparents' presence for granted but was able to create memories with them that I hold dear to my heart. I strive to make memories with my grandparents still living. It saddens me to know that that unborn child will not have the wonderful experience with their grandfather as I had with my own. It just reaffirms that we must love deeper.
Life is precious. Not only do we need to love our families, we need to love those who touch our lives in the smallest ways. Just think of a time when a stranger complimented you and it made your day. Now think if only everyone did that. Think of all the good and love we could spread if only we took into account others. Call me ideal, but smiling at someone on the train or in the hallway will go a long way.
It's never too late to tell someone you love them. It's never a bad time to be kind. It's never out-of-style to have integrity.
