I had simply been too busy worrying about the obstacles in his life to appreciate the person growing through them.
A week after the grocery store incident, Denise called me.
She explained that several customers had contacted the store to ask whether they could contribute more money to Eleanor’s grocery fund.
The manager had helped arrange a small community assistance program with the store’s approval. They wanted to make it easier for customers to donate to families who needed help without putting anyone in an embarrassing position.
They asked whether Eleanor would be comfortable participating.
She agreed.
Within a month, several families had received assistance with groceries and essential household supplies.
It wasn’t a miracle that solved every problem.
There were still bills to pay, rent to cover, and difficult decisions to make.
But the program gave people a little breathing room when they needed it most.
And it began with one small act of kindness.
