HURON – Decades after he showed kindness to a fellow seventh grader who had returned to school after a debilitating stroke, Tim Weidenbach learned just how much of an impact his youthful words had had on his life.
The student, named Terry, wrote that Weidenbach was nice to him at a time when he wanted to quit school and give up on life.
Instead, he went on to graduate from high school, get a job, marry and start a family.
“I share this letter not to say look at me,” Weidenbach said in a presentation to Huron Middle School students Tuesday afternoon. “I share this letter to say look at you.
“What’s your letter going to say in 40 years?” he asked. “Because the words you say today matter.”
Weidenbach’s Higher Power Sports of Parkston and Kansas Middletent of Lower Brule who is with the youth initiative Native Hope, brought a message of kindness and compassion to the kids.
“Even people with disabilities are even different within that,” Weidenbach said. “As we all are different. It’s OK to be different.
“I stand in front of you with a disability you can’t see,” he said. “It’s a thing called dyslexia. We’re all different. We’re all going through different things.”
Middletent greeted the kids in his native language, saying it was out of respect for his Lakota culture and for his elders.

After a difficult upbringing on and off the reservation, never having a true home life, he went on to be valedictorian of his high school graduating class. People have two options, he said. “You either get bitter or you get better.”
His education meant he made sure his future wasn’t like his past, he said.
“It opened up opportunities, it opened up doors,” Middletent said.
It’s also important to always follow the golden rule, they said.
“Treat people the way you want to be treated,” Weidenbach said.
“I was taught kindness in the form of compassion,” Middletent said. “In the form of the care for others who may be less fortunate, who might not have what I have. Kindness can take you so far in the world.”
He cautioned them that it’s not a perfect world, and so they will have to deal with people who aren’t very nice.
“One thing will never change – how you treat others, no matter what you’re going through. Don’t compromise your integrity.”
When Weidenbach opened that letter from Terry five years ago, it was a vivid reminder of how words said in the lunchrooms and hallways of middle schools one day will still matter 40 years later.
“They’re affecting people today and for years to come,” he said. “Kind words can have a life-changing impact on others.”
Terry wrote in the letter that other kids were nice to him when Weidenbach was around. When he wasn’t around, they weren’t nice.
Kids can make a difference when they see that someone is being picked on, being made fun of, he said.
“There’s always someone there for you. You’re never alone,” he said. But he also said they should be there for someone else. “Everyday is an opportunity,” he said. “Choose to be a positive influence. Choose to be a positive person of compassion.”

ROGER LARSEN/PLAINSMAN
Tim Weidenbach addresses Huron Middle School students Tuesday afternoon during an anti-bullying assembly that stressed kindness and compassion for all people.

Lower Brule’s Kansas Middletent, who is with the youth initiative Native Hope, made it a point to shake hands or bump fists with each of the attendees from Huron Middle School at the end of the session.