I am Michelle D. Carter

Did you ever see that movie Pay It Forward? In essence, as a result of a school assignment, a boy comes up with the idea of repaying good deeds not with a payback, but with new good deeds to three new people. What appears to initially be a failure is indeed a success. It’s about unselfishness and caring for people. Also, by doing good deeds, good will come to you.

This is my son, Alex. Anytime we go anywhere, Alex needs to bring his purse. Yes, my five-year-old son carries a purse. Mom and sister have a purse, why shouldn’t he have one too?! When it comes time to spend his money, he is always sharing with his brother and sister.

The other day we were at the mall with a Rain Forest Café. As with most Rain Forest Cafés, they have an alligator in front. The kids love to throw money in the water with the alligator. I always give them some change. This time, Alex had his purse and he gave Alyssa and Andy some money to throw. We then walk down to the play place and I let the kids run a little to get rid of some energy. It wasn’t long and Alex came up to me showing me some money he had found.

The day before school started I took them to Tunnel Voyage. In addition to crawling through tunnels, you can also play games and win tickets. Alex LOVES to play the games and win tickets! He always brings his purse and again, shares with Alyssa and Andy. After playing for a little while, he comes back saying he found extra tickets.

I admire him for his generosity. He does not expect anything in return, it just happens for him. I need to be more like him. While growing up, we didn’t have much money. If I lent my bike to a friend and something happened, we didn’t have the money to replace it. No offense, Mom, it’s just how it was. So I tend to be selfish. If I give, then I won’t have.

I often tell Alex that I love his thoughtfulness and I hope it’s a trait he never looses. I need to learn from him. The world would be a lot stronger is everyone was more like Alex.