Optimism is such an uplifting feeling. In an instant you feel your sorrows melting away and a strange warmth fill your being. You feel hopeful. You know that something wonderful is about to happen that will transform your life. It is quite amazing, isn’t it?
The other day, there were two young boys, two brothers, playing in the neighborhood park. It was late morning. The two brothers were playing and indulging in banter as they normally do. Then a girl M, younger than the older boy also joined them. She wanted to play ball too. In no time, another one of their friends, a boy A, joined in. They all started playing. Something happened; they had a tiff. A got mad at the girl. In no time, a stream of abuses spewed forth from his mouth. The girl was repeatedly cursed. The two brothers were shocked. The girl kept quiet and was almost in tears. But, the brothers took up for her. The boy was pulled up and told to mind his language. The elder boy, In no uncertain terms, gave him a piece of his mind, telling him never to use such harsh words on anyone and certainly not on a girl. This ruckus was witnessed by a neighbor and also a security guard. The security guard then asked the offending boy to leave the field. The girl left for her home in a better state of mind. And, the two kids made their way home.
Another day in the playground with children!
When this incident reached me, I felt a strange sense of pride, a sense of optimism that kids do still stand up for each other and for what is right.
Yes, those two were my sons.
Conscience is what you do when no one is looking!
I was glad that they intervened and took up for a child when another boy was bullying and abusing her. I was also glad that they did this not to prove a point to anyone but because they knew that is the right thing to do.
These small moments in life tell you that something you are doing is right. That there is hope. That you are going to leave a better world in the hands of those who will make it better.
As a mother of an almost teenage boy and a younger boy, I am aware that my responsibilities are higher to raise boys who respect the other gender especially in our society. I also want them to stand apart from the crowd by not considering cussing fashionable. I want them to grow into sensitive, humble men who have seen and imbibed from loving parents a sense of fairness and equality.
This small incident revealed to me that we were on the right path. I felt optimistic about the future.
Rachna says 
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