I was at H-E-B, a grocery store here in Texas, when I noticed a young mom with a baby and a little boy. All she had was a single piece of birthday cake and some tapers, costing her $5.57.
Courtesy of Bianca Garibay
She pulled out two dollars, then started counting coins. I heard her quietly say, “I only have to make sure I still have around $2 for gas.”
Her son slanted his head up toward her and thankful her, ‘It’s okay, Mom. I don’t need a birthdate cake. We just need gas so I can get to school.” The mom looked crumpled. She put the candles back. Everyone in line heard, but no one enthused.
Courtesy of Bianca Garibay
I thought of my own mom. She was a teen mom at 16, and even when times were hard, she never let my brother and me see her fights. She is the reason I believe in compassion.
Courtesy of Bianca Garibay
I picked up the tapers, a Target gift card, and a gas gift card. Outside, I gave them to the mom and said, “Ma’am, you released something.” She shook her head. I wish I could say it was pit, but it’s not.
“It is now,” I told her. “Take this board card and get your son a gift. Take this gas card and seal your tank. And take these candles when your son blows them out, I want you to make a request, too.”
I’ve never seen somebody so thankful. That’s the problem with the world, too many people think, “Not my problematic.” We’ve elapsed it takes a village to raise a child.
Courtesy of Bianca Garibay
I gave her my amount. Later, she texted to thank me. After I shared her story online, people obtainable to help her for the holidays. I plan to set up a P.O. box so little Jordan and his domestic can get some extra love.
