18 Comments
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Diane Burley's avatar

I woke up angry again this am, and after reading this I feel calm. What seeds can I plant today? Bravo on a real masterpiece.

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Walter Rhein's avatar

Thank you Diane, that's a very sweet comment :)

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Cheryl in Seattle's avatar

Well, this story broke me open this morning. I guess the words poked through the accumulated grief, anger, and frustration that has been building up and came out in a flood of tears. But it's all good. Those tears can water a whole lot of seeds. Thank you.

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Walter Rhein's avatar

What a beautiful comment Cheryl! I hope you feel renewed by that emotional release! I know I do when it happens to me. Thank you for sharing!

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Angel Hope's avatar

I stopped and read this because of your comment! Great story and comment. I added some water to those seeds as well.

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Walter Rhein's avatar

Thanks Angel!

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Fred Johnson's avatar

Great story and well written. Thank you. Fred

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Walter Rhein's avatar

Thanks Fred!

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Teri Gelini's avatar

Reminds me of my younger son who refused to ride the bus after a couple times. He rode his bike after the treatment he got on the bus....rain or shine. sad even 35-40 years ago it was like that. He is now a successful nurse anesthetist/nurse practitioner. Life is hard.

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Walter Rhein's avatar

If the US hadn't taken on cruelty as it's basic identity, life could be a lot easier for everyone.

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Ginny S.'s avatar

Thank goodness there are those special people in this world. Thank you for sharing.

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Kathy Minicozzi's avatar

We never know how far our actions actually go. This includes our bad and good acts. One act of goodness can reverberate through the universe and make a big difference.

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Kylie's avatar

What a beautiful message, and written with such talent. Thank you for sharing. The world truly does need to plant more kindness seeds.

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Walter Rhein's avatar

Thank you Kylie! That's very nice of you to say :)

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We The People's avatar

Sobbing 😭

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We The People's avatar

Thank you. Definitely better. It allowed some room for the light to get in. 💕

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Walter Rhein's avatar

Usually I feel better when I sob. I hope that's the case for you too :)

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We The People's avatar

This story (parable) stayed with me. It lingers illuminating times that I piled on someone, on a school bus or in a classroom. When I would laugh with the bullies hoping they wouldn’t turn on/notice me. Or how even after not speaking up against the hecklers, the target of the taunts showed (undeserved) kindness to me. And how shitty I felt for not defending/befriending them. Pointing at others who are different doesn’t ever make you happier or safer. Actions matter. Support matters. Keep ‘em coming Walter. I’m still learning how to be a better human.

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