My fourteen year young grandson, Bryar, received an award at his eighth grade graduation this past Wednesday night. He attended a Catholic elementary school and he will be moving on to a Catholic High School. The award is also a scholarship, a $5000.00 one time payment to the school of his choice. Isn’t that wonderful as we all know private schools require annual tuitions.
But what really touched my heart is the name of the award, the reason for the award… drum roll please! “Kindness Award”! Funded by an organization called Shirley’s Way, with a tag line that reads, “Let’s all change the WORLD together.” Bryar apparently took kindness and put it into action with his teachers and classmates this past year, perhaps for several years. I am so very proud of him.
I remember baby sitting him when he was around 18 months young. I built us a tent with a blanket and just for fun tied neckties that belonged to my ex-husband around both of our foreheads. We played with blocks and trucks. Oh, how he laughed! Ever so gentle he would tug on my necktie to pull my face close to his and softly touch my eyelids, nose, and teeth with his tiny fingers. He made such an effort to be so tender with his touch, no finger pokes from that little guy. I knew then he was a such a kindhearted little man, and I have wondered ever since what he will do with his life.
I attended Al-Anon, a 12 step program for families of alcoholics, for 26 years. When I first arrived in those rooms, filled with people who were dealing with challenges just like me, I was very angry. I had the mind set of it’s “them” and “us”. Fortunately my arrogance and anger turned to listening and learning. Boy, did I have a lot to learn! Al-Anon has several daily reading books to help one grow and think and learn to put the focus on oneself. I had one or two favorites that I read daily, and eventually my mind set changed to, ” We are all in this together”.
One of the books contained a sentence of such Truth that I have never forgotten it: “Kindness is the highest form of wisdom.” I have no idea what Bryar’s IQ level is, but in my opinion he is a very wise young man.
c Love, Joan
Oh, so very happy for Bryar to have such a cornerstone rememberance in his life. I hope, too, that he will read this story about his being born kind and gentle. So touching, Joan. Thank you!
yes! Maybe one day I will tell him this story beautiful lady!
Congrats Bryar!
Thanks beautiful Girl! I will tell him you said so!
Love that we Grandma’s , Nana’s, Etc…. Love making memories with our grandchildren. This is such a fun post it brings me back to when my older grandchildren were just littles. Boy did we have fun times. Thank you Joanie for your beautiful stories.
Love you always
Yes Chrissie beautiful Lady! Little men are such fun!
Congratulations to your wonderful grandson. I imagine he has inspired many with his kindness. So young and so wise.
I will have to tell him that story one day, beautiful Lady! Thanks for the idea! Joan
Any time our grandchildren are recognized for something good our hearts full with joy and pride.
I feel lucky to have grown up near an Aunt steeped in Al-Anon. And lucky to have recently joined CoDa with a group of people who have been active in twelve step for many years. Some for decades. Thanks for talking about your journey. Your wealth of experience with Al-Anon helps me understand the depth of you faith, compassion and wisdom, Joan. You’re the perfect Grandma for Bryar. I know I will be asking you from time to time how he unfolds his life. He sounds amazing!. xo