There is no such thing as an “Innocent Bystander”.  With the things that go on, all the things we see, do and witness, so many of us just stand idly by and watch it unfold, let it happen.

That is what hurts me most. How many times  in my life, I’ve stood by, knew better, had a chance to intercede for the good … but just kept on walking. These things haunt me, as well they should. Haunted mostly by the constant reminders in my head of How Little I Gave.  It’s why I call myself a Guilty Bystander, and why I believe all bystanders are such.

The good part … there was a point in my life when all  of this crystalized,  when I decided never to “bystand” again, when I knew better and was able to lend help, solace or peace. I’m urging everyone, and particularly the youngest ones to make this switch early on, to thwart the guilt of bystanding that will haunt you later in life.

Feels great to be off the fence, but the guilt of all those years of knowing how little I gave, may never be assuaged.