The Power To Change History

History is a part of all of us. It shapes the world and everyone in it. We learn from it, if we choose to. Sadly, mankind as a whole does not. How to pick from its archives one or two events that I wish to see is mind-boggling. I've been struggling with that chore all month.

Yesterday, life chose for me. It’s not a big event, like the landing of the Mayflower. Nor one I would want to see. I would not be content with being a spectator either. I would want to make a difference and try to change that particular piece of history.

Yesterday, they found a young man, someone I know, whose mother is a dear friend of mine, dead. At this point there is no explanation. I don’t even know what happened, but the choice to be there, in the off chance I could have helped, is my pick in history.

We are on this planet to make a difference. We impact people’s lives each and every day. Sometimes for good, and sometimes, not so much. This young man needed help. Whether that be to talk him out of killing himself, helping to fight off a murderer or performing CPR until the ambulance arrived, remains to be seen.

There are times in our personal history when we would all desire to turn back the clock. Living with regrets is the pits. Making an effort to live outside the box of self-interest brings less regret. Choosing to make a difference for good, no matter how small, builds a chest of treasured memories.


Someone somewhere knew this young man needed help. Whether a neighbor who heard fighting but ignored the nudge to call the police, or a friend who knew he was depressed. We may never know all the answers, but we do have a solution. Act when you sense trouble. Go out of your way to help those that need it. Respond to cries for help, even from strangers. Make your mark in history a good one, and choose to live a life of no regrets.

5 comments:

Joan Vincent said...

With prayers for the family Becky.

Pat Davids said...

Amen to that. Listen, pray, act.

Rox Delaney said...

How sad for the young man's family and friends, and for you. I'll keep everyone in my thoughts and prayers.

Becky A said...

Joan, Pat and Rox, Thanks for your thoughts and prayers. The funeral was standing room only. He was a neat kid and will be missed. It's been a tough week. He was much too young.

Rox Delaney said...

It has been a tough week. Our class lost one on Tuesday. She was one of three of us that ran around together in H.S. We lost the other in November last year.