Compassion

Teaching children compassion. What would it take for parents & educators to teach compassion each day? The following letter is from a real incident that happened shortly after the PNW power outage of January 2012. This mother's compassion is clearly demonstrated. We know that conversations and ways of being influence our own children . Please share with your child. They will clearly "see" the message in this post.

The Kindness of Strangers 
January 25, 2012

Yesterday was a very painful day, as I had to say goodbye to a great companion, protector, and friend for the last time.
It was day where the snow covered the ground and the roads were slippery. We had been without power for nearly 5 days due to a severe storm. The power had been out all over the western half of the state and crews had been working unbelievably long shifts in order to restore power to over 400,000 residences. Two men from the power company drove down our drive way to make sure that our power was on and working well. There had been a report that someone in our neighborhood was still experiencing trouble. They wondered if I know who it was. I did not. 
My dog Odin, the black lab-er-dane with a white chest, had greeted them the way he does everyone, with big ferocious barks and wagging tail. He was outside when they arrived and has a mind of his own when he gets into his protective mode. 
When we were done talking, the men turned around and began driving down our long snowy driveway. Odin began to chase them running next to them and barking. This is one of Odin’s favorite games and once he begins no calling, pleading, bribing or yelling will stop him. He continued his chase and ran in front of the truck, just as he always does. I can only assume that he didn’t realize that he would have to make some adjustments due to the snow and to everyone’s horror he ended up under the tires of the truck. The yelp sent me running pleading to myself that he would be okay. The drivers had immediately gotten out of their car. We were all in shock at the sight of my dog who had obviously taken the hit to his hind quarters. In my mind I remember thinking “this can be fixed” it’s just his back legs. The men then asked me who we could take him to and offered to stay with him while I ran to the house to call.
I had gotten my car ready for him, clearing the back of my SUV and they had lifted him into the car. One of the men offered to ride with him so as to keep him from sliding around. I knew this was highly illegal but could not refuse allowing my injure buddy some love in his time of need. 
We drove to the Vet with the driver behind in his truck. When we arrived I knew the injury had left them as heartbroken as I was. It was written on their faces. They left, because they had to get back to work. I understood and apologized to them for this experience.
The Damage was far worse than I had anticipated. He in fact was not going to make it. 
The death of my true friend/protector/companion was difficult enough, but when it happened so suddenly I had difficulty getting my mind to keep up.
Later that day, as the accident went through my mind over and over, I kept thinking about the men in the truck and how awful this must have been for them. I couldn’t imagine the hours that they must have put in over the past 5 days. They must have been exhausted and now they had run over a dog. How awful. I kept wondering if I would ever see them again.
Today it has been a little easier. The tears come and go. The sadness persists.
Not long ago, I was talking to one of my friends when my husband interrupted me to say some men were here with flowers.
It was the two men from the power company. They were on my doorstep with flowers and a card. I looked into their faces and recognized what they were feeling. Sadness. We were all so sad. We talked a little. About what we could have done differently … if I had just held onto him…that he had driven as slow as he could…. It just wasn’t any of our faults. Odin had died as a result of doing one of his favorite things.
Right before they left driver handed me a card, he said, “we took up a collection from the guys, I am so sorry.”
In the card was $600 and it read: “I am so sorry for your loss. I spent 20 minutes with Odin and I will never forget him. I can’t imagine how you must feel. Here is some money for your bills and maybe another dog someday. Again I’m so sorry.” “So sorry for your loss. Odin was a part of your family, please accept my apology”
There was no signature and my mind was not clear enough for me to think to ask. But to me these two men will forever represent the tremendous kindness and compassion of strangers. 
I have been profoundly moved, my view of people is forever changed.
Donna Flanagan