INSPIRED: Kids serve up service

This past Sunday, my daughter and I were driving in Hayden. Just north of the Country Club on Strahorn, a couple kids were selling lemonade. Wanting to encourage the aspiring entrepreneurs, we stopped.

They greeted me with exuberant smiles as I approached. A piece of paper hanging from the serving table announced their price: 50¢ a cup. I ordered two. While digging for my wallet, I asked if they had enjoyed much success during the day. “Oh, yes!” they confirmed in unison. “We are only $7 short of $100!”

“Wow,” I enthused, wondering if my teenager waiting in the car would be willing to again set up a table at the end of our street to help contribute to her college fund. “That’s wonderful.”

“Yeah,” they insisted, pointing to a second sign that I hadn’t noticed, “’cause we’re giving it all to our teacher, Mrs. Moore [wife of the fallen police officer].” They said it with joy, beaming at the good fortune to be able to help their treasured teacher.

I was stunned, temporarily dumbfounded. “Thank you,” I finally nodded, tears of joy filling my eyes. “Thank you.”

Then, embarrassed at my emotion, I quickly handed them a few dollars, grasped the Styrofoam cups and turned back to the car. The lemonade was delicious.

I warmly salute the generosity of the many, many businesses — and individuals — who have shown the true heart of this community over these past days and weeks. May it always be so.

BENDI BENSON SCHRAMBACH

Hayden