Things Happen for a Reason

Back several years ago when I was still with my husband (we are separated now), I had received a good amount of money. My mother-in-law and father-in-law both had custody of my son who was just a little boy then. Since they live so far from me, I don’t get to see him as much as I would like to. So with knowing I had the money to make a trip to see him, I called my mother-in-law to ask if we all could go to the beach together, so I could spend some time with my son at the beach (which I had not done before) and that I would cover the expenses for the trip.

They all agreed, so me and my husband packed our things for a few days and headed down to his parents’ house to meet up. When we got there, my father-in-law wasn’t at home and was told we wouldn’t be able to make it to the beach, on the count of him having to do some work for someone. So, after some time passed and after he got home, we talked and decided to go to a big flea market and see what we could find and have a bit of fun.

My husband loves to go fishing and goes with every chance he can get. He found some fishing rods, tackle and this medium-sized grill that was handmade. I had found some things for my son, mom, sister and everyone else that was there for the trip. While I was walking around, I had noticed a black woman that was older than me, holding a jar and asking people for money.

She looked worried, troubled and tired. I was seeing people just either look at her and walk by or would just completely ignore her. I became curious and concerned, so I walked over, and she asked me if I had any money to spare. She told me that she had just got out of some place (can’t remember where) and that she didn’t have any money when she got out. That she was trying to make her way back to her family and needed to buy a bus ticket.

I had thought of her situation and how she must have been feeling. I looked at her jar and saw there was a few dollars and a bit of change. I knew that wouldn’t have been enough to get her a drink, something to eat and a bus ticket. Knowing how much money I had (which a lot of it was gone already), I had pulled out my wallet and handed her $20. When I gave it to her, her eyes lit up like a Christmas tree and became so happy and ecstatic, with a sense of some relief and told me that it would be enough for her to get a bus ticket. She then hugged me tightly and said thank you again before parting ways.

It really felt good to help someone in need and I know it made her day better. In the beginning of the trip, I had around $500 or a little more. When the trip was over, I had spent most of the money on insurance, gas, drinks, food, buying stuff for everyone at the flea market and giving the woman the $20 to help her get home, while barely spending any of it on myself.

Even though I didn’t get to spend time at the beach with my son and family, I still had a good time. If we hadn’t went to the flea market, there’s no telling how long it would have taken for that woman to get the money she needed to get to her family, or what would have happened to her. But I hope she made it to where she wanted or needed to be safely.

I knew what I was risking when I gave her the money, but I truly believed she needed some help and I wanted to help and knew it would make a difference in some way. By the end of the day, everyone was happy and got to have a bit fun and I got to spend some time with my son, which was the most important to me.

If you’re ever in a bad situation and is troubled, don’t ever be afraid to ask someone for help. There’s always someone out there that can and will help you. It can really make a difference and can change someone’s life for the better.

Note: This story was created by Amanda N. Adams. The YouTube video and image is not mine. The title of the video is, Christmas Gifts For The Homeless. The name of the YouTube channel is, The Random Altruist. I didn't have any videos or photos of my trip, so I had to improvise and use something that's relatable. I hope that you enjoyed the story and checkout their channel to see some more good deeds! :)