Little Acts of Kindness

No one wants to spend any more time than necessary in a public restroom, and that was especially true for Kaysen and his Big Brother, Tim. They had just spent an exciting afternoon watching a college basketball game - one of their favorite activities to do together - and were getting ready to head back home. They stopped by the crowded restroom, noting that it was particularly unpleasant that day.

A janitor edged his way into the room, pushing an overloaded supply cart onto the wet floor. Suddenly, the janitor lost his footing, falling to the ground and knocking over his cart. Cleaning supplies flew through the air, and the bathroom was suddenly littered with hundreds of paper hand towels. The crowd exited the bathroom, apparently deeming it a lost cause and seeking relief elsewhere. Everyone that is, except Kaysen. Kaysen immediately knelt down next to the janitor and asked if he was okay and what he could do to help. Seeing that the janitor was unharmed, Kaysen began to pick up paper towels and help clean up.

Tim was in awe. At school, Kaysen was known as a bit of a problem child. He spent a lot of time in detention for class disruption, and had even been suspended from school. Kaysen had even been placed in an isolated classroom with only himself and one teacher, until his behavior showed improvement. In fact, when Kaysen first met Tim, he introduced himself as a “Bad Kid”.

The janitor thanked Kaysen profusely for his help. Kaysen smiled and told him that it was no trouble at all, and wished him well for the rest of the day. “You know, Kaysen”, said Tim, “I don’t think a ‘Bad Kid’ would drop everything and help a stranger out of the kindness of their heart. That was a really good thing you did there.” Kaysen just shrugged it off. Acts of kindness were no big deal for him. But unbeknownst to Tim, he had planted a seed inside Kaysen.

When Kaysen returned to school he told his teacher that he wanted to be different and make changes in his behavior. It took some time, but with Tim’s help, Kaysen was able to petition his way back into a mainstream classroom. Kaysen was elated!

Kaysen is currently in high school, and is doing well. He has maintained his behavior, and has even joined the basketball team. Kaysen understands that while his past behavior wasn’t the greatest, he’s a different person now, and is committed to self-improvement!