Thread: So proud

Yesterday my son called from college. While chatting he mentioned he found a purse and turned it in. He looked for an ID or something to identify the owner but there was none. It had well over $150 in the purse. I asked why he just did not take the money and leave the purse. "Because it wouldn't be right." was his response. I am not sure I would have done the same. I am very proud of him for doing the right thing.

Me

Thanks. I always told my kids that we wer money poor but rich in more ways than most. Some of the things I taught them was to stick to your word. It is one of the things that will distinguish you from others. If you dont want it done to you then dont do it to others. Put yourself in someones elses shoes then move forward. I also taught them the true meaning of integrity and character. It is who your are when no one is looking. No one was looking when he found the purse but he chose to turn it in. That shows his integrity and defines part of his character. I am not perfect but my greatest accomplishment in life has been my children.

Thanks for the kind words.

me

Congrats on raising such a fine young man. The values that you have taught him will go with him through his life.

Yesterday my son called from college. While chatting he mentioned he found a purse and turned it in. He looked for an ID or something to identify the owner but there was none. It had well over $150 in the purse. I asked why he just did not take the money and leave the purse. "Because it wouldn't be right." was his response. I am not sure I would have done the same. I am very proud of him for doing the right thing.

Me

I'm glad that your son did the right thing, but what I don't understand is qhy you questioned what he did. I would not have asked my child why he didn't just keep the money. I would have praised him for doing the right thing.
Anyway, your son is a good, honest young man! You raised someone who will be a benefit to society.

I wanted to know if he did it for the right reasons. It is easy to do the right thing when others are with you or nearby. It is a different story when no one is watching. As it turned out he was alone. It was about 4:40 in the am. His routine is a long run before heading to the weight room. He found the purse in the parking lot about 70 feet from the building. He said he really did not think much about it. He went right to the police and turned it in. He said as he ran he thought about the different scenerios of the money. Someone needed it for books or a tuition payment, car payment, food, medicine,etc.He felt good about doing the right thing and that the favor, someday will be returned to him.

I always ask my kids why. I taught them to always ask me why if I do not offer my reasons for things. I believe it is not only important to do the right thing but to do them for the right reasons. I always explained the reasons for my actions to my kids. Like why I said no or yes to something. It helps to develop reasoning skills as well as looking for different points, pros or cons to situations.

Me

You raised your son well. Congratulations!