Paying It Forward

“Once upon a time, not so long ago…” ~Bon Jovi

He lost his job in October, and then she lost hers in November. Although they both looked for new ones, there was nothing to be found. When December came, rent couldn’t be paid. They were evicted two weeks before Christmas of that year.

They were ashamed of their failures, both as adults and as parents. They were stubborn in their shame, refusing to tell their family that they were homeless and destitute. They spent a few nights in the car, huddled together with the child between them to keep warm. In some small way, they were also trying to protect her from the reality of their situation.

“Why can’t we go home,” the child asked.

“We just can’t, baby. ok? Please stop asking about it.”

“But I want to go home.”

“I know baby, but we can’t right now. Here, let’s read. Which book do you want me to read to you?”

And so a week passed, or maybe two. They decided to find an abandoned house, and camp there. They drove around until they found one that looked relatively nice and new, and parked in the back so nobody would see their car. He went in first, to make sure nobody was already squatting there, and she followed behind, making sure that she could turn it into something suitable. They brought in some blankets, and some of their belongings. They waited until dark and built a fire in the fireplace to keep warm. She cooked over the fire, and they all enjoyed a good meal. Afterward, they settled down to sleep.

Late at night, lights flashed across the window, and they knew they had been discovered. An angry knock on the door, voices demanding to be let in. He opened the door, and met the owner of the house on the front porch. Anger quickly turned to compassion (thank goodness), but still, they couldn’t stay there. There was a hole in the chimney, and a fire could burn the house down.

But the owners didn’t turn them out into the cold empty handed. No, they gave them cash…a lot of it, and some food. They brought some extra blankets, and gas for the car. They even brought some of the wrapped up presents from underneath their own Christmas tree, so the child would have presents to open on Christmas morning. Extreme kindness from strangers saved them that night.

They split up shortly thereafter, and found homes separately. They found new jobs, and brought themselves up out of poverty into middle class. But they never forgot where they had come from, or the kindness that was showed to them.

And now, so many years later, he is generous to a fault. He gives away most of his money to friends, to family, to strangers on the street. He donates to several different charities on a monthly basis, and always offers to pay for everything when he goes out with friends. He buys presents for people he barely knows, and doesn’t even think twice about it. He buys food for all the homeless people he sees on the street. He always gives money to the street musicians, and he tips his servers exorbitant amounts.

People always ask him why he’s so generous. Why do you give all your money away? Why are you so nice? Why are you so good to me? Why would you spend money like that? What’s the catch? What do you want?

He doesn’t want anything in return. There is no catch. There are no strings attached.

Because he’s paying it forward, and hopes you will do the same. Especially in the holiday season, when his kindness goes into overdrive, he hopes yours will, too.

Love Always,

Jay