Then he whispered:
“I hope you remember something, Adam.”
“What’s that?”
“You don’t have to be a judge to change someone’s life.”
Adam nodded.
“I know.”
“You don’t have to be wealthy. You don’t have to be powerful. Sometimes all it takes is noticing that someone is struggling and refusing to turn away.”
Adam looked at the old man who had once looked beyond his mistake.
“I’ve spent my whole life trying to live up to that lesson.”
Judge Bennett shook his head gently.
“No, son. You’ve spent your life passing it on.”
Years later, when Adam thought about everything he had accomplished, he rarely remembered the awards or professional recognition.
He remembered the people.
His mother, who had taught him honesty even during poverty.
Mrs. Harris, who had encouraged him to keep studying.
Mr. Collins, who had learned to see the person behind a mistake.
Thomas Reed, who had reminded him that hunger and loneliness could exist at any age.
