They say a small act of kindness can make a big difference. But when I decided to help a hungry homeless man one day, I was not ready for the emotional experience that happened less than 24 hours later.
I’m a mom of four wonderful, wild kids aged four to eight. That morning started like any other. I held my crumpled grocery list in one hand and my much-needed coffee in the other, trying to figure out how to stretch our budget for another week of feeding four growing kids.
That’s when I spotted him. A homeless man with a desperate sign that said, “HELP.”
The first thing that caught my attention was his eyes. They weren’t looking at me or anyone else… just staring at the fresh bread and fruit through the store window.
“Excuse me, sir,” I said as I walked up to him. “Are you hungry? Would you like something to eat?”
He slowly turned towards me, and I could see an urgent longing in his gaze.
“More than you can imagine! Young lady! I haven’t eaten since yesterday morning.”
My heart broke for this man. How often do we walk past those without homes, ignoring their struggles? And how frequently do we look beyond their situations and show them compassion instead of just giving them food?
“Please come shop with me,” I urged him. “I’m Greta. Let me pay for your groceries.”
“Miss, I can’t accept—” he hesitated but didn’t finish as I interrupted gently.
“I insist! Besides, it would be nice to have some company while shopping; my kids aren’t here fighting over which cereal has the best toy inside.”
A faint smile appeared on his weathered face. “I am Morgan. Thank you; you remind me of my late daughter Grace who always helped others too.”
The next morning, my children stared at their dry cereal bowls with annoyance.
Jack pushed his bowl away dramatically while James declared this was clearly the end of days.
“Mom,” Nina looked up at me confusedly, “did you forget milk yesterday?”
“Ooops! Sorry honey! I’ll get it today!”
I had forgotten that I’d given Morgan both gallons of milk so here i was back at the same grocery store preparing for the busy morning rush again.The twins went off to school promising chocolate milk in their lunch boxes tomorrow as compensation for breakfast disaster!
The parking lot was packed with moms like myself finishing their shopping errands.A school bus rolled by reminding me that only had an hour till class where I’d face eager third-graders.
The sounds of slamming car doors and clattering carts filled the air.I almost walked past him—the straight-backed man in crisp military uniform couldn’t possibly be same person from yesterday but those eyes… they were unmistakable!
“Greta,” he called out stronger than before “I’ve been waiting since dawn.”
“Wait… aren’t you Morgan?”
He motioned toward nearby bench “Would sit with me? I’ve got an explanation…and maybe thank-you isn’t enough but it’s where I’ll start.”
“I used to be Master Sergeant,” Morgan began running fingers over sleeve as we sat down.”Twenty-six years serving our country lost good friends who never returned home but coming back home proved harder than leaving.”
“What happened?” i asked softly noticing how hands clenched then relaxed while he spoke
“PTSD depression typical story.My wife died overseas from cancer.A year ago lost daughter during horrible event.” He shook head returning thoughts back empty house
“They’re giving chance help other veterans,”Morgan said smiling brightly.”There’s new program soldiers returning home want mentor assist re-adjust before darkness falls.Share story show hope even when seems lost.”
“Morgan that’s amazing!” Tears streamed down cheeks
“Your kindness reminded still have something give,” he replied smoothing jacket.”This morning had first shower months pulled old outfit storage feels strange wear again yet oddly comforting like coming home ready moment”
He reached into pocket pulling out two gallons milk “These are your children’s bought just now can’t let miss meal because of me.And this—”he pressed folded paper into hand,“is number.If ever need anything…”
Morgan smiled this time reaching eyes
“Promise keep teaching children about kindness Greta saves lives.I’m proof maybe someday meet them tell stories about mother angel saved elderly soldier’s life food kind word.”
I watched him walk away uniform shining bright sun strides steady determined
