This kid wasn’t feeling well today and asked me if he could come home early from school. I said yes. On the way home, I decided to take him to lunch and we stopped at the car wash. As we were leaving, he noticed a woman walking along the street pushing a cart.
He looked at me and said, “Ma, did you see that? She’s wearing baseball cleats as shoes. I just wish I made enough money to buy comfortable shoes for everyone who doesn’t have any. She walks everywhere and that’s what she’s walking in… baseball cleats.”
Without hesitation, we drove down to Ross. He went inside, carefully looking around to find exactly what she would need. He wanted shoes that were comfortable, long-lasting and would keep her warm. He picked out two pairs — athletic shoes and boots for the winter — along with a six-pack of socks. All for a woman he had never even met.
We drove back to find her. When he got out of the car and handed her the bag, I watched as she reached up to hug him. I hadn’t planned on taking a picture, but I couldn’t miss the moment. It brought tears to my eyes as he helped her take off the tags and put on her new shoes.
When he got back in the car, he sat quietly for a minute before looking over at me and saying softly, “Ma, today is her birthday. She was so happy.”
The universe truly works in mysterious ways. He started the day not feeling great, but this simple act of kindness turned it all around for both of us. It reminded me how powerful compassion can be. He didn’t judge her, didn’t ask questions and didn’t hesitate to help. He hugged her back even tighter when she hugged him.
We need more of this in the world right now. More kindness. More compassion. More caring without expecting anything in return. This kid works six hours a week, goes to school and plays football, yet he spent nearly a week’s pay to make a stranger’s birthday special — simply because he cared.
Take this as a reminder today. Love a stranger. Show compassion. Give what you can. Even the smallest act of kindness can change someone’s world. ❤️