After her husband, Adam, left her, Jennifer—a single mother of four—found herself in a difficult situation. His reaction was heartbreaking when he learned she was expecting their fourth child. An additional mouth to feed? “I’m out,” he said, leaving their trailer behind and requesting a divorce.Heartbroken and already struggling financially, Jennifer had anticipated Adam would be there for her; instead, he severed all financial links. He blamed his lack of a college degree on his inability to find work, which prevented him from being able to contribute.
Jennifer, who was left to care for her children alone, applied for jobs nonstop, but local employers kept turning her down. One employer informed her, “Moms with small children are difficult to hire.” “There are always problems—ill kids, no daycare—it’s more than we can manage.”
Jennifer didn’t give up and continued looking for work in a nearby city. She asked neighbors to watch her kids for the day and took a cab ride with the last of her savings. She was hired right away after walking into a hotel and applying for a housekeeping job.
Jennifer was relieved, but she soon had to deal with a new problem: taking a taxi every day was just too costly. She was in dire need of a car, but her current financial state made purchasing one seem unattainable.
Jennifer looked around for a while before seeing a used automobile and approaching Jeff, the owner, with a request. She said that she was a struggling single mother and that the $5,000 she was asking for the automobile was less than its worth. Jeff was moved by her narrative and agreed to the lower fee, if she could pay by the following day.
Jennifer desperately asked for a loan, but her bad credit history cause her application to be rejected right away. Desperate, she took the only recourse available to her: selling a priceless family relic. Jennifer’s late mother left her a gold necklace, and while she was heartbroken at the notion of parting with it, she realized there was no other option.
The necklace was valued for $5,500 at a nearby pawnshop, which was just enough to pay for the automobile and a few daily necessities.
Jennifer brought the $5,000 in an envelope back to Jeff the following day. She was so grateful that she said, “Thank you so much.” “Everything will change for me and my kids with this car.”
Jeff surreptitiously tucked something into the car’s trunk while she signed the paperwork. “Check the trunk when you get home,” he said before she could go. I have something that I left for your kids.
Jennifer was preoccupied with her new commute and family responsibilities and failed to remember Jeff’s advice. After several weeks, she discovered a message in the glove box while cleaning the car.
“Hopefully, the gift I left in the trunk will help you and your kids,” it said. I hope it provides you some comfort. She was intrigued and, upon opening the trunk, discovered the white envelope she had given Jeff, with the $5,000, intact.
Moved to tears, Jennifer drove back to express her gratitude to Jeff. He gave her a warm smile when she finally saw him. Jeff said to her, “Life can throw challenges your way.” However, it is up to you to overcome them.
I knew you needed that money more than I did, and you’ve showed amazing strength for your kids. Simply pledge to repay the favor when you are able.
Jennifer nodded, her eyes full of sorrow as she acknowledged his generosity. She made a promise to one day repay Jeff’s kindness and assist those in need, just as he had assisted her.
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