Nothing makes a parent more proud than when they see the fruits of years of planting and nurturing the values instilled in their children.

A few weeks ago, I found some old halloween candy while cleaning out the cupboards. There were an assorted array of chocolate goodies and Jonny was thrilled to see HE still had some left over (read: forgotten about by Daddy or they would have been long gone).

I told Jonny he could have one piece of candy. He would have to earn the rest.

But as he was deciding which candy he wanted, Jonny saw a bunch of kids playing outside. They were neighborhood kids, but Jonny does not usually play outside with them. Some of them do not even know his name. They are always riding their bikes and Jonny is still a bit “resistant” to that particular apparatus.

Amongst the kiddos playing was his 6-year-old friend “K” (also riding his bike), who Jonny does frequently play with. On a whim, Jonny decided he wanted to share one of his pieces of candy with “K”.

I told him, that was a good idea, but there were 4 other kids out there with “K” who would want some candy too and he would have to share some with all of them if he wanted to share with Kellen.

Jonny ENTHUSIASTICALLY obliged. I started worrying because I only saw 5 pieces of candy, and Jonny would not get any if he shared with all of them.

As Jonny ran outside yelling “Hey guys! I got you some candy!” the kids eagerly came over to them. Jonny began dolling out little Nestle’s Crunch bars, Butterfingers, and Snickers. When it got to the last child, Jonny was a bit hesitant because there was only one more piece of candy left.

Jonny looked at me and said, “Daddy, but then I won’t have any.”

I told him, “Well bud, it’s your candy so it is up to you.”

He looked at the candy one more time and then said, “okay… here you go” and he proceeded to give his last piece of candy to a boy that didn’t even know his name.

He was so excited to give out all his candy. He was not the least bit disappointed that he did not get any. I could not have been more proud.

When we finally came back in the house after playing all afternoon, there was one more piece of candy sitting in his Trick-or-treat bucket that neither of us had seen before.

It was waiting. Just for him.