A Stranger’s Kindness

Pregnant at 15, I faced constant judgment. One day, an elderly woman handed me a folded $20 bill, saying, “Here, honey. Diapers get expensive.” At home, I found a small paper inside that read, “You’re doing great—don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.” Her words, simple yet powerful, lifted a weight I’d carried for months. That note became my anchor through sleepless nights and endless doubts. Years later, I still keep it in my wallet, a reminder

of the kindness that helped me believe in myself as a young mother. I never saw her again, but I often wonder if she knew how much her gesture meant. Now, I pay it forward, offering support to others who might be struggling, hoping to pass on the same hope she gave me.