Sonya Wareodds are stacked against them, they deserve respect—respect even in
trying times of conflict and chaos.
There was a time when someone st ole a toolbox from our garage. It
was a nice toolbox with all the essentials. My brother and I were so sure
th at the only people that would have done such a thing were the “t hugs.”
My dad calmly called over an influencer in the group and started up a
respectful, caring conversation with him. After a few pleasantries, my
dad said, “Junior, I am really disappointed in you. I believed that we
had a different kind of relationship—one of trust. Word on the street
is that you stole my toolbox from the garage.”
“No sir,” Mr. Spann, Junior replied emphatically, “I would never do
th at to you because you are so kind to us even when others are not. I
will find out who stole your toolbox and return it to you.”
Dad explain ed to us that he didn’t believe that Junior stole the
toolbox but Dad knew that Junior would find out who did. My dad was
wise. He knew that p eople want to do right. They want to make a
valuable contribution to their work, the community, and to life. And
each person deserves respect and to be treated as a human being and
nothing less. We desire honor, respect, and a solid reputation but life
doesn’t always predispose us to this privilege. And it was clear to us
th at it was a part of our responsibility as humans to be inclusive and
respectful to everyone, in any situation.
Well, you may have guessed it by now—Junior returned later that
day with the toolbox. All was well. Oddly enough, it cost him $5 to
re trieve it. Dad gladly replaced Junior‘s $5. People ri se to our level of
expectation. Expect the best in o thers and give all due respect. This is
only one of the many lessons I learned from my mother and father.
They have had the greatest influence on my life and I thank them f or
that. Rest in peace, Dad. Mom, I love you.
WRIGHT
What do you think are the biggest obstacles people face in trying to
become successful?