I do that too

Tommy’s mother had always been cautious, but today she found herself in a bit of a bind. She needed to make a quick phone call and there was no one around to watch her son. She spotted an older man sitting on a bench with a walker beside him. He had kind eyes and a gentle smile. She approached him, explained her situation, and asked if he could keep an eye on Tommy for just a few minutes. The man, Oliver, nodded warmly and agreed.
Tommy, a curious and lively five-year-old, sat down next to Oliver. He looked up at the old man with wide eyes, filled with a mixture of curiosity and shyness. Oliver smiled and patted the bench beside him, inviting Tommy to sit closer “. Hello there, young man,” Oliver said, his voice soft and reassuring. “What’s your name? Tommy,” the boy replied, his voice barely above a whisper.
“Nice to meet you, Tommy. I’m Oliver,” the old man said, extending his hand. Tommy shook it, feeling the warmth and roughness of Oliver’s wrinkled skin. They sat in silence for a moment, watching the birds fluttering around the park. Tommy’s eyes wandered to the walker beside Oliver. “Why do you have that?” Tommy asked, pointing at the walker. Oliver chuckled softly. “This helps me walk. My legs aren’t as strong as they used to be. ”Tommy nodded, accepting the explanation. He looked down at his own legs, swinging them back and forth. After a few moments, he spoke again. “Sometimes when I’m eating, I drop my fork,” Tommy said, his voice tinged with embarrassment. Oliver smiled gently. “I do that too,” he said, nodding in understanding. Tommy’s eyes widened in surprise. He leaned in closer and whispered, “Sometimes I wet my pants.” Oliver’s smile didn’t waver. “I do that too,” he said softly, his eyes filled with empathy.
Tommy felt a strange sense of comfort. He had never met anyone who understood him so well. He took a deep breath and continued. “Sometimes I cry,” Tommy admitted, his voice trembling slightly. Oliver reached out and placed a comforting hand on Tommy’s shoulder. “I do that also,” he said, his voice filled with warmth and compassion. Tommy looked up at Oliver, his eyes brimming with tears. “But the worst thing is, grown-ups don’t pay attention to me,” he said, his voice barely audible.
Oliver’s heart ached for the little boy. He gently took Tommy’s hand in his own, feeling the small, delicate fingers entwined with his. “Yes, I know what you mean,” Oliver said softly. “Sometimes, it feels like the world is too busy to notice us.” Tommy felt a sense of connection he had never experienced before. He looked into Oliver’s eyes and saw a reflection of his own feelings. It was as if the old man could see right into his soul. “Do you know what helps me when I feel like that?” Oliver asked, his voice gentle and soothing.
Tommy shook his head, eager to hear what Oliver had to say. “I find that doing something kind for someone else makes me feel better,” Oliver said. “It doesn’t have to be big. Even a small act of kindness can make a big difference. ”Tommy thought about this for a moment. “Like what?” he asked. “Well,” Oliver said, “you could help your mom with chores, or share your toys with a friend, or even just smile at someone who looks sad. Kindness has a way of spreading, like ripples in a pond.” Tommy nodded, feeling a sense of purpose. He liked the idea of making others feel better. It made him feel important, like he could make a difference in the world.
As they sat together, Tommy’s mother returned, her phone call finished. She thanked Oliver for watching Tommy and took her son’s hand, ready to leave. But Tommy hesitated. “Mom, can we come back and visit Oliver again?” Tommy asked, looking up at his mother with hopeful eyes. His mother smiled and nodded. “Of course, Tommy. We can visit Oliver anytime.” Tommy turned to Oliver and gave him a big hug. “Thank you, Oliver,” he said, his voice filled with gratitude. Oliver hugged him back, feeling a warmth in his heart that he hadn’t felt in a long time. “Thank you, Tommy,” he said softly. “You’ve made my day.”
As Tommy and his mother walked away, Oliver watched them with a smile. He felt a sense of peace and fulfillment, knowing that he had made a difference in the life of a little boy. And in that moment, he realized that the connection they had shared was a reminder of the power of human kindness and the beauty of life.
Tommy looked back at Oliver and waved, a big smile on his face. Oliver waved back, his heart full of hope and joy. He knew that their paths had crossed for a reason, and that the bond they had formed would stay with them both, reminding them of the simple yet profound truth that kindness and compassion can bridge the gap between generations and bring light to even the darkest of days.