The neighbor was very touched by the incident and by Tommy s consideration of my father s feelings. This, to me, is a story of respect. My father wanted to remove his hat out of respect for our neighbors. And the neighbor was full of respect for both of them. Some words that come to mind are honor, reverence, thoughtfulness, care.
Respect involves an understanding of the importance of each thing, each animal, each person.
The first step in respecting others is to appreciate the diversity in nature, in people, and to see that we are not at the center, but an integral part. Once I was trying to impress on my children some great truth. I then thought of something else and said I forgot the bread. They were listening intently when I put them on hold and turned to something entirely different. I showed a lack of respect toward my own children.