Time is the current that pushes up downstream. People are the rocks we encounter. The more rocks, the purer, clearer water. A mountain stream is more interesting than a stagnant creek. Or something like that.
My mixed-up metaphor comes to mind because of a very special program my third-grade son has been a part of. Top seniors from the local high school have been coming to his class this year to pair off with a third grader and mentor them. The young man (I sound old as dirt when I use that term) who has been mentoring my son is as good of a person as I’ve encountered. My son loves him and thinks of him as his big brother. (My son has a big brother, but they generally fight). It’s the finest program I’ve seen in the schools in years.
Last night we had a reception where they presented videos they had made together. My wife and I got a chance to once again thank him. He’ll graduate soon and is going into an honors college program. He’s on track to become a pediatric surgeon like his father.
Yup, that’s the kind of influence I want my son to be around.
The people we encounter shape us. The ones we befriend define us. My son made a great friend this year and is better off for it. And as a dad, that makes me proud.
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