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A Society Is Judged By How It Treats Its Most Vulnerable: A Repost
At a school event for children with special needs, the father of a student delivered an emotional speech that left a lasting impression on everyone who heard it.
After commending the school and its staff, he posed a profound question:
"When no external forces interfere with nature, the natural order achieves perfection. But my son, Herbert, cannot learn or understand like other children. Where is the natural order in my son?"
The audience was stunned. Then the father continued:
"I believe that when a child like Herbert, with physical and mental challenges, comes into the world, it presents an opportunity to witness the essence of human nature — in how others treat that child."
He shared a story about walking with Herbert near a park where kids were playing baseball. Herbert asked, "Dad, do you think they’ll let me play?" His father hesitated, knowing most children wouldn’t want someone like Herbert on their team. Yet, he approached one of the boys and asked if Herbert could join.
The boy looked around, unsure, then said, "We’re losing by six runs, and it’s the eighth inning. I guess he can join, and we’ll try to let him bat in the ninth."
Herbert joined the team, wearing a wide smile as he put on the jersey. His father watched with tears in his eyes, moved by his son joy and the acceptance shown by the other kids.
By the ninth inning, Herbert team had closed the gap to three runs. With two outs and the bases loaded, Herbert’s turn to bat arrived. Everyone knew he couldn’t hit the ball properly, but the pitcher stepped closer and threw softly, giving him a chance.
Herbert swung clumsily and missed. The pitcher moved even closer and tossed again. This time, Herbert made slight contact, and the ball rolled gently towards the pitcher. The game could have ended there, but the pitcher picked up the ball and threw it far above the first baseman’s head.
The crowd cheered: "Run to first, Herbert! Run to first!" Herbert had never run that far, but he made it. The spectators roared, "Go to second! Go to second!" With effort, Herbert reached second base as the right fielder deliberately overthrew the ball.
By the time Herbert approached third base, both teams and the audience were on their feet, shouting, "Run home, Herbert! Run home!" He crossed home plate, arms raised in triumph, while his teammates and opponents alike cheered and embraced him.
That day, Herbert became the hero who hit the game-winning grand slam. His father, overcome with emotion, said, *"Those children showed the world what true love and humanity look like."
Herbert passed away the following winter, but he never forgot being the hero of that game. His parents cherished the memory of his joy and the love he received that day.
A closing thought:
We share countless jokes without hesitation, but messages like this — about the profound lessons life offers — often make us pause. If you’re considering sharing this story, remember: you have the power to inspire others. A wise person once said, "A society will be judged by how it treats its most vulnerable." Let’s be the difference.
Credits: Stere Salvaje and A Picture is Worth 1000 Words FB Page
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