ππ The Gift of Compassion ππ
That afternoon, I picked my son up early from school because he wasnβt feeling well. He sat quietly in the car, head leaning against the window, until his eyes caught something on the sidewalkβa woman, walking slowly in worn baseball cleats, the only βshoesβ she had. He turned to me and said softly, βI wish I had enough money to buy shoes for everyone who needs them.β
Without another word, we stopped at Ross. From his own small paycheck, he searched the aisles with careβnot for himself, but for her. He chose two pairs: sturdy sneakers for every day, warm winter boots for the cold nights, and a pack of socks. At the register, his hands shook with quiet determination.
When we found her again, he knelt beside her, gently removed the tags, and placed the shoes in her hands. She hugged him tightly, tears falling as she whispered thanks. My sonβs voice trembled as he told me, βMomβ¦ todayβs her birthday.β ππ
In that moment, I realized he hadnβt just given her shoesβhe had given her dignity, love, and the reminder that she was seen. His rough day turned into a lesson far greater than I could ever teach: compassion is the kind of gift that costs little but means everything. πβ¨