Kindness Passed through the Generations

A story from Terri Coleman

While canvassing the 900 block of E. 34th street in the Mapleton Fall Creek neighborhood, Martha and I ran into a young man named Devin Davis. We were talking to Devin and his tow friends about their gifts, talents, and ideas when I discovered that Devin was the grandson of my late father's friend and coworker, Richard Davis. He was equally surprised to find out that I was Eddie Coleman's daughter. Devin then went on to tell me that my dad was responsible for cosigning for his dad's first car and helping his father get his first job. He also told me that my father gave his grandfather a ride to work for over 30 years until they retired from Chrysler in 1987.

I was clueless that my dad had cosigned for Devin's dad's first car or that he had been instrumental in getting his dad a job. Additionally, Devin's mom, who is a licensed tax preparer, did my parents taxes at no charge every year because of the love and kindness my dad showed her family.

After my dad passed in 2005, Devin's mom called my mother to tell her that she would still continue to do her taxes at no charge. I was blown away by Devin sharing his story with me and I was extremely honored that God chose Edison Coleman to be my dad. Apparently my father's generosity had a positive impact on the Davis family because this story has been passed down through their family.