A reminder about little kindnesses

Picture this:

It’s late summer, 2003.

My 10-year-old son and I are driving in 100-degree heat to Arlington, Texas. We're on our way to watch his favorite team (the Boston Red Sox) and his favorite player (Manny Ramirez).

Jack says, "Dad, can we stop at Office Depot?" We do, and outside, on the trunk of my car, Jack makes a crude poster that reads:

#1 Manny Fan

An hour later we’re in our seats along the left-field railing. We're sweating, swigging $6 Cokes. I'm wolfing down peanuts. Jack's holding his poster.

As Manny stretches pre-game, I notice him glancing up to where we're sitting.

“Hey, Jack,” I say, “Check it out...Manny's looking at your sign!”

Jack’s eyes widen. He waves the poster more emphatically. Play resumes.

Then, about thirty minutes later, the magic happens.

Between innings, after a few warm-up throws with the other outfielders, Manny Ramirez abruptly turns and jogs a few steps our way. 

Smiling, he tosses the baseball up to Jack!

Jack is so flabbergasted, he drops the ball back onto the field!

Manny grins. He retrieves the ball and flips it again to Jack. This time he snags it like a starving man clutching one last crust of bread.

Talk about Christmas in July!

Jack and I couldn’t tell you who won that game. 

But we will tell our “Manny story” for the rest of our lives.

Isn't that something? A small, momentary gesture 20 years ago still makes us smile.

It's a good reminder of what can happen when you choose to use your platform or advantages...your opportunities and abilities...even your resources to bring a bit of joy to others.

Think about that: Today it's possible do some kindness for an employee, a customer, or a vendor...that they might still be telling people about in 2043. 

If that's not amazing, I don't know what is.