Essential Goodness
Today as I walked down a wooded street in my neighborhood, I heard the wails of a child from over the hill. As I got closer I found a very small boy and a bike on the ground, ankle wedged tightly between the pedal and bike frame. He was wrapped in his burly dad’s arms, sitting down on the ground with him, saying, “I’ve got you, you are so brave, I’m going to take good care of you.” At the same time, the dad was on the phone with the 911 dispatcher giving the required information: name, location, problem. He was crying quiet tears of worry, helping his little boy breathe slowly and cry out his pain and fear. I just sat with them there on the ground, breathing with them, helping the man notice when the dispatcher wanted to get his attention.
Soon a firetruck and ambulance came with flashing lights and out sprang six men, a bevy of brawny guys surrounding the boy and dad, assessing the situation. As they retrieved tools to dismantle the bike so his leg could be released, they spoke to the boy in the gentlest of tones.
“How old are you?”
“Three.” The sobs slowed down.
Hey, I have a three-year-old boy too! What’s your favorite birthday cake?”
“Oh, that’s mine too! Here, could you hold onto this for me?” The one wearing what looked like a tactical suit offered him his badge to hold.
Another asked about his favorite song and then pulled it up on his cell phone and placed it in the boy’s lap.
The firefighter worked on the bike. “We’re almost there, buddy!”
The dad continued to hold him in his arms. “You’re doing great!” The dad’s tears subsided too.
They sprung him loose and ever so gently tested to see if his foot could move, then whether he could stand, then take a step or two.
This circle of big men in their uniforms, billy clubs dangling, walky-talkies pinned to their chests, some with firearms at their hips - and this big bear of a father - could not have been gentler, kinder, or more comforting. I stayed out of the way, just witnessing the scene. I so wanted to put my hand on the dad’s shoulder and whisper in his ear, “You are a beautiful dad!” But I didn’t get the chance – he was focused on slowly walking his son over to the trucks so they and the bike could get a ride to wherever home was.
I know the men were just doing their jobs. And yet the display of care, quiet competence, and kindness on all their parts touched me. I felt like I witnessed something sacred – on one hand, it was ordinary (and the boy seemed to be okay) and on the other hand, it was extraordinary.
Just simple kindness shared among these eight male humans. It’s out there, and I was grateful to witness it. It softened me, and reminded me that our basic nature is good – despite my judgments, and no matter what we might look like or even when we behave badly – we all are essentially good.
Have you come upon kindness in unexpected moments?
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