Mother proud of generous son

I just wanted to share some good news today regarding my son and a charitable donation he made.

This is about something that my 8-year-old son, Girion, did. He donated $250 of his own money to The Smile Train in order to help another child. That money was from years of saving his allowance and birthday checks from his grandparents. He's been saving for a car (a long-term planner, that boy). I thought this story might inspire others, adults and children alike.

The other day, I removed a page from a magazine, an ad for The Smile Train. This is a nonprofit organization that performs cleft pallet corrective surgeries for children who have been born with this physical deformity. The baby shown on the ad was grossly deformed and needed surgery. I thought I'd send them a check, since I admire their work. I know about this organization, and they use 100 percent of donations towards surgeries.

Girion saw the Smile Train ad sitting on our table. He read it, brought it to me, and said, "I want to do this." He didn't change his mind after several days of consideration. He also said, "Look, Mom. Aren't this baby's eyes pretty?" He could see past her problems and imagine her possibilities. Girion may have even considered how fortunate he was to be healthy himself.

As you might imagine, I'm feeling rather good about life this week, about how my son is developing emotionally. I'm glad he has compassion and empathy and was unselfish enough to help a stranger.

My son will probably be naughty and frustrating quite a bit more this year, as little boys will, but this one action will keep me smiling for awhile, as well as another family somewhere out there.

The character traits he's learning at home, and at Walnut Canyon Elementary School and their "Terrific Kids" character traits program, are becoming an integral part of how he sees himself and his place in the world. Seeing a child act in this way can give us all a little hope. And we all need to hear good news sometimes.

Those interested in learning more or donating to The Smile Train, can visit the website www.smiletrain.org. Mary Sagala Verleur Moorpark