Stepping-Up To Proactiveness
Fleming was his name. He was a poor Scottish farmer. One day, while trying to make a living for his family, he heard a cry for help coming from a nearby bog. He dropped his tools and ran to the bog.
There, mired to his waist in black muck, was a terrified boy screaming and struggling unsuccessfully to free himself. Farmer Fleming acted decisively and saved the lad from what could have been a slow and terrifying death.
The next day, a beautiful carriage pulled up to the Scotsman’s poor home. An elegantly dressed nobleman stepped out and introduced himself as the father of the boy farmer Fleming had saved.
“I want to repay you for your selfless action,” said the nobleman “You saved my son’s life.”
“No, I can’t accept payment for what I did.” Fleming replied, brushing off the reward.
At that moment, the farmer’s son came to the door of the family hut.
“Is that your son?” the nobleman asked.
“Yes,” the farmer replied proudly as he put his arm around his sons’ shoulders.
“Here’s what I’d like to do” the nobleman said. “Let me provide him with the level of education my own son will enjoy. If the lad is anything like his father he’ll no doubt grow to be a man we will both be proud of.” And that he definitely did.
Farmer Fleming’s son attended the very best schools and in time, graduated from St. Mary’s Hospital Medical School in London. During his career he went on to become known throughout the world as the noted Sir Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of Penicillin.
Years afterward, the same nobleman’s son who was saved from the bog was severely ill with pneumonia. What saved his life this time? Penicillin.
The name of the nobleman? Lord Randolph Churchill.
His son’s name? Sir Winston Churchill.
Remember that the good you do can circle back into unexpected and wonderful places in your life. You can do things for others in ways no one else can. Make today a great day for yourself and all those you encounter. You just might have a hand in changing the world.
Posted: June 22nd, 2011 under Inspirational Story.