this is a bit long.. but worth reading

[caleb002]

One day, when i was a freshman in high school, i saw a kid from my class was walking home from school.
His name was Kyle.
It looked like he was carrying all of his books.
I thought to myself, "Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday? he must really be a nerd."
i had quite a weekend planned (Parties and a football game with my friends tomorrow afternoon), so i shrugged my shoulders and went on.

As i was walking, i saw a bunch of kids running toward him.
they ran at him, knocking all of his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt.
His glasses went flying, and i saw them land in the grass about ten feet away from him.
He looked up and i saw this terrible sadness in his eyes.
My heart went out to him. So i jogged over to him and as he crawled around looking for his glasses, and i saw a tear in his eyes.
As i handed him his glasses, i said, "Those guys are jerks. they really should get lives."
He looked at me and said, "Hey thanks"
There was a big smile on his face.
It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude.

I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived.
As it turned out, he lived near me, so i asked why i had never seen him before.
he said he had gone to a privet school before now.
I would have never hung out with a private school kid before.
We talked all the way home, and i carried some of his books.
he turned out to be a pretty cool kid.

I asked him if he wanted to play a little football with my friends.
He said yes.
We hung out all weekend and the more i got to know Kyle, the more i liked him, and my friends thought the same.

Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the huge stack of books again.
I stopped him and said, "Boy, you are gonna really build some serious muscles with this pile of books everyday"
He just laughed and handed me half the books.

Over the next four years, Kyle and i became best friends.
When we were seniors, we began to think about collage.
Kyle decided on Georgetown, and i was going to duke.
I knew that we would always be friends, that the miles would never be a problem.
He was going to be a doctor, and i was going for business on a football scholarship.

Kyle was valedictorian of our class.
I teaed him all the time about being a nerd.
He had to prepare a speech for graduation..
I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up there and speak.

Graduation day, i saw Kyle.
He looked great.
He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school. He filled out and actually looked great in glasses.
He had more dates then i had and all the girls loved him.
Boy, sometimes i was jealous.
Today was one of those days.
I could see that he was nervous about his speech.
So, i smacked him on the back and said. "Hey big guy, you'll be great!"
he looked at me with one of those looks (that really grateful one) and smiled
"Thanks", he said.

As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began.
"Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years.
Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach... but mostly your friends...
I am going to tell you a story."

I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the story of the first day we met.
He had planned to kill himself over the weekend.
He talked of how he had cleaned out of his locker so his Mom wouldn't have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home.
He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile.
" Thankfully, i was saved.
My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable."

I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment.
I saw his Mom and dad looking at me giving me thet same grateful smile.
Not until that moment did i realize it's depth.

Never underestimate the power of your actions.
with one small gesture you can change a persons life.
For better or for worse.
God puts us all in each other's lives to impact one another in some way.

Look for god in others.

i think this story is really wonderful so i wanted to share it with u guys.

[saffy]

I have heard this before and it is so true. One action that seems small to you can make a hugh difference in someone's life. One rule I always try to follow is to treat everyone I meet as I wish they would treat me. When someone is down, listen, make them smile and give them a positive thought. If someone is already smiling the best thing you can do is smile right back. Let them know you feel the positive energy.

Thanks for bringing this story back up. It is one I don't mind reading, it reminds you of how our positive actions can help more than just us.

[Sloan]

I remember reading this before and loved it then. Thanks for this!

[yogagurl]

Great story, thanks!
Kristi

[♥Starlene]

I know its a story, but it made me tear up... I am just emotional sometimes when it comes to stories like this... Thanks for sharing Kim!
((((hugs)))))

[caleb002]

thank u....
i think it is so touching...

[veggiechef]

Yes,I definately needed to hear that story today....thanks for sharing it.

[devikpani]

Thanks for sharing.