As a parent, my children often inquire about my childhood, and I thoroughly enjoy sharing those stories. While most tales evoke laughter or surprise—like the time my dad got kicked out of my Little League games—last week, I chose a different narrative. With the new school year approaching, I wanted to share a meaningful story about their Uncle Mark.
My brother Mark, who is 18 months older than I am, was held back early in school, so we always found ourselves in the same grade, almost like twins. Although we attended different schools for a while, we shared many years together in the same classes.
Mark is one of the kindest souls you could ever meet, and my children absolutely adore him. He’s a gentle giant, a friend to everyone, and always ready with a warm smile. However, Mark also has a disability, which made him a target for a small group of cruel classmates.
While most kids were friendly to him—smiling back when he greeted them or giving him high-fives—there were a few who chose to mock him, perhaps as a way to mask their own insecurities. On numerous occasions, I would walk down the hall only to find Mark breakdancing while a group of mean kids laughed at his expense. He danced joyfully, blissfully unaware of the difference between being laughed at and being laughed with. It often fell on me to intervene.
I remember entering the cafeteria to see him performing karate atop a lunch table, the same situation playing out yet again. He frequently had his lunch money stolen, was made to repeat silly phrases for a cheap laugh, and sometimes faced physical taunts like having pencils thrown at him.
The story I shared with my kids during that car ride was particularly heart-wrenching: One morning at school, a group of kids told Mark to remove his shoes, only to flush them down the toilet. They didn’t go down but instead swirled around in the toilet as they kept flushing. As a result, Mark spent the rest of the school day in socks. When I learned about it, I found myself in the girls’ restroom, kneeling in a stall, crying uncontrollably. My heart shattered. I couldn’t fathom how anyone could be so cruel to someone so vulnerable.
I recounted how Dad had to leave work to bring Mark a new pair of shoes later that day, and how, that evening, my mother and I shared tears over the incident. My kids were puzzled—why would anyone act in such a way? I told them that even after all these years, I still couldn’t comprehend it, and neither could Uncle Mark.
Then I imparted this crucial lesson to them: Always treat everyone with kindness, whether at school or elsewhere. Never inflict harm on others, because doing so also hurts those who care about them. I urged them to be more than just nice—be the ones who stand up for others in need. Back then, a few kids would step in to stop the taunting before I could reach Mark. They would look out for him, reassuring him that he could count on them. Although they weren’t my friends, their support meant the world to me. They followed through—if Mark sought their help, they were there for him. I encouraged my children to embody that spirit.
In that car ride, it struck me that while I had meticulously prepared for the upcoming school year by organizing schedules, shopping for clothes, and arranging carpools, I may have neglected to emphasize the importance of kindness. While it’s an everyday lesson, with the rise of bullying incidents, it deserves to be addressed more directly.
I understand that my kids won’t always make the right choices. There will be times they might exclude someone or say something hurtful. However, this year, I made it clear that any form of bullying or teasing is unacceptable and would be the most disappointing action they could take.
As our children prepare to return to school, let’s remind them to be kind and support those who need an extra hand. I promise, somewhere, a sibling will be eternally grateful. For more insights on how to boost positivity in your family, consider checking out this resource on fertility supplements or learn more about home insemination. You can also explore additional tips on nurturing a supportive environment here.
Summary
This article narrates a heartfelt childhood story about kindness, focusing on the author’s brother, Uncle Mark, who faced bullying due to his disability. The author shares valuable lessons learned through these experiences, emphasizing the importance of treating others with compassion and standing up for those in need, especially as children head back to school.