When my 12-year-old son, Ben, agreed to shovel snow for our wealthy neighbor, Mr. Dickinson, for $10 a day, he was ecstatic. The arrangement seemed simple and fair, and Ben was eager to earn his own money for a noble cause. He had plans to use the money to buy meaningful gifts for our family, a gesture that warmed our hearts. Little did we know, his excitement would soon turn to disappointment.
After three days of hard work, Ben approached Mr. Dickinson to collect his payment. To his shock, the neighbor refused to pay, dismissing the agreement as a “lesson in contracts.” Mr. Dickinson’s words left Ben devastated, confused, and questioning the value of his hard work. Watching his excitement crumble into tears was a moment no parent should have to witness.
As parents, my husband and I knew we had to act. Teaching Ben to accept defeat was not an option, especially when he was in the right. It wasn’t just about the $30—this was about integrity and accountability. Mr. Dickinson needed to understand that his wealth didn’t give him the right to exploit others, especially not a child.
The following weekend, we decided to take matters into our own hands. We bundled up in our warmest coats and headed out as a family to shovel the snow from Mr. Dickinson’s driveway and sidewalks. But this time, we left all the snow piled neatly right in front of his car and doorstep. Our silent protest spoke volumes about the importance of honoring one’s promises.
When Mr. Dickinson came outside, he was stunned. We calmly explained that Ben had learned a lesson about fairness and standing up for what’s right—and that Mr. Dickinson had also been taught an unforgettable lesson in accountability. By the end of the conversation, he handed Ben the money with a sheepish apology, and Ben learned that standing up for himself is always worth it.
Leave a Reply