Sunday, June 10, 2012

Compassionate Children Become Compassionate Adults




 Earlier this week I wrote a post about sisters are special.  Today I want to write about friends are special too.  Since my son’s illness, many of the parents of Luc’s friends have been dropping off meals every night.  They know that I have been spending an entire day at my son’s bedside in the hospital.  I am very moved by their kindness.   Their actions remind me that compassionate children become compassionate adults.
Regarded as one of the greatest human virtues, compassion is an emotional response and attitude toward others that is deeply empathetic. It enables us to connect to human suffering with care and understanding, acting in ways that brings comfort to those around us. Research shows that compassion plays a key role in helping children develop into engaged, caring, and optimistic adults.

The old adage that says: Charity begins at home is so true. I think one of the best things we can do as parents is to encourage children to treat their siblings with love and respect. A child that learns early on to be a friend to a sibling can transfer that friendship to others. When my kids were young, I made sure they understood the importance of treating their siblings with respect and love. I helped my children figure out how to be a friend to each other. This strong belief is what led me to write My Sister Is My Best Friend as sisters that got along with one another.
 
I love what one reviewer wrote about the book:

“I like this book because it portrays sisters who get along and enjoy each others' company instead of being yet another one about sibling rivalry.”

Even in the face of a major illness, I was able to draw some positives to help my son understand and appreciate what true compassion is all about. He will be writing thank you cards for all who lovingly made meals. The blue cooler pictured below was filled with his favorite food.  upon our arrival from the hospital  on Saturday, we sat and ate a very healthy and robust lunch.  The families insisted on providing us meals until Tuesday .   I am abundantly blessed to live in a community with such compassionate individuals.


 



12 comments:

  1. Stopping by from the hop! Glad you joined :) Newest follower via GFC!

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  2. Good friends are like family. You are so blessed to have such an amazing support system!

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  3. What a wonderful blessing! I am putting your son on my prayer list and will be praying for him and all of you. I'm so glad that you have people that are blessing you through meals and care. What a testimony of God's love for you through them.

    God bless you - Julie

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  4. my sons illness changed our lives.....i too owe owe owe...the whole town I think!!

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  5. Hi Nicole,

    I am now following you! Thanks for the sweet words about my blog on the blog hop today! Have a great day!

    Love,
    Kristi at Keeping up with kristi

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  6. Following you via google friend, fb and twitter! Would love follows back

    www.cumminslife.blogspot.com

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  7. Hi there! I found you on the Mom's Mingle! Happy to be your newest follower. I'd love for you to follow me back at http://www.two-in-diapers.blogspot.com! :)

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  8. Sorry I haven't followed you for a while. I have been so lazy lately. My prayers are with your son for a fast recovery. I hurts so much when children suffer. My prayers are with you as well. You know your true friends through times like this. I am going to check out your past posts to catch up. Just know I am still following you.
    Marje

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  9. It's so nice when your community rallies around you.
    Stopping by from the blog hop.

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  10. Good Morning,

    Wishing your son a speedy recovery and that I was near so that I could leave you a meal. Thank you so much for stopping by Richly Middle Class. I would love to chat with you more when you have time.

    Cynthia

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  11. Hi Nicole! Thanks so much for stopping by and following! I've just returned the ♥.

    Compassion is a very important to teach children, but seems to be a fading trend.

    Wishing your family best wishes :)

    Paula
    lifeasweknowitbypaula.blogspot.com

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  12. Prayng for you and your family. This post is an inspiration to reach out to others!

    Thanks so much for joining Flock Together on 6/12 at Mom’s Best Nest . You're welcome to join in this week at 6 p.m. tonight! I am now your happy LF follower!

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