Post by TeddyBower on Feb 14, 2016 15:13:24 GMT -5
So we were sitting in a Starbucks in Seattle after leaving the hotel this morning. A family came in. Mom, dad (big hunking football type), older brother (big hunking football type), and little brother (small pocket boy). Both young men were high school age, probably a senior and a sophomore.
The store was a bit crowded and noisy and after they were served they settled in next to us on the long table we were at, older brother next to me and the younger one across the table from him next to his mom.
The conversation started out nicely enough but soon degraded into outright verbal bullying of the little brother by his dad and older brother. They ridiculed him for his stature and his friends and his interests (which seemed to be musical performance if I read between the lines correctly), on and on. His mom remained silent.
At one point his eyes met my own. The pain written there was palpable. I shrugged and tried to offer him whatever sympathy I could in my expression. He nodded.
It wasn't long before he left the table and headed toward the back of the store. I waited a bit and followed to find him waiting his turn for the men's room.
Again our eyes met. "You okay? I asked.
"Yeah, I guess. I kind of have to be. Not much choice, really."
I nodded. "Good attitude to have under the circumstances, I'd say then. And keep in mind that in a couple years it'll be over if you want or need it to be."
He smiled. "Thanks." He said. The door opened and he went in. I returned to the front of the store and found we were ready to leave.
Send this young man some good thoughts, positive energy, or prayers if you you will?
The store was a bit crowded and noisy and after they were served they settled in next to us on the long table we were at, older brother next to me and the younger one across the table from him next to his mom.
The conversation started out nicely enough but soon degraded into outright verbal bullying of the little brother by his dad and older brother. They ridiculed him for his stature and his friends and his interests (which seemed to be musical performance if I read between the lines correctly), on and on. His mom remained silent.
At one point his eyes met my own. The pain written there was palpable. I shrugged and tried to offer him whatever sympathy I could in my expression. He nodded.
It wasn't long before he left the table and headed toward the back of the store. I waited a bit and followed to find him waiting his turn for the men's room.
Again our eyes met. "You okay? I asked.
"Yeah, I guess. I kind of have to be. Not much choice, really."
I nodded. "Good attitude to have under the circumstances, I'd say then. And keep in mind that in a couple years it'll be over if you want or need it to be."
He smiled. "Thanks." He said. The door opened and he went in. I returned to the front of the store and found we were ready to leave.
Send this young man some good thoughts, positive energy, or prayers if you you will?