Raising Kindness

We’ve heard it before, and here’s more proof. La Grange, Texas, is home to some of the nicest kids around.

That truth was the first thing I noticed when we moved here ten years ago, as I worked at the LGISD library. Most of the kids around here are congenial, polite, and considerate, which is pretty rare these days in general. Other teams’ coaches took notice of the sportsmanship by our athletes, and some went out of their way to acknowledge it publicly. A college coach recently told me how unique it is to see such nice manners from teenagers, and he was talking about those teens living in Fayette County. We are raising kindness here.

Last night while shopping at the La Grange HEB, a rogue downpour surprised many of us as we were trying to leave the store. HEB is remodeling, so parking can be challenging and none of us saw the rain coming. It was a crowded hall to enter and exit as we waited out the storm. A young man and his mother came up behind us, and my son recognized him as Jaiden Scott, a freshman at La Grange High School. He had just been introduced an hour before at “Meet the Athlete” as a member of the freshman football team. He left his mom and her cart in the hall, and ran out into the rain.

We watched as Jaiden returned with an umbrella, let his mom walk to the car underneath it, and pushed the cart quickly while getting soaked again. It was a sweet gesture, and I know she was proud. But moments later, Jaiden returned with the umbrella, and offered to escort anyone else to their vehicle that wished to stay dry. I only regret that I did not get a photo of his face or a chance to thank his mom for raising a great guy. We all watched as he walked a lady to her car with his ample umbrella and even larger heart.

These young men and women are the future of La Grange. I believe they deserve all the recognition we can give them for being good humans and great citizens. I am so proud of the goodness and kindness we continue to perpetuate in Fayette County. And thank you, Jaiden, for the reminder that it’s best to walk through the storms together.