Author Carol Lynch Williams has crafted stunning Young Adult novels like Miles from Ordinary and The Chosen One, and when she agreed to be a contributor to the Break These Rules anthology, I was ecstatic. Now, I'm ecstatic all over again to share Carol's beautiful, heartening One True Thing. Writing from a place of authenticity that doesn't resist the hard stuff of life, Carol's words pulse with a dedication to hope and love even int he midst of pain and suffering. Carol's novels are infused with both tenderness and gritty reality--as are her words below. And out of these grappling with both the joy and pain of life, carol is able to share redemption and hope that are hard-won and secure.Kindness is Always Significant
by Carol Lynch Williams
This morning I am on my way to a funeral.
There have been a lot lately. Too many.
I go to support my daughter who was a friend to this young lady and to support her mother who is my friend.
Though my heart is broken, it beats with the One True Thing I would share. It's this: No matter what anyone may say, the way you treat others is always significant, is MOST important. Kindness is a One True Thing.
The way you act to someone who's skin is a different color, or who may not be as beautiful, or who's clothing is not like yours.
How you speak to those who may act in an odd way, or don't vote the way you would, or who practice a different religion.
Being kind is the gift we can develop that puts us all on the same playing field because when we treat people the way we want to be treated, no matter what a crowd or voice or opinion may demand, we see the human-ness in others.
This morning, I am on my way to a funeral.
One day, people will come to my funeral. Yes, I want them to say I was funny, that I was a great Mom, and that I was an amazing writer. But more than all that, I want them to say, "Carol was always kind. To everyone."
That is my largest hope. My One True Thing.
