Since the weekend life has been busy. Of course, there is so much work to do in the garden here and the community garden that sleep is more welcome these days than food — and that’s saying something, coming from this old mouth.
Anyway, over the weekend one of our newest young neighbors presented an attitude that was most unbecoming. Like I said, he is new to our neighborhood and knew nothing about us and we knew less about him. Anyway, he went with the other kids to the community garden over the weekend. I could not help but notice that when the group arrived back at the cabin everyone was in a somewhat sour mood.
Seems that the new little neighbor had an attitude that is unacceptable around here. He has a filthy little mouth and more greed than need. So, I guess some of us older folks should have told the other kids that sometimes it takes a while for a new person to fit it. And, I do suppose that everyone tried to make the youngster a part of the work force. Apparently, he did not understand volunteerism.
Oh, my! I have never seen such an attitude — not recently. So, the little man came up to me and asked if I was going to pay him for volunteering to help in the community garden. Well, guess not! So, I suggested that he ring up his mother to come get him. You see, it was Maggie’s birthday and this little creature was not going to ruin it — for her or anyone else.
When the mother arrived she asked if he had a good time. “NO! They won’t give me any money and I worked.” That’s just the beginning. I explained to the mother that we all volunteered at the community garden. Then, from the little mouth came, “Damn you!” I was not amused.
And, I was less amused when the mother did not ask him to apologize. Rather, she made an excuse for his actions and words. Of course, Maggie was “overhearing” all this and her voice could be heard from the kitchen, “Excuses only satisfy those who make them.”
Well, it seems that the boy wants a new bicycle and his dad won’t buy him one. He wants him to earn it. So, Jason suggested that he could let the lad help him with some yard work he does and pay him for it.
“My dad’s a doctor and I don’t have to work in people’s yards.” That was his reply. Well, it was a weak one, at best. About half the kids in the neighborhood have fathers and/or mothers who are doctors. (We live close to three major hospitals so our location is prime for neighborhood docs.)
That was Saturday. Monday afternoon the mother and son showed up at the community garden. I was surprised, to say the least. The youngster jumped out of the car and started pulling up weeds — and a few plants. I think everyone stopped to watch — in shock.
Well, it seems that Jason has received a full scholarship to a big university and the final decision was not based on his exemplary grades or admittance tests. He was told during his recent visit to the university that he was selected based on his community leadership. Of course, Jason did not expect the final decision to be based on all the volunteer work he has been doing, but all other things being equal he had excelled in community service and demonstrated positive leadership.
Apparently, Jason had stopped by the see this youngster and explained that sometimes when you do things for others, you are rewarded without expecting to be. I don’t know what else Jason said to the youngster, but there has been a major change in his attitude. He even says “please” and “thank you” now.
Of course, I am not naive. We have enjoyed three days of a happy lad. Anything is possible in the future — for the positive or negative. But, the mother even got out of her car and helped in the garden today. I’m wondering if they “get it” now. And, I am wondering just what Jason said to them.
Well, you know the saying…. “never look a gift horse in the mouth.” But, for now, before I get too close to the horse’s mouth I am just going to say that I am thankful that the youngster seems to get it. And, I’m keeping my fingers crossed.
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