So then I notice a young man sitting at a table eating... he's probably about 17 yrs old. He has a pink t-shirt which to me was odd for a young man at 17. Believe me, I dont stare... I just catch glances... & then I noticed the front of his shirt was for cancer awareness....
About that time, he took off a hat he had been wearing... his head had a scar on the side of it... he had no hair... his scalp looked red & blotchy... like he had radiation treatments.
Here was this young man & suddenly, he didnt look so young to me. Yes, in age he did - but in life, he was much older... he's gone through a lot.
I noticed he kept looking at the line. In the line were two other kids about his age. They kept turning & looking at him. I wasnt sure if they were just staring at him or if they knew him. They paid for their food & then went & sat with this young man...
I almost cried standing there in line...These 2 young men who went & sat with their friend instantly took care of him. They went & refilled his drink. They checked he was ok. They asked if he wanted anything else to eat (he had ate his sandwich while his friends were in line). They were truly looking out for this young man...
& they sat there & laughed.. & talked.. & just enjoyed each other.
As I finally got through the line, I saw them finishing up & saw them helping up their friend to his feet. Not in a "you're helpless" kinda way - but a joking, "we've got your back buddy" fashion...
one guy even rubbed their friend's bald head before he put his hat on him...
& then they were gone out the door...
I just kept thinking about them. Having lost friends to cancer - having seen what cancer does to someone - having had the privilege of being able to help someone go through the process of cancer - I know what these young boys are learning helping their friend...
& its such a hard life lesson... but so much love in it too...
Love they are giving... love they are receiving...
These young men? I have a feeling they are all going to grow up to be some pretty amazing men...
... oh, the things you never think you're going to see at a Subway....
Thank you for sharing this. What a beautiful picture you painted. I only hope if I'm ever called on to help someone like this, I'll be as loving and good a friend as these 2 young men were.
ReplyDeleteThat is beautiful! When we see so much of the negative in life and on the news it is wonderful to see some of the positive! And what a lesson for us all!
ReplyDeleteThat is such a sweet post. He has some great friends. That is amazing what they do for him. Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteThis really hit close to home for me. My mom and brother both died of cancer, so I know all too well what the "journey" is about. I have always had such a compassionate heart for those who are suffering from the disease...it's not an easy battle. What you observed truly warmed my heart and makes me still believe that there are GOOD people everywhere.:)
ReplyDeleteI love that story. LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT!
ReplyDeleteYou made me cry! How sweet.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great experience to see that from young people! I agree, those young boys will grow into some amazing men :)
ReplyDeleteThis is a great story - thanks for sharing it with us. And yes you made me tear up again - I know that's your goal in life :)
ReplyDeleteI am all teary-eyed at work reading that :-( so touching....
ReplyDeleteKids really "get" each other and not in a patronizing way or with an awkwardness that we as adults might experience.
I agree with the first commenter, your words painted the picture so vividly that it brought tears to my eyes.
ReplyDeleteThank you for shaing this.
Hugs & love,
Mimi
LOVED this post, so beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteThis made me tear up a little bit. A few years back, we found out that my Momma had cancer. She started chemo and my oldest sister, who drives truck, decided to cut all of her hair off and donate it to Locks of Love. My sister had some seriously long hair. Shortly after that my Momma and my step dad got married. I will never forget my sister walking in to the reception (they had a small wedding at the court house) in her black and PINK suit with no hair! Mom has been in remission for 5 years now, but it's something so very near and dear to my heart, having had a cancer scare of my own!
ReplyDeleteAs soon as I'm in shape, I want to run for a cancer marathon. I know that breast cancer is a huge one, but I would love to run in more than just the Komen marathon as well.
That is just so sweet!
ReplyDeleteSuch a sweet moment!!
ReplyDeleteGreat story! You were blessed just witnessing that scene! I'll bet you were glad for the long line this time.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a great story. I'm so glad you shared it. I love those moments that restore your faith in humans!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post. I loved this story.
ReplyDeleteOh, my Friend...what a wonderful story. Wow. This is so powerful!! What an honor that God allowed you to witness that. I know it brought back memories of you and your friend, Stephanie. Hugs, my sweet Rebecca!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing post Rebecca.
ReplyDeleteIt totally brought tears to my eyes.
Thank you so much for sharing!
Dysfunctional Mom linked you up tonight! why didn't I think of that?! I love her...
ReplyDeleteI hope I remember this wonderful example when somebody slams "kids today", lumping them all into some story of deteriorating values.
ReplyDeleteKids today can be great inspirations, and thanks for sharing.
This post brought tears to my eyes.
ReplyDeleteAlso great showing teenagers being kind and nice..
such a lovely post..
xxoo
It is unsual to find such mature young men willing to stick with a sick friend! I'm glad you witnessed that and I know you are too.
ReplyDeletethis story warmed my heart! thanks for sharing!!
ReplyDeleterhonda :-)