I have been trying to take advantage of the lingering spring/summer weather we have been having lately, as with my chosen profession, I will be spending a majority of my days from August to June indoors. I believe sunlight, fresh air and exercise are three of the most important components to good health and happiness, and we should make solid efforts to include them whenever possible. Last night, I ran the streets of my Drake home and happened to run into another reason why I run.
Running brings adventures and realizations one would not have crossed without the roads. Strangers turn into friends, as anyone’s true self can really be exposed at mile 22. Aside from other runners we meet, we also travel the world and become more acquainted with our homes, and the people in them, the more we run. Last night, I happened to be running across an intersection at just the right time to see a very petite girl walking out of a local pizza establishment with a large pizza in her hands. I laughed a little, as I immediately thought there’s no way she’s gonna eat that. I was quickly reprimanded by my judgments as I watch her walk across the street and give the pizza to a man in a wheelchair holding a sign saying he doesn’t have much help and needs money or food. Having spent a good deal of time in the city of Chicago growing up, I have built a wall against the trust I have in those who ask for money. I don’t want to believe they will spend the money on drugs or alcohol, but no one actually knows the reality. Most of us just walk by, glad that it’s not us in the wheelchair.
Once the girl handed the pizza to the man, he thanked her, and the girl moved along. However, she did not walk away from the intersection but rather back towards the pizza place. I never asked her if she had been handing out pizzas all night, if it was some kind of event or if she had a heavy conscience. I never even approached her at all for that matter. I naturally just kept on running.
In the span of one minute, I was enlightened and reinforced of our city’s integrity by the dignity of the Good Samaritan. I ran along thinking of how amazing this intersection or even this town could be if we all did a good deed each time we saw one. I quickly caught myself plagiarizing Haley Joel Osment’s idea in Pay it Forward. However, I don’t think that’s an idea when intellectual property rights become an issue. I couldn’t think of something right away, but it’s on my mind. Perhaps I will pass the idea along to my students – try giving 3 compliments a day, or do something for someone else that will have no benefit to yourself. That’s a lot to ask of middle schoolers, but maybe I’ll bring in pizza for encouragement.
It all started with right foot, left foot. I run to pay it forward, why do you?
Happy Trails
1 comment:
This is a great post Gracie....almost started crying at my desk. Your story made me want to hand out pizzas to the people asking for money at every street corner I pass in Chicago (because they are there, everyday, like clockwork). What's to stop me from doing that at least once? Who doesn't love a whole cheese pizza all to themselves? I think I must.
I check this blog a couple times a week, hoping to see a new post. and today being a pivotal day in sales, hoping for inspiration, you've given me what I needed most--so you've certainly paid it forward my love, to your sister. Thank you.
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