Some days we drive to school in silence because we are exhausted.  

Some days we drive to school and I officiate a rumble in the backseat because we are grumpy.  

Some days we talk about plans because we are excited.

Some days we call grandparents because we miss them. 

Some days we talk about what frustrates us because we are human. 

Some days we talk about things that make us happy because we are grateful. 

But today was my favorite kind of day.  The kind of day where a simple comment leads us to a deep conversation. One where I can hear their hearts and I can share mine. 

The question came from Collins.  She asked me, “why do you do that?” In reference to a long story about doing the right thing even when the person after you doesn’t. 

My answer to her was simple. “Because I want to ‘be the good’. That’s how I change the world.” To which she replied, “but what if no one even notices?” Again, my answer was simple, “what if someone does.” 

The truth is that there is a much more complex answer.

When I was little, my mom had a poster in her classroom that said, “stand up for what is right, even if you are standing alone.” My mom modeled that for me everyday. She is a friend to everyone and a perfect example of how good can change the world. 

I saw my dad buy breakfast for a homeless man outside of a fastfood restaurant in St. Louis one time. He then left a little bit of cash as well. He didn’t know if the cash would be used on essentials, but he trusted that the goodness of the gift could change the world. He was a perfect example of helping others without expecting anything in return.  

I could tell hundreds of stories just like these about my parents. Conversation after conversation that taught me the values that I carry with me today. Example after example of when I saw them live out their values. 

I don’t always do the right thing. I am human. I make mistakes, wish for do overs, and have to apologize more often than I would like to admit. But at the end of the day, I was taught that I could change the world. Even if it was just one person’s world. 

At this point, Collins would sigh and say, “#counselormom”.