It was late evening when31 year old social worker, Julio Diaz, dismbarked from his 1 hour commute into a nearly empty station. He was on his way to his favorite restaurant when things took an unexpected turn. A teenage boy approached him and then pulled out his knife.
Diaz did not resist. He quickly gave him his wallet. But as the teen turned to go Diaz stopped him. “Hey wait a minute! If you are going to be up all night robbing people, might as well take my coat to keep yourself warm.”
The teen had a look of uncomprehension on his face. “Why are you doing this?” He asked.
Seeing an opening Diaz continued, “If you were willing to risk your freedom for a few dollars, then I guess you really need the money. Look I am going to have a dinner. Do you mind if you join me?”
The teen and Diaz then went to a restaurant and sat in a booth. Very soon the manager came and greeted them, followed by the dishwasher, and other restaurant staff. The teen seemed surprised. “Everybody knows you here. Do you own the place?”
“No I just eat here regularly,” Diaz replied.
“But you are nice even to the dishwasher!” The teen responded.
“Haven’t you been taught to be nice to everybody?”
“Yes, but in real life people do not behave that way!” is all what the teen could say.
After a few moments of akward silence. Diaz asked the teen what he wanted from life. Soon an incredible silence came over the teens face and he kept silent.
When the bill arrived, Diaz told the teen, “Look you have my money, so if you give my wallet back, I will be glad to treat you!”
The teen did not even hesitate and immediately handed the wallet back. Diaz opened the wallet and pulled a $20 bill and gave it to the teen. “But I need your knife in return.” Once again the teen did not hesitate. He dropped the knife on the table and left without saying another word.
Credit: This story was narrated on NPR by Julio Diaz. It shows us the power of kindness. Sometimes even impossible situations can be turned around by just a few kind words.
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