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Day 18: To the Simple Gestures

Note from Jack:  I wrote the following story for the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. It was drawn from an experience that occurred during my teaching career. Little did I know, at the time, the huge impact that Mark's simple gesture would have on the world. After being read by millions in Chicken Soup, it was reprinted by Ann Landers in her column, which tripled the book's audience. Since then, it has appeared all over the Internet in various versions. This started me thinking about how many silent heroes and heroines are going through their days performing simple tasks of kindness that have profound implications.

As I looked around me, I became more and more aware of the countless Gifts left by the Side of the Road. This book is a journey I share with you as we discover and come to appreciate all of the many gifts left by wonderful people we have never met.

To the world, you may be but one person, but to one person, you may be the world.
-
Heather Darling-Cortes

THE SIMPLE GESTURE
An excerpt from Gifts by the Side of the Road
by John Wayne "Jack" Schlatter

Mark was walking home from school one day when he watched the boy ahead of him trip and drop, in addition to all of the books he was carrying, two sweaters, a baseball bat, a glove and a small recorder. Mark knelt down and helped the boy pick up the scattered articles. Since they were going the same way, Mark helped him carry part of the burden. As they walked, Mark discovered the boy's name was Bill and that he loved video games, baseball and history.

They arrived at Bill's home first, and Mark was invited in for a soda and to watch television. The afternoon passed pleasantly with a few laughs and some shared small talk. Mark then went home. They continued to see each other around school after that. They had lunch together once or twice, and both graduated from Junior High School.

They ended up in the same High School where they had brief contacts over the years. Finally, the long awaited senior year came, and three weeks before graduation, Bill asked Mark if they could talk.

Bill reminded him of the day years ago when they had first met.

"Did you ever wonder why I was carrying so many things home that day?" asked Bill.

"I just thought you were moving or something," Mark replied.

"Well, I cleaned out my locker because... Continue

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To enjoy the free online movie portrayal of this, go to:
Simple Gesture Movie

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Reaching out ...
Mary's Signature
Mary Robinson Reynolds
Founder, Heart Productions & Publishing
makeadifference.com

www.GiftsByTheSideOfTheRoad.com

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