Standing like Trees

Dear Children,

When we do something wrong, we have to compensate the injured party. If you break someone's computer or toy, we must replace it. It might take us time, it might cost us money and require chores, but we must pay it back. We need to do it in full.

When service providers fail to provide service, this is standard - you provide a full refund of failed service. You don't get to keep money because you worked hours on it well if you are a legitimate worker. You stand by your product.

Unfortunately, I have a dispute with someone as they do not seem to understand this concept. And that is when you escalate matters. But this is why I deliver on my promises. I go higher, do more, take it to a level of perfection as perfect as I can. I want people to be happy with what I give them. If I can't deliver, I refund people. I do not expect them to compensate me.

If I go to a restaurant and the meal is bad, a restaurant that is reputable will not charge you for the bad meal. Sometimes, they will even offer you a bonus credit. Not always, but sometimes - it kind of depends on how bad things are. But say a restaurant refuses, that is a restaurant I will never visit again. I do not make up false issues and only let them know when it is bad.

Standing By Your Work

Now kids, when you do something, stand by it. Make sure you deliver what you promised, and if you fail, understand that even if you need the money, you can't hold onto what you didn't deliver on. I get it is tempting, but this is what separates someone who has integrity and who doesn't. It is as important as not dining and dashing when suddenly our accounts vanished. I sent that restaurant money and a tip for my waitress as soon as I could.

Making Things Right Safely

If you ever need to pay someone back as a kid with limited resources, ask your parents to watch you while you do some work around the neighborhood. I used to pay kids to pick up sticks in my yard because it made mowing my lawn harder. It’s something most kids can do. I didn’t ask for big logs or anything like that. Just the sticks - and that might be a way to earn a little money.

But don't go to houses you do not know. Make sure your parents are with you or approve of where you are. Don't just go to any house. Make sure that house is okay and get your parents' approval. Even if the plate you broke is your mother's grandmother's China.

Community and Creative Solutions

There were several kids in my neighborhood, and depending on age, I'd manage each year to have a few chores for them if they came around and asked. Sometimes I didn't have money to pay them and I told them when I could not afford it. But whenever I could, I had those few small chores.

And on occasion in those days, the kids still helped me out, and we bartered painting lessons for their sweet help.

The Art of Authenticity

Now, I will never paint as Dream Writer Ariarose, because I painted as my genuine self, and an artist’s brush strokes are a signature.

The Lesson

Accountability isn’t about punishment - it’s about integrity. It’s about standing by your word, making things right when you make mistakes, and understanding that true character shows when it costs you something.

Whether you’re a child who broke something precious or an adult who failed to deliver promised work, the principle remains the same: we make it right, we do it completely, and we do it safely with the help of people who care about us.

That’s how we build trust, maintain relationships, and create communities where everyone can depend on each other. It is how we become a tall tree rather than a crooked

one.

With love and lessons from life, Dream Writer, Lady Ariarose DWAR at Your Service F.F.F.

Standing Straight, Wise, and Tall