A Place of Safety: General Talk » An interesting question -

Show: Today's Messages :: Show Polls :: Message Navigator

An interesting question - - Why would/should we care? [message #31952]

Mon, 08 May 2006 17:55

charlie

Really getting into it

Location: San Antonio, TX
Registered: February 2002
Messages: 445

This question deserves its own thread (see below).

Most of you know my recent background of serving as a mentor to 11-14 yo boys through a local middle school. It is a strictly voluntary role although I sometimes receive an honorarium from various groups to assist in the more costly activities I share with my mentees. But a question I often get asked is why do I do this. Subject myself to the sometimes cruel and unforgiving atmosphere of at-risk teens. My stock answer is because I receive so much joy from making a difference.

Recently someone asked if all the children I work with turn out for the better. Should I lie and say yes? No, I cannot in all honesty say, every child who's life I have touched is a success story. Alas, I must admit to some very, very disappointing failures. So why do I continue?

I have found that I derive pleasure and satisfaction (albeit small) from even abject failures (lose a kid to the TYC - Texas Youth Corrections) because I tried. To me, not trying would be a stain on my soul.

My experience is but one small sliver of the concept of caring. Please share your thoughts and/or experiences on this question.

Hugs,
Charlie

		An interesting question - - Why would/should we care? By: charlie on Mon, 08 May 2006 17:55
		Re: An interesting question - - Why would/should we care? By: marc on Mon, 08 May 2006 18:11
		Is there such a thing as 'passive' care? By: pimple on Mon, 08 May 2006 18:51
		I guess I think there is By: pimple on Mon, 08 May 2006 22:14
		Re: Is there such a thing as 'passive' care? By: timmy on Tue, 09 May 2006 06:59
		Caring, Active, Passive, and Rationale By: timmy on Mon, 08 May 2006 20:22
		Re: Caring, Active, Passive, and Rationale By: Brian1407a on Mon, 08 May 2006 21:06
		Re: Caring, Active, Passive, and Rationale By: kupuna on Tue, 09 May 2006 20:33
		Surely it'sa way of life which gives us satisfaction? By: cossie on Tue, 09 May 2006 02:19
		Sad that this thread doesn't have the legs it is worthy of! By: pimple on Wed, 10 May 2006 03:01
		giving this thread a leg-up ... By: NW on Wed, 10 May 2006 09:59
		Re: giving this thread a leg-up ... By: pimple on Wed, 10 May 2006 13:35
		Re: giving this thread a leg-up ... By: timmy on Wed, 10 May 2006 14:51
		Care vs Compassion By: charlie on Sat, 13 May 2006 14:04
		Re: Care vs Compassion By: timmy on Sat, 13 May 2006 22:10
		Re: An interesting question - - Why would/should we care? By: electroken on Sun, 14 May 2006 00:19

Previous Topic:	Yoo Hoo
Next Topic:	spooky

Goto Forum:

[

]

We support Ukraine — Мы поддерживаем Украину — Ми підтримуємо Україну

We support the Palestinian people in their struggle against oppression