Instead of a peaceful relaxing summer, we spent the summer in state of a transition – called moving. First, to a friend’s farm – before we recently relocated to a beautiful property in the Gulf Islands.
As a single mother, I don’t shy away from challenges, even the heavy lifting. But I have to tell you, moving is physically exhausting. What happened during this move was three teenagers surprised the heck out of me with their generosity.
Picture this. Three typical looking teenagers, ages 15 to 17. One with long hair drooping over his eyes, baggy shirts and ripped jeans, many would judge as sloppy and look away in disgust. Did I know these young boys? I’d met them, and their parents. But I barely knew them.
What’s remarkable is what they did. They showed-up, climbed in my mini-van and accompanied me to the storage place where all my furniture and belongings were stored in a large portable storage container, which had been transported from my recently vacated home. Because of the nature of my move to a new island, I was leaving many of furnishings behind. These young lads moved everything into a permanent onsite storage unit. Organized my furniture and personal belongings, what would stay in storage, and what would be relocated to my new home, come the day of my move.
These three unassuming Teens were self-confident, organized, they lifted, sorted, stacked so I didn’t have to. They were natural leaders, problem solvers, so not once did I have to direct them on what to do. They worked quickly, without complaint, taking care nothing was damaged or scratched. These teens didn’t have an agenda. They weren’t looking to be paid. They helped me, a single Mother, because I needed help, and they asked for nothing in return.
But it didn’t end there. Over the next week I was privileged to witness other acts of kindness other adults may have missed. One of these teens helped a young four-year-old little boy, not related to him, who wanted nothing more than to ride a bike.
The 17 year old young lad I’ll call Sam, went to the store, bought training wheels for this little boy. Installed these wheels on this little guy’s bike, and then stood back and watched on as this boy pedaled hard and fast on his first solo ride. Not once did I hear one of these teens, gloat or mention the great deed they’d done. What each lad did was move on with his day, being a teenager.
Would you recognize these three Teens amongst all the other teens loitering on the streets or hanging out in the park with a group of friends? Probably not. Have they been judged by other adults as troublemakers, and possibly a problem? Absolutely, by looks alone. Are they stand-up citizens in line for a humanitarian award? Are they from a solid respectable family, where Mom and Dad are still married and living together? No and No.
All three of these Teenager’s has divorced Parents. Two have Stepparents. And each family structure is completely different. But you know what each one of these young lads has in common? They have a parent, a stepparent, a role model who holds them accountable for their actions. I’ve heard some parents say, these kids aren’t given a break. Well you know what? It shows in their character, they’re great young lads. Each of these Teens work. I’ve met their parent, stepparent, and their other role models. These adults have integrity, are hard workers. But not one of them is a pushover, or makes excuses for their kid. And each one’s not so wrapped up in themself, their problems, and focused on just making money that they sacrifice everything and everyone else.
These kids are not giving time to slough off, and be couch potatoes in front of the TV or the computer every day after school, or all night after dinner. These young men are expected to help out. Be productive in the real world. But in turn for their hard work, and their positive choices, I’ve watched these parents give these Teens freedom to go out quading, motocross biking, to the park or store with friends, to have fun. And their parent’s quote, “We have to trust them.” And it shows, because Mom, and or Dad are interested in what these teens are doing. My hats are off to these parents, and role models, because they’re making a difference. Look around in your community.
How many Teens do you know who are an unassuming hero?
Lorhainne Eckhart began her writing career in 2008, when she published her first novel, The Captain’s Lady, a Contemporary Military Romance. Lorhainne Eckhart is a member of the RWA, Sisters in Crime and Victoria RWA. She makes her home on beautiful Vancouver Island, and lives in the country with her three children. The mother of a special needs child. And one of her greatest gifts was having to learn, organization, structure, and how to stay focused on what’s really important in life. She lives by simple rules, the same she teaches her children. Stay honest, be impeccable with your word, never take advantage of anyone, and treat everyone with respect. She’s an advocate for children with special needs. Passionate about preserving our environment, wildlife, and protecting what natural resources we have left, so there will be a future for our children. Lorhainne loves her garden, nature and all animals. When she isn’t being a busy Mom, working on, and promoting her next novel, you’ll find her horseback riding on the trails, working in the garden, or outside enjoying nature.Lorhainne is an avid reader and writer. She writes romantic suspense, but enjoys reading novels from all genres. Some of her favorite authors include Suzanne Brockmann, Tess Gerritsen, Nelson DeMille, James Patterson, Karen Robards, and Karin Slaughter.
Her latest novel, The Choice, Book One of Walk the Right Road Series, is a romantic, mystical suspense. And explores an issue most women have fallen victim to at one time in their life. The masterful predator who preys on vulnerable women, and clouds the invisible barrier between right and wrong. What would you do for someone you love?
From Lorhainne Eckhart, Author of The Captain’s Lady, comes a Romantic Mystical Suspense that sizzles with passion and unforgettable drama. “A wonderful tale of courage, and real-life choices that’ll keep you riveted.” Mimi Barbour, Author of The Vicarage Bench SeriesMarcie Hollis is a Wiccan, who’s always played by the rules. That’s until she meets Dan McKenzie, a man who she believes to be the knight in shining armor she’s been searching for all her life. However, Dan’s not who he appears to be. He lures Marcie into his world of lies, greed and high-grade marijuana. But fate intervenes on Marcie’s illicit trip for Dan to New Orleans, when she’s robbed in a crowded airport. The thug not only makes off with her suspicious backpack, he knocks her down, her head slams on the concrete floor, and she loses her memory right in the path of DEA agent, Sam Carre. After a six-month investigation into the activities of a big time drug dealer crumbles, the same day damming evidence is found stuffed in Sam’s locker – evidence suggesting he’s the notorious leak on the team, Sam jumps on the first plane home. Arriving in a crowded airport in New Orleans – his reputation and loyalty are in question. But even though Sam’s tired, disillusioned and haunted by a past that gives him no peace, he stops to help an attractive stranger when she falls in front of him. Then in an act of chivalry, he takes her to his home until the police can identify her. When questions arise about Marcie, and what she’s involved in, the answers lead them to the exact felons Sam investigated in the Pacific Northwest. When her illusive memory returns, this complex case pushes them both to explain the unexplainable, and leaves Sam with a haunting question. Was she set up, or was this a game she played? Sam’s forced to make a choice, walk away from the attraction that connects them, or risk losing everything.
# Paperback: 212 pages
