A nice reward for a mother! A totally un-political post!

[Catamount]

Yesterday I was very depressed, a state of mind I usually manage to repress in my daily life, as long as I can pay the rent and feed my at- college son.
Self-employed for many years—in the Fine-Arts- field, work for me seems too have run out and life has become more of a struggle, than usual. I know I’m just one of millions, but that doesn’t make it easier.
Then there’s the political situation here- and the state of the world in general, where no matter which way one turns—there’s only gloom and doom at the end- whether through wars, global warming or problems caused by over-population, and so on.
To top it off, I’m cut off from the rest of my family….I might borrow this phrase ‘Oceans divide Us’ and it’s very difficult at times.
However this is not a supposed top be a self-absorbed rant, so I’ll skip to the good parts!
I did what I love doing best when it’s not raining- I played tennis with my son, at one of the local school-courts.
Toward the end of our match, a father with his three boys began playing in the second court and I thought it was so nice to see that, since usually the parents drop their kids off and leave them to their own devices.
When we finished our match, this man came up to me and asked:
“Are you the same lady who used to play basketball with her son, down at Redondo?”
I smiled, remembering the bittersweet times all too well and said: ”Yes I am, why do you ask?”
He replied: “Don’t you remember me, I used to walk my dog, near the basketball court! I think you are the best mom in the world, because I used to see you day after day, come rain or shine, even in snow! You were my inspiration to be a good father and I try to spend as much time with my kids, as you have with yours! I just wanted you to know that!”
We shook hands and I thanked him for brightening my day, at a time when my self-esteem was very low.
Even though I’d lost the match, I felt like a winner!

[blm]

1. Oh geez, Catamount - your post has me tearing up like a baby.

It's just about the greatest thing any one parent can hear from another.



Kand R because family values MATTER when they're REAL family values.

[Catamount]

4. Thanks,blm! You're right!

[Extend a Hand]

2. Wow!

it's wonderful that he came up and talked to you. It's amazing how we can connect with people every day often without even realizing it!

Kudo's to you!!

[Fridays Child]

3. What blm said!

:cry: :hug:

[TAPat]

5. My sight is getting blurry too...

That was really nice.
K&R, because we should all try to brighten others' days if we can :)

[Oversea Visitor]

6. Jabba the hut cant buy that for 500 million bucks

[bumblebee1]

7. Congratulations, Catamount

[babylonsister]

8. What a beautiful compliment!

:hug:

[etherealtruth]

9. That is ONE of the highest compliments ...

... a parent could receive.

Your post has brought tears to this mom's eyes.

[Catamount]

10. I thank you all!

[Callalily]

11. We never realize

how we touch people's lives, and you touched that families in the best way possible. You are truly an inspiration

[in_cog_ni_to]

12. Well shit...there goes my mascara!

:cry: How touching is that?! You must be so proud!:hug: That was such a nice thing for him to say.

[peace13]

13. Thanks for the smile, that is so cool! Peace

[Arkansas Granny]

14. That's a great compliment indeed. And you know what's even

better is that your son will remember that for the rest of his life and it will have a profound effect on him too.

:hug:

[klook]

15. Beautiful!

Not only do you have a great relationship with your son, but these three other kids have a great relationship with their dad, thanks in part to your example.

Too many parents forget that what's key in raising healthy, successful children is spending time doing things with them and showing them, over and over, that you love them.

:yourock:

[pacalo]

16. I looooove this! It made *me* feel good, too!

That's just about the best compliment a parent could receive!

[rman]

17. k&r

these kinds of posts make by day

[Stinky The Clown]

18. There IS good in the world

It is in the hearts of wonderful people like you ...... and that man.

Consider what a high compliment that not only did you inspire him, but you did it so strongly that he's remembered you.

I would feel blessed if all my friends were just like you.

[electron_blue]

19. how touching. Thank you thank you for sharing.

[i miss america]

20. Absolutely awesome! Congratulations on the great job you are doing

Your very touching story reminds me of my favorite quotes of all time...

Jackie Kennedy once said: "If you bungle raising your children, I don't think whatever else you do well matters very much."

Thank you for your beautiful post and for reminding us of what matters most in this world.

:yourock:

[Catamount]

21. You are so very welcome...and all of you wonderful people...

you make me feel like YOU ARE ALL MY FAMILY!
Now I'm tearing up!

[Joe Chi Minh]

25. What an awesome insight, and I'd always taken her for not much

more than a flibbertigibbet with too much money and time on her hands. What we get from the media, even in terms of celebrity gossip, is so often hopelessly shallow and consequently distorted.

You must have been blown away by that for the rest of the day, Catamount; and of course it will always be with you now. Yes. Nothing less than awesome.

[Nimrod2005]

22. Thank you for this post - WOW!!!

I am so glad you shared with us...I hope to grow up to be like you, I have a 4 yr old daughter, our only child, there is nothing in the world I'd rather do than spend time with her...

[roguevalley]

23. even one person can change the world. Remember that you were

important in the life of that man and his children will grow up to be better people because you are a good person. You have worth. You were told and now you know. Most of us don't get this break. You are my new hero.

[nashville_brook]

24. big kick for the "small stuff"

when i was a gung-ho "kid' i was lucky to have parentals who took the time to make me learn that world peace is going to take time. don't forget what's in front of you.

[jean]

26. Just think of how many times that father has thought of you all these

years! Your strength, character and public persona impacted his large family in the best way. There must be many people who have seen you over the years and are modeling your wisdom.

I'm grinning and blinking back a few happy tears thinking of your son and the other three sons, who are going to impact our world as wonderful men. Thank you - the world is really blessed by your presence.

[BrklynLiberal]

28. Exactly what I was thinking and since I can't say it any better I will

just tagalong onto your post and add my thanks.:hi: :grouphug:

[TexasLawyer]

27. Really touching

good lessons about parenting,

about the ripple effects of a random act of kindness (I'm sure all of us with children still at home are going to give the kiddies an extra hug) and

about the beauty and importance of expressing one's feelings of admiration for the people who have made our lives a little better.

[SoCalDem]

29. Don't you just love the randomness of life?

How a stranger that you met accidentally can "make your day"? :hug:

years ago I was at a gathering and I saw a lady that looked familiar, but i could not place her.. She came over to me and said "You're Steven's Mom, aren't you?".. Then she proceeded to tell me about something my son had done when he was about 10.

She was the classroom aide at his grade school, and went on a field trip with the class to Dana Point. It was a whale-watching oceaongraphy trip and I could not get that much time off work, so I could not chaperone.. The kids had breakfast provided for them, and dinner, but we had to send money for lunches. We gave him a $20..(it was a 3 day trip I think)..

Apparently, each day, our son spent his lunch money buying fish tacos from the vendors..and gave them to homeless people he saw on the beach..

When she told me , he was well into his twenties, but it brought me right back to when he was a little kid, and we were taching him about being generous.. She complimented us on what a nice boy he was :) Made MY day too:)

[Catamount]

30. Thank you for sharing your story too!

What a great son you have too, no doubt due to your parenting-where love and compassion are the top priorities!

[melissinha]

31. see... its not a hopeless world

thanks guys, it helps knowing a good example can a have a great affect on strangers and especially on your kids....

Hope I have a chance to be a good mom and that I'll set a good example like you guys do.

[ZRB]

32. I'm touched

What a wonderful story! I'm very lucky to have a mother just like you! :)
K+R!!

[file83]

33. That is such a sweet story - you should be very proud!!

You changed the world for the better, just by being YOU! :hug:

[Patiod]

34. The power of a good example vs. empty words

A nurse at our church is sometimes asked by patients whether she's a Christian. When she asks them what prompted the question, they tell her she handles things so calmly and just radiates peace. If the way seems open, she'll tell them about her Quaker faith without pushing.

Being a living example is a far better way to influence the world then by telling others how to live.

[demigoddess]

35. I agree, examples are always the best way to teach,

but on another topic, you might be surprised how many atheists practice random acts of kindness.
I was taught that acts of kindness must be anonymous, and with no thanks required. And if you cannot thank someone for their gift to you, you must pass it on to someone else in their name.

[Patiod]

36. Oh heck yeah - or Wiccans and the Rule of Three

which has worked for me more in the negative - stopped me from trying to "get back at" someone. Bad stuff comes back at you just the way good does.

Call it God or Allah or the goddess or kharma or just Good Mental Health, humans have figured out over the years that positive actions are WAY better for us than negative ones

[Catamount]

37. Yes--that's my rule too...I am a true believer in karma...and Spiritualism

Strange though how my catholic roots remind me of the same doctrines...like "do unto others as you would unto yourself" comes to mind.

Funny thing about the guy who spoke to me---I don't know why, but I somehow feel that he was a repub, but didn't want to spoil the moment by dwelling on it.
He's still a great father...and nice person too, so I'll leave it at that.