The way it used to be

What happened to the days when people settled disputes by just going to other person and just speaking up and saying what's on your mind.

Not that I condone violence bit what about when people settled disputes by duking it out until it was over then they shook hands and it was over.

I still know people like this and I still believe in this when it comes to settling disputes. No, I am not saying beat them to a pulp or ambush them. Back then, two people settled it this way willingly and then it was done and over.

Where I come from, that's how it was handled.

When I was younger and I was fighting with my brother, my grandpa would say, "take it outside," and we would.

We didn't always fist fight. Sometimes, we just argued until it was settled but the majority of the times, we threw a few punches just until we were tired. Then it was over.

When I was a kid, families helped other families through hard times and you didn't get into another families' business. Yes, there were a few exceptions, only if it included mistreatment or abuse, but now everyone is so harsh and judgmental that people even talk about the quiet older couple down the street who haven't done anything to anyone other than offer them a smile and kind greeting to make their day brighter.

Seems crazy to me, but maybe I was raised a little too old school for today's world. I saw the sweetest act of kindness the other day. I was in the Dollar Store with my kids and as I walked down the isle, a kind gentleman noticed I was having a hard time, and he stopped me to offer me a smile and a few kind words.

He talked with us a few minutes and then we continued shopping and he later appeared and asked my permission to buy my kids a candy bar. I usually say no, but he was just trying to help lighten my mood, so I agreed and he did and then as my boys stood there and thanked him, I waited my turn and I thanked him and told him his kindness was much appreciated.

I went home that day and all night, I couldn't help but wonder whom this kind man was. He didn't need to buy my kids anything, but he did and he told them to love their mother and father and this to me went above and beyond the kindness of a stranger.

Him just taking the time to smile at me and say a few kind words was enough but he went beyond that and showed me how much kindness and goodness there is in the world.

I didn't catch his name, but if he is reading this, I just want to say thank you. Your kindness was much needed and very appreciated.

I guess my point in sharing this story is to remind myself and everyone else that a smile goes a long way and it sure does make a big difference.

I try to be kind to others, but I will now try even harder to smile at those who need it and if given the chance to say a kind word to someone who needs it.

We need more people like this man in today's world. I am reminded that things now aren't like they used to be in the world and maybe I do need to catch up with how things are done today, but then again maybe I will keep doing what I do and always remember how things were done back when.

The world keeps changing everyday, but some things just don't need to be changed, some things should remain for generations to come.

You can reach me by e-mailing me at jnrodger@iendeavor.com.