Much can be learned from a class of Blaine first-graders who sent letters to Vikings kicker Blair Walsh about his season-ending missing field goal Sunday.

The Vikings lost by one point against the Seattle Seahawks after Walsh missed a 27-yard field goal with less than 30 seconds left in the game. Had he made the goal, the Vikings could have defeated the Seahawks, the two-time defending NFC champions.

While some have been understanding about the loss and Walsh’s mistake, others have been quick to criticize.

What about the 9 points he scored earlier that game? What about the 34 out of 39 field goals he made in the season?

We think the first-graders in Blaine said it best when they wrote sympathy cards to Walsh and showed that everyone makes mistakes.

Northpoint Elementary teacher Judie Offerdahl said in an Associated Press article she thought the missed kick would be a good teachable moment for her students and that they could help lift his spirits.

“Dear Blair Walsh,” one student wrote. “I know it can be hard to get through things that are sad, but you have to try and try again. Everyone makes mistakes sometimes.”

Another student said, “Don’t worry, it’s just a game.”

The story came full circle Thursday as Walsh visited the students, talked with them and signed autographs. He thanked them for their letters.

There is a life lesson that has come out of this story and that is on the value of kindness.

When it is easy to criticize or put down, we can practice empathy.

Thanks, first-graders. We can all learn a lesson out of this one.