A Lesson in Compassion

Much of how I see the world was crafted early on by my Mother. I didn't know it then, but she would impart many of the qualities I've come to love and miss about her. Once such memory was when I was young and Mom found an injured bird in our yard; or she always  proclaimed in her British accent, GARDEN!

Being a young boy in California and before the advent of the internet I was always outside during the warm dry summers. Not being proud to say but we would chase bugs and not treat them with the respect that earth affords them.

I remember very clearly with the softest of touches she picked the injured bird up and eventually nursed it back to health. We had a pet cat in the house and she would try and investigate the cleverly crafted & ventilated shoebox. And as the weeks went on, she would show me the progress of the little bird how it's health was improving.  Feeding it, ensuring the temporary housing was adequate, & keeping our cat at bay.

Then one day, she took me in the backyard, opened the box to reveal a healthy little bird. As almost a nod to my Mom, it looked briefly and flew away. After this, my Mom then discussed why she did it. To help is something that all humans have the ability and capacity to do.

I'll never forget this because, she showed me what compassion was through actions and then later with words.

I hope all people can think and live this way and ultimately become who they wish to be through action.