22 August 2012

School Days

Window Box, Charleston, S.C.
First week of school for the lowcountry and I made a mother cry.

All the back-to-school ads brought back fun memories of my kids and since I don't have any children in my immediate circle I called a single mother of a great teenager and asked mom how her daughter was set for school. She started to cry. I had waited almost too late to offer to help out a bright young gal whose mother works a minimum wage job. I got the cash I would have spent on my own and put it in an envelope to take care of a couple outfits for the first day at school and class supplies.

The lady slipped by my office to get the envelope and was so grateful when she left that I felt the sting of tears in my eyes. It was shame really, for letting her get to that stage. One of the nurses I work with asked what was wrong and kicked into action. By the end of the week we had a box of gently used fashionable clothes of the right size, school supplies and gift cards. She has four new "aunts" looking out for her. Thanks Kelly, Beth and Ginger! I love ya.


13 comments:

Donna Gill Colestock said...

*sob* You are awesome!

Kate said...

God love that young girl; high school stays with you for a long time and I hope that she is strong and capable. Your thoughtful action brings me close to tears myself and so happy for all of you who were involved. Makes my heart glad!

re said...

Love in action. My eyes are leaking a little too.

Charlestonjoan said...

How do people manage on minimum wage jobs? I can't imagine. When she started to cry she said, "I am her MOTHER...". Sheesh. I felt so sad. The teenager is bright and aiming for college. I am so glad we were able to help.

re said...

They don't manage. Which is why minimum wage is a joke.

Anonymous said...

Tears in my tea after reading this. Big love to all of you.

Gina Brown said...

Beautiful picture and wonderful story.

Lowandslow said...

How wonderful! This is an example of how people should look out for and care for each other. Kudos!

And like the other commentors have said, you can't survive on minimum wage today. In fact, over the past several decades minimum wage has actually shrunk by 30% after allowing for inflation. We're going backwards.

S

Catalyst said...

Good work, ladies.

Rick said...

You should have a bowl on your desk so that people can toss donations in for just such cases. A money bowl. If I ever hear about it I might just stop by to toss something into that bowl.

Charlestonjoan said...

Thanks folks! It is nice to know where a little help can really make a difference and be appreciated by people who are working hard.

Sarah T. said...

You're such a giving person...how wonderful of you!

Donna Gill Colestock said...

I like Rick's idea.