Without Hesitation

This past week, Jack ran in his final track meet for his elementary school. There was a moment so precious, so simple, and yet so powerful…a boy from the next heat ran alongside Jack, without hesitation, helping him reach the finish line after Jack missed the start.

There was a lot going on when the gun went off: announcements, other events, and the chaos that comes with the start of a race. Jack put his hand to his face and sat there while the others took off, but the boy didn’t hesitate. He extended his hand and ran with him. Jack didn’t care about missing the start or being behind. What mattered was that someone was there, right beside him, to help him finish strong.

Don’t we all desire to have someone by our side when things get hard? To be seen, supported, and lifted up, no matter our pace, needs, or differences?

Jack’s journey has changed our lives in countless ways. When we first received his diagnosis of Down syndrome, our world shifted. But in all that change, one thing became crystal clear: we wouldn’t change Jack if we could. His unique self has made our family stronger, kinder, and more compassionate. He’s shown us that every person, no matter their differences, has something beautiful to offer the world.

As Jack moves from elementary school to middle school, my heart feels both hopeful and nervous. Elementary school was a place where kindness like that boy’s, helping without hesitation, was natural and abundant. But middle school brings new challenges. Kids start to pause, watch, and sometimes hesitate. Social pressures grow. The desire to fit in can quiet that natural kindness.

I’ve seen this in my oldest child and in so many students I’ve taught over the years. The transition from carefree helping hands to cautious bystanders is real. And it worries me. Will the pressure to “be cool” make kids forget what it feels like to reach out without hesitation?

But here’s what I believe: we can fight that change by modeling it as adults. We can teach our children to be bold in their kindness, to look out for those who need a hand, to include those who feel left out, and to speak words that build others up rather than tear them down.

My own mother always told me to watch for those who aren’t included and to help without hesitation. That wisdom guides me now as I watch Jack grow. It’s a reminder for all of us, adults and kids alike, that the world is better when we choose courage over comfort, kindness over indifference.

Be strong and courageous. It’s Jack’s life verse, and his story is a call to action. To see the unique beauty in each person. To run alongside each other, no matter the pace. To help without hesitation.

The world needs more hands reaching out, more hearts open wide, and more people who know that being different doesn’t just make us unique, it makes us stronger. It makes the world a better place.