On a Friday evening in December, two weeks before Christmas, I lost my job. I hadn't seen it coming. I was excited for the weekend, when my daughter, Kristil, then 12, and I planned to get our Christmas tree. Then I listened to my voicemail:" We're sorry but your work assignment has ended as of today. "My heart sank. I wasn't just a single mother; I was the only parent. My paycheck was survival.
Over the next week, as my bank account grew smaller, I crazily applied for jobs, but I was defeated.
It had been snowing on and off all morning. I noticed a woman with short white hair struggling to open her car door against the wind. As she got out, I realized it was my old professor, Mrs. Heffernan. I hadn't seen her since we'd met for lunch three months ago.
I'd first met Mrs. Heffernan 10 years earlier when I was her student at Edge wood College. Kristil was 3 at the time, and I sometimes took her to class. Mrs. Heffernan was understanding and would bring coloring books to occupy Kristil.
Even after I graduated, Mrs. Heffernan kept in touch. I had grown to love her like family.
I rushed to the front of my building. "What are you doing out in this weather?" I asked as we hugged.
"Well, I tried to call last week but couldn't get through. Then I called your job and they said you weren't working there anymore, so I thought I would come by, "she said. "I have gifts for you and Kristil."
I made her a cup of tea and we talked. Just being in Mrs. Heffernan's presence gave me hope that things would be all right.
As she got up to leave she handed me a Christmas card and kissed me on the cheek. I walked her to her car and waved as she pulled away.
When I opened her card I was in shock. Hundred dollar bills fell onto the table. Tears of gratitude filled my eyes as I counted. Mrs. Heffernan had given me $1, 000.
