It was summer camp, and the counselor took his group of fourteen- and fifteen-year-old boys on a special outing to an arcade. When they went inside, there was a booth to buy tokens for the games. The boys came prepared with money and got in line.
The counselor saw a man in front of one of his campers take out his wallet to buy tokens, and a dollar bill fell to the floor.
Another camper saw it, picked up the dollar, and walked away.
The camper behind the fellow who dropped the dollar saw another camper walk off with it. He immediately tapped a man on the shoulder and said, “Sir, I think you dropped something.” He then took his own dollar and gave it to the man.
The counselor approached this camper and said, “I saw what you did. The other camper stole the dollar, and you took your own dollar and gave it to
the man. Tell me, why did you do that?
“Let me tell you why I did it.” He explained. “When I was a little kid, we lived in Brooklyn before we moved here. My mother worked late, so after school I took the bus to my grandfather’s grocery store, where I hung out, did my homework, and helped out a little.
One time, while my grandfather was ringing up a customer’s order, a woman opened her purse to pay, and a dollar bill fell out onto the floor.
I saw the dollar hit the ground, quietly walked over, kicked it aside, picked it up, and walked off with it.
After my grandfather bagged the woman’s groceries, he quietly dropped a dollar bill on the floor behind where she was standing.
‘Excuse me, miss, I think you dropped a dollar.’ He walked out behind the counter and picked up the dollar.
Then I realized my grandfather had seen me steal the dollar. I was so ashamed.
I went over to my grandfather, gave him the dollar bill, and apologized. His only response was, ‘I expected better from you.’ He had tears in his eyes. I never wanted to disappoint anyone who loves me, ever again.
Just now, when you saw the man in front of me drop a dollar, and we both saw Kenny pick it up and pocket it, I knew what to do.
You see, my grandfather passed away recently. I know it was him giving me the chance to redeem myself. I know he is pleased with the person I am becoming.”
The counselor had no more words for his camper. Instead, he gave the boy a pat on the shoulder and walked away with admiration for his camper. And awe for generations past that still teach life lessons from their place in heaven.