Spirit

My 13 year old client sat on the couch across from me today. His sneakers separated at the toe, so when he crossed his legs the piece flapped and hung from the shoe. He asked me if we could cut our meeting short so he could get to the Boys & Girls Club before the home work help session was over.

I was excited. I had submitted his story to the local paper and it was chosen to be published in the annual Holiday giving drive. This boy with the tattered shoes and a tattered heart from a family who has never failed to let him down - this boy is going to receive $1000 for food, clothes, after school activities, whatever he wants! Woo Hoo! Let the fun begin!!

"Well, maybe a $100 dollars to Marshalls so I can get some new clothes. And then the rest to the supermarket so my grandmother doesn't have to worry about food."

For the first time in his life he was lucky. He won big. The golden ticket. And he thought not of himself, but of his grandmother.

I never want to forget that moment. And I will pray, hope, and work every day to instill that same selflessness and generosity of spirit in my children.

ps. After some discussion he decided on $100 to Game Stop, and then split the rest between clothes and food :)