Every morning, I pack my son Andrew’s lunch, stretching our tiny budget to make sure he has enough. Lately, he started asking for extra snacks—small requests that forced me to skip meals and even consider pawning my jewelry. One morning, the police showed up at our door. My heart raced, convinced something had happened to him.
At school, I learned why: Andrew had been quietly giving his extra food to a classmate, Haley, who often came without lunch. He shared despite our own scarcity, choosing kindness over hunger. Haley’s father, a police officer, came in too, overwhelmed with gratitude, and we realized both our children had been quietly struggling.
Andrew’s small, brave acts sparked a ripple of generosity. Soon, we received groceries and gift cards from the school’s assistance program. Now, I pack extra for both Andrew and anyone who might need it—because kindness isn’t about having plenty; it’s about sharing what little you do have.