Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: FIRE (08/04/22)
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TITLE: A Christmas Kindness | Previous Challenge Entry
By James Graham
08/06/22 -
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Taking a break from Christmas shopping, he sat down on a mall bench and began one of his favorite past times, watching the people. While doing this he couldn’t help but notice a young mother with her little boy in tow. He watched as they stopped in front of a toy store. The little boy broke free and ran to a shiny red fire truck. Sobbing, she took a tissue from her purse and wiped her eyes. Getting up from the bench, he slowly approached them and heard the boy call for his mother.
“Look, Mommy, it’s just like daddy’s!” he excitedly told his mother.
He watched her burst into tears. Not knowing what to do, he spoke.
“Are you all right? Can I help you?” he asked.
Startled, she glanced at him and began to separate herself from him. A look of fear was on her face.
“Please don’t leave. I’m not going to hurt you. I’m not a bad guy like you hear on the news. If you like, I’ll back away from you. I saw you crying and knew something was wrong. I thought I might be able to help.”
She stared at him, sobbed, and answered.
“His daddy was a fireman. His station was called to a bad warehouse fire. He was trying to get a lost fireman out when a wall collapsed on him and he died. They could see daylight ahead of them and run for it. The other fireman got out. My husband didn’t. They are calling him a hero.”
“Ma’am, I’m so sorry. Is there anything I can do?” he asked.
“I don’t know. Now it’s Christmas without him and I don’t know what I’m going to do. The bills are piling up and good jobs are scarce. I didn’t have to work while my husband was alive. Now I have no choice. I don’t even have the money to buy presents for our son. It hurts.”
“Do you have any family here?” he asked.
“No, all my family live in another state. They would help if they could but times are tough for them too.”
“Church?”
“Yes, they have been helping us. But it is only a bandaid for an open wound. It is a small church and they give what they can when they can. I told Timmy his daddy was in Heaven and I think he tries to understand. I’m so proud of him. He’s a good boy. He thinks for me he must become a man,” she answered.
While she was talking he got his wallet, removed a business card, and offered it to her.
“Ma’am, I am in the need of a secretary. I am an attorney here and I need some help. Can you type? Would you be interested?” he asked.
“Are you serious? Yes, I can type. It’s been a while and I’m probably going to be a little rusty”
“Yes, it’s ok. I understand being a little rusty and it’s fine. Monday morning I want you to come to my office for orientation. I think you will work out just fine. By the way, what is your name?”
“Julie Wilkins. And thank you so much. I can’t believe this is happening,” she replied, “what is your name?”
“My name is Robert Willingsly. See you Monday.”
Monday morning she reported to his office for orientation. When it was over she was shown her workstation and where everything was located. Opening her desk drawer, she found an envelope addressed to her. Opening it, she found a gift card for the toy store and a note.
“Julie, this is for a bright red fire truck and whatever else you want to get for Timmy. Make sure it is under the tree on Christmas morning. I also needed help at one time in my life and had a perfect stranger see my need and help me. I never forgot it. Now that I am in a position where I can do the same I make it a habit that every Christmas to help someone. This year you are that person. Merry Christmas and God Bless!”
“Julie wept as she read the note. Timmy would have a good Christmas.
Robert was watching her from his office. Smiling, he began to pray.
“Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing me to help someone in need. As your Word says - It is far better to give than receive. Thank you, Father. I ask that you always lead me to someone that needs help. Amen.”
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