I have never beeen prouder of my 13 year old son than I am today.

[11 Bravo]

At his middle school students receive "money" as a reward for good behavior, citizenship, academic performance, etc. Then at the end of each quarter an auction is held and students may use their reward money to purchase a variety of prizes. Mike had been saving up for a small MP3 player that he really wanted. On auction day last week he found himself seated next to a young hispanic aquaintance (not really a friend, but they know each other to say "Hi" in the halls).
A little back story here: We have a relatively large hispanic population in our town, mostly Salvadoran immigrants. The majority of them live in a block of subsidized apartments and many of the families are living from paycheck to paycheck.
Mike and the other student struck up a conversation. He told the girl what he was aiming to purchase, and she told him that she wanted the $50 gift certificate from our local Safeway so her family could buy food. As luck would have it, the price for the certificate exceeded her bankroll. Mike told her to keep on bidding until she won, and that he would make up the difference. The little girl eventually secured her gift certificate, but Mike was down to less than half of his cash, so the MP3 player went to someone else. He never said a word to me, and I never would have found out about this if the little girl's mother hadn't called about a half hour ago to say thank you.
After the call I asked Mike what had happened. He replied, "Dad, I LIKE to listen to music, but Yasmin's family NEEDS to eat."
I love my kid.


on edit: typo

[Lisa0825]

1. WOW! What a great kid!

That brought tears to my eyes! :cry:

[lsewpershad]

167. Me too

[clixtox]

215. Me Three! Heartwarming story about a young hero! N/T

[hobbit709]

2. You got a GREAT son to be proud of there.

[XOKCowboy]

3. Now that was nice to read on DU! Congratulations. You did a good job raising him.

I love your kid too!

[lunatica]

4. Well now I love your kid too

[glowing]

5. Most kids are good.. one's who are raised properly are the one's who are great.

[villager]

6. He just destroyed any future he might've had in the Republican party, with that much empathy!

Thank God!

(or Goddess...!)

;-)

[Name removed]

7. Deleted message

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[The Doctor.]

8. Can you imagine what a 'conservative' would say if their son did such a thing?

I can only imagine how disappointed they'd be.

[Hekate]

29. Conservatives believe in one-on-one charitable giving, so they can determine the worthiness...

... of the recipient, so any conservative parent would no doubt be pleased.

It's impersonal government charity they have a problem with, because the kinds of means-testing the government uses are not the same ones the conservatives approve of. I think it was Cheney who said it best (although at that moment he was talking about conservation, iirc) when he said it was an act of personal virtue and not something for the government to be involved in.

Just sayin'.

Hekate

[The Doctor.]

46. Indeed....

And what metric of worthiness might a 'conservative' consider regarding this particular girl?

That's kind of what I was getting at. I have very little doubt that many of today's 'conservatives' would not approve of charity for many sorts of minorities, let alone immigrants of any kind.

[kestrel91316]

60. I think we both know that most conservatives would consider

non-conservatives, gays, working women, and non-christians to be UNWORTHY of charity.

[ellenfl]

67. unless the recipient is an alien. congrats to the op for your

obviously decent value system and for your great kid.

ellen fl

[curlyred]

82. after all, "aliens" don't need to eat

honestly, I can't believe you wrote such an unkind, inhumane thing.

[Raineyb]

101. I think the person you were replying to was finishing the statement made by an even earlier

poster about conservatives and one on one charity as in "Conservatives believe in one-on-one charitable giving, so they can determine the worthiness... unless the recipient is an alien.

[Maru Kitteh]

106. I think you misunderstand what that person was trying to say. The "alien" remark was aimed at the

hypothetical conservative in the discussion. As in the reaction of the conservative parent would be that the charity was just fine as long as it didn't go to an "alien."

:-)

[ellenfl]

132. thank you (both) for the backup. that WAS the reference. eom

[ellenfl]

131. you misunderstood. eom

[Beartracks]

156. I think you hit the nail here.

Conservatives are definitely NOT against charity. For example, witness the way people will pull together after disasters regardless of their political stripe and bend over backwards to help out others in their communities. Plus they donate through churches and to any other number of charitable organizations on a regular basis. But yes, in this manner they choose when and how their hard-earned money is going to help specific people or groups. "Impersonal government charity" to conservatives is just an "entitlement" and I never thought about why it bugs them until you posted: because they can't verify the worthiness of the recipients.

--------------------------------

[Loudmxr]

200. You bring out our common humaness Hekate.

Yes. Conservatives are compassionate one on one. It is just when they get into their group demonizing thing that they get all hinky. Looking to a group they will let that group of people rot but put an individual human face on misfortune and their hearts will melt.

[Hekate]

202. You got it -- it's a shame how divided we've been persuaded to become in this country.

Thanks.

Hekate

[wolfgangmo]

227. On the whole I have always believed that we are more alike than different,

more good than bad, more giving than taking. It is the sociopathic few who spoil the mix.

Humanity is a thing of hope.

[newtothegame]

139. Actually conservatives way outnumber liberals in % that give and amount.

So I'm guessing those parents would be proud just like we are.

[bullwinkle428]

152. Of course they do - the Freepers were in a "bidding war" over

how much each of them was willing to donate in the Haiti earthquake relief effort!

:eyes:

[diane in sf]

154. how do you know this?

[newtothegame]

203. A couple links...

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/03/conservatives_more_liberal_giv.html
http://www.arthurbrooks.net/whoreallycares/excerpt.html

[TheEuclideanOne]

212. Nice reference to support your claim. What, you couldn't find any articles by Rush Limbaugh

or Glenn Beck or any other obviously unbiased source other than George Will?

[newtothegame]

221. Relax sweetheart. :)

The original study is referenced in that article. Not a "scholarly" guy, huh?

Warm hugs and kisses,
newtothegame

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

224. What both of these articles fail to note...

is precisely WHERE conservatives and liberals give their money. Conservatives tend toward giving to institutions that they patronize (i.e., the symphony, the art musemm, the university). While these are totally worthy institutions that are deserving of the support they receive, one could certaily make the argument that they're not as vital to our social fabric as the basic food and shelter services that get funded by liberals and that conservatives continually seek to undermine (i.e., ACORN).

[TheEuclideanOne]

234. Well, to be honest, I don't really care that much. I was just commenting on the source. You didn't

think that I actually read the article, I hope. However, in your honor, I just kicked a homeless guy.

I must say, though, that your reply made me laugh. I may not agree, but I have to say you have a good sense of humor.

[Lasher]

239. Did you notice that the author of the "study" is the president of the American Enterprise Institute?

The other link leads to an article by George Will (no introduction needed), who simply provides an echo chamber for Brooks. Will felt compelled to mention that Brooks is "a registered independent", obviously hoping to convince readers he is citing an impartial "study", when in reality it's just another round of obfuscations that a wingnut stink tank paid the author to produce.

[T Wolf]

231. That is a bullshit and DECEPTIVE statistic. Counted in "charitable giving" is the money they

"donate" to their churches that have no connection to actual "charity." Think - is another diamond tiara for the Pope a real "charity?"

Studies that correct for this bias show that liberals make much more true, no-strings-attached, donations that do not benefit themselves.

[The Doctor.]

236. It's *what* they give to, not how much.

I've met way too many immigrant haters, and not a one of them was liberal. They might tell their son he did a good thing, but they'll tell him it was for the wrong 'sort' of people.

I've run out of charity for so many of these people, it's virtually impossible to give the BODT anymore.

[Green_Lantern]

235. that's a bit unfair..

It's a bit of a big generalization to make that all conservatives would oppose giving to a charity case like this. Any decent parent woul be proud of this.

[The Doctor.]

238. I've met way too many, in person, who are immigrant haters.

And every one of them considers themselves 'conservative'.

That may not mean that all 'conservatives' are xenophobes, but they own the label.

[BanzaiBonnie]

9. Oh, now you made my face leak

Your son understands right now the most important thing he needs to know in life; we are here to connect with others.

[elehhhhna]

58. It's the irish in ya'. Eyes too close to the bladder, per Aunt Mary Donahoo

god rest her little soul

[polmaven]

126. With me I thing

the problem is that my eyes are too close to my heart.

[AwakeAtLast]

108. Mine, too

What a great kid!

[lisa58]

10. What a great kid...

...I choked up when I read your post to my husband.

[Sheepshank]

11. yes you should be proud

Your son is very very cool IMHO. And the story brought a tear to my eyes too. But seriously, I do believe there is a 'village' at play here and at the center of it is your family. You must a have a very cool family too. Be proud of the whole group!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

12. Your son is one hell of a great kid!

And I have a suspicion that he'll be the happy recipient of a new MP3 very shortly...

Congratulations!

[Political_Junkie]

13. Wonderful.

Congrats on raising a great kid.

[asjr]

14. That made my day!

[bear425]

15. Ok, I'm tearing up here - and I'm at work. Thanks.

Seriously, you are very lucky to have such a wonderful child. I'm sure the apple didn't fall far from the tree. Thanks for sharing that with us.

[SidDithers]

16. Good kids come from good parents...

well done :applause:

Sid

[monmouth]

17. Just gave me chills with a little lump in the throat. What a great kid!...n/t

[Tim01]

18. Damn! Your son has a good heart.

I have come to believe we are mostly genetic as opposed to environment. It sounds to me like your son got his heart from you and his mom.

[lpbk2713]

19. Thanks for sharing.

That warmed my heart. You have good reason to be proud.




:thumbsup: :hi: :thumbsup:

[niyad]

20. most delighted k and r--a truly wonderful way to start my sunday. this great kid clearly has a

great role model.

my thanks for this truly wonderful story.

[proudohioan]

21. Congratulations on doing a wonderful job raising your son!

When all is said and done, it is the most important job title you will have.

[OffWithTheirHeads]

22. I have an i-pod I am not using. If he wants it, P.M. me

I was going to sell it on e-bay but I'd rather give it to him.

[Tim01]

25. NICE! Maybe there is hope for humans after all. nt

[w8liftinglady]

27. there are some great people on DU-you're one of them :)

[11 Bravo]

39. WOW! You personify what I love about DU.

Thank you so much, but I've spent the past 20 minutes visiting to the Apple website where I ordered an IPod Nano, complete with his name engraved on the back. He doesn't know it, but he'll be getting an early birthday present!
Again, thanks for your incredible generosity. You are the embodiment of what makes this place special!

[OffWithTheirHeads]

57. I can't tell you how happy this story made me

I hope your kid knows how much we think of him and REALLY GOOD JOB getting him a personally engraved Nano! If anyone deserves it, he does!

[tavalon]

218. The really, really great thing is this kiddo of yours didn't tell you afterward

That makes him even more of a hero and clearly a well raised human. And I suspect that seed didn't fall far from the tree.

[Ishoutandscream2]

187. What a wonderful gesture

[Turbineguy]

23. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

or something like that.

[w8liftinglady]

24. sign of a great parent.

...especially for a thirteen year-old.You have a lot to be proud of.

[sufrommich]

26. What a great kid(and future adult) you should be proud! nt

[marshall]

28. It's so wonderful to see grass roots philanthropy in action

It all starts at the individual and community level.

[pleah]

30. K AND R!

[MinneapolisMatt]

31. That is so awesome.

He has a very good role model. :)

[Kyril Enko]

32. Kicked and rec'd!

:thumbsup:

[indy legend]

33. Wow. You have raised a fantastic young man who will,

no doubt, do great things for his fellow man in his future. Just continue to encourage this in him, but you must prepare him for the fact that in the future conservative "christians who love America" will vilify him and try to tear him down. He will probably suffer much ridicule from the selfish righties in his life but if he stays true to the beliefs you have instilled in him he will do much for many. You should be proud of him, as am I.

[Highway61]

34. I wonder where he learned that kind of integrity?

You should be very proud...you did a good job.

[The Backlash Cometh]

35. Damn. That put a tear in my eye.

[WillyT]

55. Me Too... Several Of Them !!!

K & R !!!

:kick:

[malaise]

36. As we say in these parts

The fruit usually falls close to the tree. That's lovely. You should be proud of him. :D

[BeatleBoot]

37. Now THAT is what I'm talking about!

Your child is a leader.

Good job raising him.

[leftofcool]

38. I love you son too!

[Octafish]

40. Great kid.

Great parent.

[TuxedoKat]

41. THanks for sharing that...

what a wonderful son you have. I have a 13 year old too. Sometimes teens are difficult but occasionally she does things like this that make me realize what a good kid deep down she is.

[Douglas Carpenter]

42. you have a wonderful son!

[eagertolearn]

43. How wonderful that he was able to see beyond his own wants!

He has a good start on life and will probably do great things.

[Jackpine Radical]

44. Oh, no!! You've got a little socialist on your hands.

Congratulations to you and him.

And hey, thank him for me too.

[fizzgig]

45. sounds like you're got a damn fine kid there

:)

[jotsy]

47. Hug him for me!

That's the least I owe him for rekindling my faith in human nature. Well done Dad.

I am still drying my eyes!

[katandmoon]

48. K&R for your great kid

[crim son]

49. What a wonderful human being you have raised.

No wonder you're proud, I'm proud of him too.

[seabeyond]

50. "I love my kid."... i love your kid. nt

[DrZeeLit]

51. oh darn.... now I'm crying. Where the heck is that waterproof mascara when you need it?

I love your son, too.
Give him a big (mascara-free) kiss for me!

I taught junior high for 20 years and those kids never failed to blow me away with their compassion just when I wasn't sure if anything would reach them.
Thank goodness for parents like you, who instill love for fellow human beings in your kids.
Namaste.

[JBoy]

52. They BOTH sound like great kids. There's hope for the future.

[Libertas1776]

53. Sweet Kid

Be proud of him, he's carrying that heavy burden of empathy. Most kids that age can be pretty egocentric, but not yours. The very fact that he didn't even tell you about it to "brag" as many kids who do good things will do is the icing on the cake. Be proud, you raised him well.

[ceveritt]

54. @ 11 Bravo

I fully realize I'm hardly the first one on this OP to point this out—however, as some other DUers here have said, you should be very proud of yourself as well. Nice job.

And, of course, all appropriate praise for your boy. You both deserve recs and positive things and congratulations.

I'm just hopeless this morning. I can't think of enough grand things to say about, or wish for, both of you.

[elehhhhna]

56. Your Son For President.

wow. I'm proud of him...& can't imagine how moved you must be by his kindness.



Nice job, Dad.

[JackDragna]

59. So shines a good deed in a weary world.

eom

[Born_A_Truman]

61. Wow...

that brought tears to my eyes. You should be very proud of Mike!

[kestrel91316]

62. This reminds me of a story my sister told me about my nephew when he was about 13.

He had bought a unicycle at a garage sale and spent hours fixing it up and learning to ride. His buddy didn't have one, and couldn't afford a new one, so my nephew quietly went about hunting for ANOTHER unicycle used, and when he found it he bought it and fixed it up, and gifted it to his friend.

They rode their unicycles together in the July 4 parade in their village.

[pezDispenser]

63. very nice story

[NEOhiodemocrat]

64. You should be very proud

What a nice thing for him to do.

[myrna minx]

65. Wow. Words fail me. I'm proud of your thoughtful son too.

:cry:

[jwirr]

66. As long as we keep raising them right there is hope. You have a

wonderful son.

[Aristus]

68. What a wonderful kid, 11 Bang. You have a right to be proud.

I know I'm proud of him, and of you, too, for raising him right... :thumbsup:

[TheDebbieDee]

69. Why are you wasting time here posting on this board and not out buying

that fantastic kid of yours an MP3 player? ;-)

[11 Bravo]

83. See post # 39. (We're obviously on the same wavelength.)

:toast:

[TheDebbieDee]

125. Well, I'm sure the music will sound sweeter on the i-Pod you give him.

Nice job, Dad!

[grantcart]

70. Sounds like the begining of a beautiful friendship between the two families.

Think how difficult it must have been for the mother to make that call.

Great son, daughter, and parents all the way around.

[Booster]

71. Very happy to K&R. I love your kid & you for raising him.

:hug:

[UpInArms]

72. what a wonderful child you have raised

I love you all - this is what DU brings to the world - the knowledge that there are truly wonderful caring people in our world - and there are so many more being raised by such great folks.

:grouphug:

[cameozalaznick]

73. Congratulations...

You did an excellent job raising your son.

[jgraz]

74. Great story, thanks for brightening my day a bit.

:hi:

[JCMach1]

75. +infinity and beyond

[Bette Noir]

76. What a great kid. You must be doing something right.

[Triana]

77. I hope you gave him a lot of praise and a huge hug for that!

Great kid you've got there. Definitely. :applause:

[renate]

78. I love your kid too

What a kind and bighearted young man. :loveya:

[surrealAmerican]

79. This is one of those great moments in parenting ...

... when you realize your child is a good person, even when nobody's looking. I have a hunch you'll be seeing more such moments with your son. Congratulations.

[boomerbust]

80. Fine young man

Yes he is a man at 13.

[driver8]

81. That is quite a son you've got there...

I had my wife read your post and she said, "That's how I want our kids to be."

Thank you for posting this.

[ljm2002]

84. Wow, nice story!

I would be crowing too if it were my child! Good for him, he sounds like a caring and empathetic young man!

[asdjrocky]

85. I love your kid too.

That's why we have hope.

That's why I still hope. Just fantastic.

[Happyhippychick]

86. Crying at Starbucks

What a great kid!

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

87. Tears here. Please give him a big hug for me! You have a beautiful child.

:hug:

[Odin2005]

88. Your kid is AWESOME!!!

:woohoo:

[Mopar151]

89. The important wealth can't be counted.

"11 Mike" and 11 Bravo: Both of you are richer, without a penny in your pocket, than a miser with millions. Living well is not only the best revenge, it pays off in the long haul.

[tomm2thumbs]

90. few stories deserve the term 'SUPERIOR!' but this one takes the cake!

you made my day - and hope your kid knows that inspirations are contagious! kudos and lots of it!!

[Jkid]

91. Now THAT is wonderful!

K and R

[Lint Head]

92. Having a conscience is a wonderful gift. Apparently your child

is gifted with a beautiful attitude. This is special in a cynical world where people yell jump at a suicide and greedy corporations hoard money at the expense of the poor and unfortunate in society. Your son has a bright and rewarding future. It only cost the price of an ipod for a life lesson that is priceless.

[ChadwickHenryWard]

93. That, right there, is the point of being a parent.

You've made a good citizen. You, and your son, have done a great service to us all. You have good reason to be proud.

[postulater]

94. Best news I've read all week.

Thank your kid for me.

[kgnu_fan]

95. please give him a huge hug from me!!!

[rasputin1952]

96. ...

[Greyhound]

97. Good job, Dad. K&R. n/t

[SaveOurDemocracy]

98. I'm proud of him too! What a wise and generous heart. n/t

[KT2000]

99. What a great kid!

He must have great parents. :applause:

[jtuck004]

100. You do good work! Thank him for being what we aspire to, will ya? n/t

[beac]

BRAVO, Son of 11 Bravo!!

:applause:

[beac]

102. BRAVO, Son of 11 Bravo!!

:applause:

[onestepforward]

103. Beautiful child!

Bravo to the parents! Lovely story.

[secondwind]

104. YOU MADE MY DAY...WHAT A FEEL-GOOD STORY! Of course, had a Republican

heard this "lament", he/she would have said "you should not have bought those blue jeans/TV/etc...and instead thought of buying food!!!"

[Biker13]

105. It's Been Said Before...

But this deserves to be said again!

What a GREAT kid!

The same goes for the parents!

You should show him this thread.

[cliffordu]

107. Great kid.

Good work, 11 Bravo, they don't pull acts like this out of thin air.

[wellstone dem]

109. So far, I've identified at least 5 wonderful people in this story

Not ranked in any particular order

11 Bravo--for raising such a tremendous child and thinking to tell the inspiring story to the rest of us.

11 Bravo's son -- who put aside his own enjoyment to meet the needs of others, and found wonderful words to articulate how he made that decision.

The little girl who knew her family needed the gift certificate more than something just for her.

The little girl's mom who so thoughtfully called to say thank you.

The Duer up thread, Offwiththeirheads (how inapproiately named) who offered to send his/her Ipod to 11 Bravo's son.


What a wonderful story. It has got me thinking about what more I can do, and though I give to charity, how a little one on one kindness multiplies in wonderful ways.

[BrklynLiberal]

179. +1000

[11 Bravo]

110. Having read these kind responses, I've got to say, trust me folks, this is all about Mike, not ...

me. If anyone deserves credit, it's my darling bride. I'm just a crotchety old ex-grunt who curses too much, (but I will cop to adoring my sons).
At an early age Mike demonstrated the kind of empathy he still displays. During our 17 year cicada infestation in 2004, when Mike was 7, he set up a "cicada hospital", trying to rescue those critters who emerged from the chrysalis with deformed or crippled wings. We knew then that he was something special. (I just pray that the world doesn't beat the shit out of him.)
Now I'm trying to figure out a way to let him read these posts without finding out about the early birthday present that's coming his way. I want him to know that Mom and Dad aren't the only ones who think he's special.

[AwakeAtLast]

111. I think this is the best thread I've ever seen on DU

Thank you for relaying this story. It gives me hope for younger generations. What a great kid you have!!!

[CoffeeCat]

112. I have tears in my eyes!

As the mother of two young girls, I can understand how proud you are.

This really is amazing. It's every parent's dream, that their child
grow into an adult who is giving, compassionate and loving. Sometimes
it takes maturity and time for those qualities to really develop. It
appears that your son has a big heart and is a very special person.

Awesome...thanks for sharing!

:)

[nradisic]

113. Kudos to you!

You are obviously raising your kid the right way. Actions speak louder than words and you sir, have one heck of a kid. At 13 he already has his priorities in order, to know enough that it is not all about just him. Well done...You should be really proud. We need more American's like you and your son.

[ShamelessHussy]

114. thanks for sharing that wonderful story!

to you and your mighty fine son, cheers :toast:

[Uncle Joe]

115. It sounds like you have good reason to be proud of him.

Thanks for sharing, Bravo.:thumbsup:

[Ikonoklast]

116. The apple never falls too far from the tree.

Nice tree you have there.

Good job on the apple.

[Ken Burch]

117. Your kid is amazing!

n/t.

[Lars39]

118. Good kid.

Suggestion: print your OP and all the responses out(when the thread gets archived) and tuck them away. It will be a nice surprise some day when he finds them after you've passed on.

[Forkboy]

119. This is a great example of why I refuse to talk down to children.

They get it far better than we give them credit for, on this and a whole host of other issues. More often than not, they get it better than we adults do. I see so many adults talk about "kids these days" and it drives me nuts. That generation will outdo us by miles.

That's a Hell of a kid you got there. :thumbsup:

[Mira]

120. You know of course what's the best part,

he did not have to brag about it.
He innately understood the right hand and left hand principle.
I love that story, and how he has risen in your esteem.

[ubergeek]

121. Great kid story.

I just joined DU, and this is the first non-political thread I've read here.

Great kid and good job Bravo on raising him well! 13 is a tough age. (I called it the beginning of the "devil years" for my daughter...as it's when the hormones start raging) Like all things - it passed and she's a smart, beautiful young woman now.

Aren't most kids sweet and kind deep inside? Unless they're mean and heartless because of abuse of some type - I would think most kids would give other kids the shirts off their backs if the situation called for it. However...it's nice to see a parent show pride publicly.

Charity always begins in the heart. :)

Do you have plans to get your son a mp3 player? Apple's Nano is the way to go.


geek

[11 Bravo]

123. Welcome to DU! I'm honored to have your first post as a response to the OP!

(And check post #39. Right down to the Nano. Great minds!)

:toast:

[alp227]

122. Food > music. Keep raising your child well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6pphVs8bF0

And wow, that middle school pays children to be good? Well I've heard that such incentives can backfire as it creates a competitive nature that might KO ethics.

[AllenVanAllen]

124. What a wonderful story.

You've raised a great kid. The world is a better place because of him and you. :hi:

[marew]

127. Okay, so I'm crying now!

I haven't read all the responses but I'd be more than happy to donate towards an MP3 player for this outstanding, kind young man. He definitely has his priorities in order. What a great young man!

[emsimon33]

128. You have a very special young man there!

[Festivito]

129. And the whole world in those moments became a better place.

Thanks to the both of them.

Kudos to the good parenting going on out there as well.

[havocmom]

130. Congratulations for raising a young MAN who knows the difference between want and need

Too many adults don't seem to have your son's wisdom. That he has empathy AND the moral fiber to actually DO something with that wisdom when the opportunity presents makes him a bona-fide hero.

He is a fine human being. Thanks for giving such a fine gift to the world! You must be bursting with joy at his show of real decency.

[demigoddess]

133. hugs

:applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :yourock:

[dickthegrouch]

134. What a fantastic young man (and Dad)

While Meg Whitman wants to reduce 5 years of welfare to two in California when she's crowned Governor. :grrr:

[Madame DuFuey]

135. Bravo

This warms my heart, especially after reading a few stories here on DU from people who don't want to help strangers who come to their doors looking for money for food and medicine. How can we call ourselves progressives if we aren't open to helping all in need?

[Zoigal]

136. Kudos to your son.

You have every reason to be proud. We need more kids like him in this world.....z

[handmade34]

137. give your son a hug for me!

thanks

[democrank]

138. That is one top-notch kid, 11Bravo.

You must be very, very proud.

[pasto76]

140. dude, you are doing something right with him!

GOOD DEAL GOOD DEAL.

SGT PASTO

[southernyankeebelle]

141. You should be proud of your son. It gives me hope that our children are our

future. Something is missing in this country. The republicans think they have a lock on Jesus, but I think Jesus would be extremely sadden to see what they are up too.

[Hepburn]

142. Wow...

...what a great son, person, child, human being, just total wow!

:hug:

[Obamanaut]

143. How are the prizes that the kids "buy" with their "money" paid for

by the school?

Why are they being 'bribed' with tokens, credits, or whatever they are using for these auctions for good behavior, citizenship, academic performance, etc? Why not just expect good behavior, citizenship, academic performance, etc?

I'm just guessing that whatever the medium of their "pay" for the good behavior, etc., it is not actually cash. Is it?

On the one hand, the young man did a really good thing. On the other, there are those nagging questions.

[TexasObserver]

144. Awesome!

[Vinca]

145. Wow - that story made me tear up. What a great kid you've got!

[Suprk]

146. Wonderful story, great kid

I must also add, his actions clearly reflect that values and morals that either taught him, or that he modeled after you. I cannot think of any better representation of you than what I just read. Thank you for such a wonderful story.

[rtassi]

147. Nice work Dad!

[MrScorpio]

148. You did a great job raising a great kid

I salute you

[Little Star]

149. Beautiful! Just simply a beautiful story. He makes us all proud!

[winyanstaz]

150. What a fine young man :)

We are all proud of him too :) He is a fine American.

[arthritisR_US]

151. what a wonderful son you have! Good job dad! :-) n/t

[etherealtruth]

153. Your story moved me to tears.

[AllyCat]

155. What a hero! Thanks for this story. It makes me proud of him too!

Thank you for raising such a great kid :)

[madmom]

157. Tell your son he did good.. :^) and dad, so did you!

[RedRoses323]

158. Thank you sooooo much for sharing Bravo!

Bravo!!! O8)

[ThomThom]

159. You have done a wonderful job raising that boy

you should be proud, very proud

[abelenkpe]

160. Great post!

What an awesome kid. You should be very proud of him.

[colorado_ufo]

161. I love your kid, too!

[Shining Jack]

162. What a heartwarming story !

Your son is truly a great person. :)

[Wheezy]

163. What an AWESOME kid. Congrats!

[laughingliberal]

164. Darn! Now I'm leaking

:cry:

What a touching story!

[EFerrari]

165. I love your kid, too.

:toast:

ETA: When I was on grad student pay (and that meant, my kid was on grad student mom allowance) one Christmas eve, my kid went up the hill to get us some fresh baked stuff for our dinner. Rolls, cookies, pie.

On his way home, he gave it all away because there were so many people that didn't have a dinner waiting.

The kids will be all right.

[Shine]

166. We must teach the children well and you are a fine example of that.

What goes around, comes around.

Well done...to BOTH of you! :toast:

Great post.

[Obamanaut]

168. 175 responses when I started typing this, and still no clue as to where

these "prizes" being auctioned come from. Are they donated? Are they paid for by donations from parents? Are they part of the budget?

What ever happened to good behavior just for the sake of good behavior? Or academic performance? Or ________?(fill in blank)

refer to my post 143

[spooky3]

172. why does this matter? It sounds to me as if local businesses donate them to support the schools.

Why don't you start a different thread if you want to discuss whether rewarding students for good behavior, academic performance, etc. is a good thing? It almost seems as though discussing it here detracts from the central point, which is that 11 Bravo's child did the right thing for another human being.

[DesertRat]

169. You've raised a wonderful son

:kick:

[slipslidingaway]

170. Great story, great son, great parents :) n/t

[spooky3]

171. Thank you for this wonderful story.

What a great job you have done to raise this boy. He has given you an even greater reward.

[stlsaxman]

173. that last line made me cry smiling... thank your kid for me please!

[Canuckistanian]

174. Sorry to have to tell you

But your kid has NO future in the Republican party.

Actually, I'm not sorry at all.
:thumbsup:

[Stinky The Clown]

175. Tree ...... Fruit ...... Gravity ....... Distance

What a GREAT story!

Please hug your kid for me!

[BrklynLiberal]

180. WELL SAID!!!!!!!

:rofl: :applause:

[YankeyMCC]

176. All the aggravation and pain

of being a parent just shrink to their proper perspective at moments like that don't they.

Thanks for sharing such an inspirational story and for raising a child so capable of understanding and compassion.

[tpsbmam]

177. Yet another person with a lump in my throat

and great pride in you, your spouse, your family and most particularly your son. WIth one or two other kids I've encountered recently, it gives me hope for the future. What a great, great kid. :applause: :applause: :applause:

Needless to say, K & the 355th R!

[BrklynLiberal]

178. You should be proud of him, and of yourself as well for instilling such great values in him.

[Arugula Latte]

181. As the fellow parent of a 13-year-old boy I say: "Kudos!"

Ya done good! And your wife! But, as you seem to have realized, a lot of it is just the way these little human critters come out. They have minds of their own from the get-go. Good job, Bravokid! :applause:

[maryf]

182. K&R

[sueh]

183. To 11 Bravo, The Younger, you did a very unselfish thing. Thank you.

[Beacool]

184. You have a remarkable son.

May he and your family be always blessed.

;)

[RedCloud]

185. Soar high!

[Dinger]

186. Rec # 361 From Me

what a near kid!

[Ruby the Liberal]

188. This made my day. Thank you for sharing it!!

What a great kid. You have every right to burst at the seams with pride.

[NanceGreggs]

189. Well, I hope you're happy ...

You've got DU awash in tears.

Tears of joy.

Buckle up your seatbelt, 11 Bravo. I have a feeling that a kid doing you this proud at age thirteen is going to be doing you even prouder as time goes by.

Well done - as parent and child, well done.

[Soylent Brice]

190. got yourself a good kid there.

:)

[HughMoran]

191. Brought a tear to my eye

I'd like to think that my girls would be so unselfish, but it's left to my imagination. Kudos to your son - I would be so proud.

[GETPLANING]

192. There's hope for humanity yet...

Very touching story.

[bertman]

193. Lovely story. I love your kid, too. Rec. nt

[sonias]

194. I love your kid too

Mike is a wonderful human being. :loveya: Mike.

Congratulations for raising a great kid, 11 Bravo! :hug:

Sonia

[uberllama42]

195. The real classy move was not saying a word about it

I'm not always a great guy, but when I do something good I'm assiduously quiet about it. I really admire what your son did, and the fact that he was so casual about making a sacrifice. He's a class act.

[OffWithTheirHeads]

196. + 1,000 Its not really that hard to do good

but to do good and not expect credit for it, to do good and keep your mouth shut, that's exceptional!

[TygrBright]

197. You done good, 11 Bravo.

That's topnotch results on your parenting investment.

You enjoy the proud feeling!

appreciatively,
Bright

[OffWithTheirHeads]

198. I wish I could rec this again!

Most of the time, when I log on to DU, the OP's are all doom and gloom. By the time I leave here I am even more depressed than when I arrived. This story was not only positive, it gives me hope for the future and hope for the future was sorely lacking in my life. From my perspective it looks pretty gloomy for the kids and grandkids and great grandkids but if your kid is any indication of what's to come, there is hope.

[Loudmxr]

199. You do realize that he is 13 years old. He will probably be like this forever.

When I was 13 I said something really insensitive and wrong. I don't remember if I said it to anyone or just to myself. However I did say it and within 24 to 48 hours I realized that what I had just said was repeating a lie. I was ashamed. It changed my life forever. I started to speak up against racism and hatred and I have never stopped.

I only started to tell the story about six years ago. When I got into political trouble recently a woman, who I had not met, called me a civil rights leader. I had never been called that before. I felt like that 13 year old had been, at last, forgiven.

13. What a wonderful age. It is the age when you start to speak up for your values. Good luck to your courageous son. :patriot: :hi:

[Lifelong Protester]

201. A latecomer to the party here, but at rec 401

I love your kid too. Priorities are set straight. He knows the difference between needs and wants. Can we send him to Washington?

[Missy Vixen]

204. Proud to be rec 412

Pat yourself on the back. He learned compassion and caring from his parents.

My mom did the same thing. She led by example.

[mzmolly]

205. :)

A :toast: to your son! Tell him :yourock: from all of us at DU. :hi:

[JDPriestly]

206. Your son has human values. What a blessing for him and for you.

Children like that are the greatest joy. You have done a wonderful job.

[Divine Discontent]

207. I'd love to be a parent to a kid like that as well. There are TOO few like your special one.

I'm not allowed to adopt in Florida (Gay), but I'm sure you're very proud to have a kid like that be called your son, so I'll enjoy the story with you. I did things like that as a kid on a smaller scale, but I remember them, and it's great to hear there's some young men out there who are loving and follow their parents lead! You ROCK for being a good parent, also.

[47of74]

208. Allow me to offer my own personal thumbs-up to your kid

[brettdale]

209. wow

nice story indeed.

[calimary]

210. Bravo indeed!

What a beautiful gesture!

What a beautiful kid!

Somebody raised him well.

:patriot: :fistbump: :yourock: :patriot: :fistbump: :yourock: :patriot: :fistbump: :yourock: :patriot: :fistbump: :yourock: :patriot: :fistbump: :yourock: :patriot: :fistbump: :yourock: :patriot: :fistbump: :yourock: :patriot: :fistbump: :yourock: :patriot: :fistbump: :yourock: :patriot: :fistbump: :yourock: :patriot: :fistbump: :yourock: :patriot: :fistbump: :yourock:

[OneBlueSky]

211. well, somebody's been doing a pretty good job of parenting . . .

congrats to your son and to you . . . I'm sure he got his caring gene from somewhere, and I doubt it was his social studies teacher . . . now if every kid had the same kind of empathy, our nation (and the planet) would be far better off going forward . . .

really nice job . . . :)

[creekboy]

213. ZING, go my heart strings

[Botany]

214. Your son has real family values

[tavalon]

216. Damn, you raised a mighty fine son!

That is just remarkable, really remarkable.

[City Lights]

217. Heckuva kid you've got there, 11 Bravo!

:thumbsup: to you both!

[Omaha Steve]

219. Wonderful

K&R!

[Swagman]

220. ahhhhh....lovely story. Kids can be wonderful

:grouphug:

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

222. Congratulations on a job well done....

It's not easy raising a child these days. You appear to have succeeded quite admirably.

Now go out and buy your kid that MP3 player!

[madokie]

223. So do I

Love your kid. He has a great future ahead of him

[Vidar]

225. You've done a wonderful job raqising that kid.

[onlyadream]

226. Awwww.... that brought tears to my eyes!!!

You raised him well and should be VERY proud!!! :)

[FourScore]

228. Wow. What a great kid!!!

Thank you for sharing this story.

K&R

[sinkingfeeling]

229. DUers should buy your kid an MP3 player!

[closeupready]

230. That's terrific. K&R

:)

[grahamhgreen]

232. Hey Libertarians! Most of us are NOT motivated by self interest. Kudos, kid! nt

[Blue_Tires]

233. Well, he is a Virginian, so excellence in character is expected

:hi: B-)

[Catherine Vincent]

237. Oh my. That is one sweet and noble child you have there.

Give him a hug for me. :hi:

[FedUpWithIt All]

240. Crying. A heartfelt "You're wonderful!" to your boy. Thanks for raising him well. n/t