Note: This story, originally featured in October 2015, is being republished.
A mother from Alabama experienced a heartwarming surprise during a challenging day when her son handed her an envelope received from a stranger.
Melissa Simms of Pell City, Alabama, recounts a particularly trying day where nothing seemed to go right. Accompanying her seventh-grade son Trey, who was home sick from school, she visited the doctor for a follow-up on her series of surgeries spanning the past two years.
While at the doctor’s office, Simms realized she was short on funds to cover her co-pay.
“We woke up with just $10, split it for gas and my husband’s work, and for me to make it to my doctor’s appointment,” Simms shared with WBRC. “All day, I was stressed about how to prepare supper for my kids.”
As her son waited in the office, a stranger approached him and handed him an envelope, asking him to pass it to his mother.
After the appointment, Trey gave the envelope to his mother, who was astonished by its contents.
Inside was a note that read: “I’ve had days like you’re having today. Hang in there.” Along with the message was a $100 bill and a reference to Joshua 1:9 from the Bible, which reads: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Simms was deeply moved by the stranger’s act of kindness, shedding tears of gratitude upon opening the envelope.
“It’s a complete feeling of peace, like everything is going to be okay,” she expressed.
The unexpected gift allowed Simms to cover her co-pay and purchase dinner for her family. Overwhelmed by the stranger’s generosity, she took to Facebook in hopes of finding and thanking the woman.
“I don’t know her appearance or name, but I hope to meet her and express my gratitude,” Simms remarked. “It’s the kindest thing ever done. From the bottom of my heart, I thank this woman. I aspire to repay and pay it forward one day, just as she did.”
Readers resonated with the touching story, emphasizing the essence of compassion and generosity.
“This exemplifies the spirit of our great country! People helping those in need. Thank you for your generous support to the mother. You are truly blessed,” one reader commented.
“There are indeed kind, compassionate, and generous people in this world,” another shared. “Melissa just encountered one.”
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