This past Father’s Day my dad shared a story of a time in his youth, as dads often do for their children. While away at college he was driving his old Ford down an icy road. The car in front of him abruptly stopped and my father slammed on the brake pedal. As his car began to slide across the ice his heart raced and he knew what was going to happen next. His car slid slowly in to the other car’s fender and dented the sheet metal. (not as bad as the photo here but I wasn’t around then to take the picture so this will have to do).
There is little worse than the sound of crunching metal.
My father got out of his car and inspected the damage. The other driver told him that he was in a hurry and not to worry. His car was already old, tired, and sporting a few pre-existing dents. My father insisted on paying for the damage but the young man said no, got back in his car, and went on his way.
Dad thought that he had dodged a bullet.
A few weeks later, during a visit back to the farm, my dad told his father about the incident. His father said “When you get back to school, go find that boy and give him $20 for the damage!” Well twenty dollars was about all the money my father had to his name at the time so this was going to hurt. “But why do I need to do that when the guy said not to worry?” asked my father. Grandfather’s reply was…
Because it is the right thing to do.
When back at school dad drove up and down all the streets till he found the car. He waited hours for the owner to return and when he did, he gave him the twenty dollars. “But I told you not to worry about it.” said the boy. Why did you go to all the trouble to find me?”
Because we do the right thing.
We all know what is right and what is wrong. However sometimes it is easier to ignore our gut even though we know our actions are wrong. Do you have a story about right and wrong? If so I would enjoy you sharing.