SYMPATHETIC TO THE PAIN OF OTHERS

[Guest guest]

SYMPATHETIC TO THE PAIN OF OTHERS

My mother used to ask me what the most important part of the body was. Through

the years I would take a guess at what I thought was the correct answer. When I

was younger, I thought sound was very important to us as humans. So I said, "My

ears, Mommy." She said, "No, many people are deaf. But you thinking if and I

will ask you again soon."

Several years passed before she asked me again. Since making my first attempt, I

had contemplated the correct answer. So this time I told her, "Mommy, sight is

very important to body, so it must be our eyes." She looked at me and told me,

"You are learning fast, but the answer is not correct, because there are many

people who are blind." Stumped again, I continued my quest for knowledge and

over the years. Mother asked me a couple more times and always her answer was

"No. But you are getting smarter every year, my child."

Then last year, my grandpa died. Everybody was hurt. Everybody was crying. Even

my father cried. I remember that especially because it was only the second time

I saw him cry. My mom looked at me when it was our turn to say our final goodbye

to Grandpa. She asked me, "Do you know the most important body part yet, my

son?"

I was shocked when she asked me this now. I always thought that this was a game

between her and me. She saw the confusion on my face and told me, "This

question is very important, it shows that you have really lived in your life.

For every body part you gave me in the past, I have told your answer was wrong

and I have given you an example why. But today is the day you need to learn

this important lesson." She looked down at me as only a mother can. I saw her

eyes well up with tears. She said, "Son, the most important body part is your

shoulder."

I asked, "Is it because it holds up my head?" She replied, "No, it is because it

can hold the head of a friend or a loved one when they cry. Everybody needs a

shoulder to cry on sometime in life, my son. I only hope that you have enough

love and friends that you will always have a shoulder to cry on when you need

it."

Then and there I knew the most important body part is not a selfish one. It is

sympathetic to the pain of others.

People will forget what you said... people will forget what you did.. But people

will never forget how you made them feel.

(Courtesy: East and West Series, July 2003)

 

The New with improved product search