I’ll admit… I’ve had my own stereotypes about today’s youth. Teenagers can be cocky, outspoken, and rude, but after being in Alliston, Ontario this week I also discovered they can be caring, compassionate, and oh-so-lovable. My husband’s teenage cousin passed away last week and we were there for the services, which were flooded hour after hour with kids who came to pay their respects and share personal stories that truly revealed their vulnerability. They banded together and showed love and support for their friend, his parents, and each other. They embraced and they cried. They brought with them homemade pipe-cleaner bouquets, hand-written letters, flowers, and even donations for a trust fund set up in honour of their friend. They came to the house with food and cards and love. They’d come over to just sit in their friend’s room. They showed me an incredible, awe-inspiring sense of compassion that I never knew existed.

Because of that, I have a new-found respect for today’s youth. And I offer my sincerest apologies to all those teens who I misjudged, prejudged, and unfairly judged.