Monday, November 27, 2006
A Generous Lesson
Jack had no idea he was doing it, but he was laying it on thick. Real thick. And boy, did it work. Surprisingly, it wasn't me who fell for it this time, but rather a complete stranger.
Here's what happened: My son and I were inside one of Jack's favorite stores, a shop at Crown Center that sells model trains. We had just enjoyed the Mayor's tree lighting (a great show, by the way), eaten dinner and were checking out some of the stores. Jack loves trains and always enjoys the various toy train displays at this shop and this night was no different. However, a couple of months ago, we started a system where Jack can earn money by performing various chores around the house. For the first time in his young life, he has his own cash. It's not much, but it's his. And that's how he melted the heart of a salesperson.
As I looked on, Jack stood in front of one of the sales counters at the store, looked longingly at some of the merchandise, then slowly pulled two quarters out of his jeans pocket. He proceeded to glance between the coins and the toys in a way that was so darn cute and a little pathetic. Before I knew it, the salesperson was asking Jack what he liked. Jack picked up a set of small cars and an airplane and lo and behold, the salesman told Jack he could have it. I was stunned. I told the man he didn't have to do that. I even offered to pay. He would have none of it. He insisted he does this often and wouldn't even accept Jack's two quarters.
Again, Jack didn't try to pull a scam here. He was honestly trying to figure out if the 50 cents in his pocket could buy any of the great toys in the store. But his act of innocence turned into something much more.
Jack was very moved by the salesman's kindness and so was I. Several times later that evening, when Jack expressed how excited he was to be was given the toy, I took the opportunity to use it as an example why giving and sharing are so important. It was one of those nice moments I'll always remember. The simple kindness of a stranger that had a big impact on a father and son.
Here's what happened: My son and I were inside one of Jack's favorite stores, a shop at Crown Center that sells model trains. We had just enjoyed the Mayor's tree lighting (a great show, by the way), eaten dinner and were checking out some of the stores. Jack loves trains and always enjoys the various toy train displays at this shop and this night was no different. However, a couple of months ago, we started a system where Jack can earn money by performing various chores around the house. For the first time in his young life, he has his own cash. It's not much, but it's his. And that's how he melted the heart of a salesperson.
As I looked on, Jack stood in front of one of the sales counters at the store, looked longingly at some of the merchandise, then slowly pulled two quarters out of his jeans pocket. He proceeded to glance between the coins and the toys in a way that was so darn cute and a little pathetic. Before I knew it, the salesperson was asking Jack what he liked. Jack picked up a set of small cars and an airplane and lo and behold, the salesman told Jack he could have it. I was stunned. I told the man he didn't have to do that. I even offered to pay. He would have none of it. He insisted he does this often and wouldn't even accept Jack's two quarters.
Again, Jack didn't try to pull a scam here. He was honestly trying to figure out if the 50 cents in his pocket could buy any of the great toys in the store. But his act of innocence turned into something much more.
Jack was very moved by the salesman's kindness and so was I. Several times later that evening, when Jack expressed how excited he was to be was given the toy, I took the opportunity to use it as an example why giving and sharing are so important. It was one of those nice moments I'll always remember. The simple kindness of a stranger that had a big impact on a father and son.
Posted at 5:52 AM
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