A dad who hears his son mock a boy for being the son of a man who packs groceries in a supermarket decides to teach him a lesson.
When I held my son in my hands for the first time, I never imagined I’d have to teach that tiny mite some hard lessons about life. I imagined he’d be naturally sweet, loving, and kind.
I’d forgotten that sometimes children can be cruel and that it is our job as parents to guide them and shape their characters so they become good, caring people.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash
One afternoon, I wrapped up work early and decided to pick up my 12-year-old son from school and spend some time with him. I’d just been through a grueling six-month trial, and I wanted some quality time with my family.
I parked my car and walked over to the school gates. The bell rang, and immediately an avalanche of children poured out. A few minutes later, I spotted my son. He was standing with some friends and talking to another boy I didn’t know.
I heard him say: “Just because you’re at this school, doesn’t mean you’re worth anything! You’re a loser like your dad, the grocery packer, and you always will be!”
I was stunned. His cruel words echoed in my ears and woke bitter memories from my own past. I took two steps forward and called him, “Sean!” My son turned and saw me, and grinned.
“Dad!” he cried and ran towards me. “Hey, is the trial over? Did you win?” I looked at his bright, happy face, then I looked beyond him at the tear-filled eyes of the boy he had been humiliating.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash
“What did I hear you say to that boy, Sean?” I asked him.
“Oh, him? Please! He’s nothing! He’s a scholarship student.”
“Ah…” I said softly, “which means he’s so intelligent and gifted he gets to come to this school for free, while I pay $50,000 a year so you can attend.”
My son colored and looked up at me, startled. He’d never heard my ‘court’ voice before. “I -I – I guess…” he stammered.
“And what were you saying to him?” I asked.
“Look, I was just saying… He’s never…I mean, his dad is a grocery packer at some grocery store, a real loser, you know?”
