While shopping at H-E-B, a local grocery store here in Texas, I witnessed something that tugged at my heart. A young mother stood in line ahead of me, holding a slice of birthday cake and a small pack of candles. Beside her were her two kids a baby in her arms and a little boy who looked no older than six.
When the cashier rang up her items, the total came to $5.57. I saw her pause, then start to dig through her wallet. She pulled out two wrinkled dollar bills and began counting out coins. She mumbled to herself, “I just need to make sure I’ve got at least $2 left for gas.”
Her son, watching closely, gently said, “It’s okay, Mom. I don’t need a cake. We need gas so I can go to school.”
My heart sank. You could see the heartbreak on her face as she quietly returned the candles to the shelf. Everyone else in line saw what was happening. They heard it. But no one said a word.
At that moment, I remembered my own mother. She had me when she was just 16, and although I’m sure she struggled, she never let it show. She always protected us. Her quiet strength and compassion have shaped who I am today.
So, without a second thought, I grabbed the candles again along with two gift cards, one for Target and another for gas. As the mother was heading out, I followed her and handed her the items, saying, “Ma’am, you dropped something.”
She looked confused and replied, “Oh no, that’s not mine. I wish it were, but it’s not.”
I smiled and told her, “It is now. I got these for you. Use the Target card to get your son a birthday gift. Use the gas card to fill up your car
. And please, take these candles. When your little boy makes a wish, I hope you do too.”
She was overwhelmed with gratitude. Her reaction was something I’ll never forget. In that moment, I was reminded of how much our world needs empathy. We’ve grown overly accustomed to believing, “That’s not my issue.”
But the truth is, it takes all of us strangers, neighbors, friends
to lift one another up. Kindness is never wasted. Sometimes, it’s a candle, a full tank of gas, or simply reminding someone they’re not alone.
Happy 6th birthday, Jordan. You are so very loved.
