Capable Hands

On Monday of this week, our son’s third grade teacher shared an email with the parents of his class telling the story of their end of year auction. One student (our son) wanted some squirt guns that came up for bid. He immediately bid all he had left, but was overbid by another kid. Soon, others started bidding on the squirt guns. When the teacher handed the guns to the winning bidder, she turned and gave them to our son. Some of the other children bidding on the guns said that was what they were bidding for - to give them to Spencer because they knew he really wanted them.

The auction continued in the same vein. Some kids stopped bidding because they knew the other kid really wanted it or was bidding on something for their sibling or another kid. Some high bidders then handed over the item to another kid who had run out of money.

His teacher ended by saying that is just how this class had behaved all year long - friendly and empathetic towards one another. Her email was very touching.

And, as it happens, those squirt guns and many more were put to good use the next day as Spencer, his Mom and I hosted an end-of-the-school-year party for his class at our house.

As a result, I too, echo his teacher’s sentiments.  Yes, the kids were rambunctious, especially when the squirt guns came out, but they were well behaved, very sociable, polite and well mannered.  I received numerous, unprompted “please” and “thank you”s all day long as I dished out hamburgers and hot dogs from the grill.  My wife received many sincere thank you’s and complements on her decorations, foods and desserts.  She had a number of signs made up to go along with the Star Wars theme and the slogan – “May the 4th be with you”.  See, they are third graders going into the fourth grade.  It’s a play on the words, “May the force …”, oh, never mind, we thought it was cute any way.

The children all helped clean up the yard (many broken water balloons); put away the toys; and clean up the trash before leaving for the evening.  They all made sure to say goodbye and thanked us one last time.  I was impressed.

I know it seems to be in vogue to complain about “kids these days”; lament the decline in values; bemoan forgotten manners; and, grumble over the poor work ethic (too much sitting on front of video games); but, this experience, along with other opportunities I have had throughout the year to work with some high school kids on joint Interact/Rotary projects; dining with Students-of-the-Month at our Rotary lunches; and seeing incoming and outgoing exchange students present their experiences to our club; I, for one, think our future is in fine and capable hands.

Yes, maybe I am in the minority; but, more likely, I am part of a silent majority, that thinks – as long as we adults don’t ruin things for them before they get a chance – the future looks bright in the hands of our children.  I can’t wait to see what they have in store for us.  

But, for now, I will just enjoy their youth and join Spencer’s third grade teacher in being proud of their kindness.