By Andre Green/se news editor
One boring summer night 17 years ago, a friend, my brother and I decided to take a BB gun and wreak havoc in the neighborhood.
For about 30 minutes, we were the BB gun bandits shooting at lights, signs or anything moving. I tried to shoot my brother, but I never could get a clean shot at his back.
We made our way down an alley between a doctor’s office and some homes when we came upon some brand-new shiny windows seemingly calling for destruction.
I quickly loaded the gun and began firing into the side of the building cracking glass as if I were in Die Hard.
We laughed and ran down the alley so proud of our work and not thinking of the consequences.
Well, that fun came to an abrupt end as the police arrived with guns that didn’t shoot pellets.
We spent a couple of hours in juvenile hall; the doctor never pressed charges, and the matter was pretty much closed.
I sometimes pass the scene of the crime when visiting my parents and often wonder if the doctor would remember me.
I needed some closure, so a few weeks ago I visited the office.
I explained to the nurse who I was and she told me Dr. Al Faigan was very busy and I would have to return next week.
Determined, I returned the following Tuesday and waited for a few minutes before a tall, silver-haired man peered through the door and called me back.
I explained to him how I’d passed the office so many times and wanted to stop and ask for forgiveness, but I was afraid to.
I didn’t know what to expect or what to say, but once I started talking, it was easy. I also asked if there was anything I could do to fix my mistake: volunteer for a few hours, take out his trash, anything.
“ We’ve all done something silly,” he said. “I was a young man too.
“ It’s like someone owing you money and they come by 20 years later and say ‘here’s the 10 bucks I owe you,’” he said. “It’s the thought that counts, and I’m really appreciative. Thank you.”
We shook hands, wished each other well and I left the office.
Correcting a mistake from the past or forgiving someone who’s wronged you provides a good feeling. Even if the person doesn’t forgive you, you can at least take pride in the fact you tried.
