I work as an administrative assistant at a tiny insurance office and spend most days counting down the minutes until I can get home to my kids. I’m a single mom—my ex-husband left two years ago—and my own mom helps whenever she can, even after exhausting hospital shifts.
One cold evening, I stopped at the grocery store for a quick, cheap dinner. In the parking lot, I saw a man sitting on the curb with a German shepherd pressed against him. He told me quietly that he was a veteran and that neither he nor his dog had eaten since the day before. He didn’t ask for money—just food.
Something about how he protected that dog made me stop. I went back inside and bought a hot meal, water, and dog food. When I handed it to him, he looked stunned. He thanked me over and over. I went home thinking it was just a small act of kindness.
A month later, my boss abruptly dragged me into his office, furious. He accused me of staging a “setup” after receiving a formal commendation letter from a veterans’ organization praising my integrity and recommending a promotion. Despite my explanations, he fired me on the spot.
That night, I called the organization. They invited me in and explained everything. The veteran I’d helped had come to them after our encounter—my kindness gave him the courage to ask for help. He was now housed, receiving medical care, and rebuilding his life. When they learned I’d been fired for it, they stepped in with lawyers and took my case for free.
Two months later, my termination was ruled wrongful. I was compensated—and then offered a job with the organization.
Now, I help veterans find housing, care, and hope. I don’t dread going to work anymore. One simple act of kindness didn’t just change his life—it changed mine too.