In life, we all encounter difficult times and challenging periods. During those moments, the love and support of those around us become essential in helping us get back on our feet. This is especially true for the brave souls who selflessly serve their country, asking for no reward in return.
Unfortunately, many veterans find themselves struggling upon returning from duty. In some cases, the benefits they receive may not be sufficient to sustain them, leaving them uncertain about their next steps as they transition back to civilian life.
Larry Robeson, a Vietnam veteran, knew these struggles all too well. Reports indicate that Larry, who could barely afford basic necessities, found himself in a difficult situation with no clear path forward.
Fate had other plans for Larry when he crossed paths with the Fox 5 Surprise Squad at a grocery store in Las Vegas. The Surprise Squad was there to cover people’s grocery bills, and they approached Larry when they noticed him in the store.
Despite his financial difficulties, Larry had taken his friend Stephanie, a disabled fellow veteran, to the store. Stephanie shared that she was buying food for herself and her dogs but was down to her last $50, unsure of what to do next.
Dave Hall, the reporter leading the Surprise Squad, offered to cover Stephanie’s groceries, bringing relief and gratitude to her. But Dave also noticed Larry standing quietly behind Stephanie.
It turned out that Larry, a friend of Stephanie’s husband, had established the Bones for Blankets club many years earlier. The club’s mission was to donate blankets to homeless veterans who found themselves on the streets after their service to their country.
Larry’s motivation for starting the club was heart-wrenching; he wanted to prevent more veterans from suffering the same fate as three comrades who had tragically frozen to death. The club’s actions aimed to ensure that no more veterans would face such dire circumstances.
Larry explained that Stephanie’s husband was often away as a truck driver, and he offered her companionship and support, especially considering the challenges she faced due to her disability.
Dave Hall, deeply moved by Larry’s story and his commitment to helping fellow veterans, was determined that Larry wouldn’t leave the store without the Surprise Squad team paying for his groceries.
Although Larry had only intended to purchase dish soap and candy, Dave insisted, “You served us. It’s our turn to serve you now.”
Larry was given the opportunity to go around the store and select whatever he needed. The total bill came to $278, and Larry wiped tears from his eyes as Dave and the team settled it.
Overwhelmed by the unexpected act of kindness, Larry shared, “This is just like overwhelming. I’ve been taking care of myself since I was 13.”
Larry’s story serves as a poignant reminder that the support and care we provide to those who have sacrificed for their country can make a significant difference in their lives, especially during challenging times.
Homeless Man Recognizes Little Boy Begging for Alms to Pay For His Mom’s Funeral – Story of the Day
Eight-year-old David was begging for money outside a mall when he noticed a homeless man staring at him for a long time. He ran away thinking this person was dangerous, but he caught him and explained something shocking about the boy’s past.
David Donaldson stood outside International Plaza and Bay Street in Tampa, Florida, and couldn’t hold back his tears. His face was covered in wet streaks, and most people only looked at him for a second before they continued walking. He was there to try to raise money for his mother’s funeral.
David’s mother died after a long battle with cancer, and the funeral home was waiting for the money to pay for everything. The manager was worried about the kid, but David had lied to him, explaining that his uncle was coming soon and would be paying for everything.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
Sadly, David didn’t have any family left. He was staying at the apartment, but the rent was due soon. He would not be able to pay, and others would soon discover what was going on. They would call CPS, and he would go into the system.
He hated that idea. That’s why he was at the mall, begging people for money. Some shoppers were familiar with the little boy because he also tried to raise funds throughout his mother’s treatment. They would give him a dollar or two before calling the cops. Luckily, David was able to get away from them.
But now, his mother was finally gone, and she deserved to have a nice service. So, once again, he stood outside there with a sign where he wrote what he needed.
After a long sniffle, David dried his tears, thinking that people might be avoiding him because of his crying. He needed that money, so he had to be brave and stop. But once he cleared his eyes using his hands, David saw someone strange. A man was looking at him from the other side of the street. His stare was unnerving.
The man was dressed in tattered clothing, and it was clear he was homeless. David feared he would become like him soon. But an even scarier thought crossed his mind. What if he wants to steal my money? No! My mom needs it!
David gathered his hat from the floor where people had thrown some extra change and started counting. He placed them inside his pocket quickly and raised his head just to see the man cross the street and walk directly toward him.
The boy’s blood went cold, but he had to think fast. That’s when he stood and raced out of there. He could hear the heavy footsteps of the man running after him, and the man yelled, “Wait boy, I want to talk to you!”
“No! This is my mother’s money! Go away!” David screamed back but didn’t slow his pace.
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“I don’t want your money, boy! Please, stop!”
The boy didn’t listen, but unfortunately, he entered a dead-end alley and couldn’t escape. “Please, sir. This money is very important. My mother just died, and I need to pay for the funeral,” David pleaded with the man, clutching his right hand over his right pocket where he kept the cash.
The man stopped and approached him slowly now. David could see his unclean state and ragged shirt, but there was something familiar about his face. He also had kind eyes. Maybe he wasn’t lying.
“Again, I don’t want your money, boy. I read your sign. You said your mother died? Can you tell me her name?” the man asked, smiling slightly.
“Maria,” David answered shyly.
“What about you? What’s your name?”
“David Donaldson.”
The man closed his eyes and nodded. Then he looked at the ground, and David could hear his heavy breathing.“Oh, man,” the man whispered and started crying.
“Sir, are you ok? Did you know my mother?” David asked, taking a small step towards the man.
“Yes. I knew her,” the man replied. “But I can’t believe she’s gone. I’m a horrible man.”
“What?”
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“Maria… I mean, your mother was my girlfriend around nine years ago. My name is Charlie Donaldson,” the man answered and looked up at him. David could see the tears in his eyes and the sadness in his expression.
“Why do you have my last name?” David questioned, although the eight-year-old was no fool. He already guessed the reason.
“I’m pretty sure I’m your father, kid,” the man revealed.
The boy had no idea what to say, but it was probably true. The man’s face had looked familiar because they shared the same green eyes.
“Ok, so you don’t want to take my money,” David added, just to confirm.
Charlie laughed bitterly. “No, David. I would never do that. I fell on hard times, and that’s why I’m homeless, but I would not take money from a child. Besides, you need to pay for Maria’s funeral, right? That’s what your sign said.”
“Yeah. It’s expensive,” the boy said, scratching the back of his head with one hand.
“Let me ask you something else. Who are you staying with? An aunt or an uncle?”
“No one.”
“Maria told me she had a sister,” Charlie stated with a frown. He wiped the tears that had streaked his face and looked straight at the boy.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
“No. I never met anyone, or maybe, they don’t know Mom died,” David continued, not knowing what else to say. It was the truth. It had always been just the two of them.
“And why are you on the streets? Shouldn’t CPS have taken you in?”
“I lied to some people. I told them my uncle was coming soon. I guess they didn’t call anyone,” David answered. But suddenly, he was curious about something. “If you’re my father, why weren’t you in my life?”
“That’s a long story,” Charlie began and said that he had run away as soon as Maria told him she was pregnant. He didn’t want the responsibility. “But in the end, it was the worst thing I ever did. Karma got to me, and I got mixed up with some bad people. I should’ve stayed with your mother and been a father to you.”
They talked more in that dead-end alley and even had a few laughs despite their sad circumstances. Finally, David had an idea. “Why don’t you come live with me so that I won’t be taken away? But on the condition that you will get a job and help me out. I’m a kid. I can’t do anything without an adult without raising suspicion.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
“Are you sure? Do you have a house?”
“An apartment. But rent is due at the end of the month. I don’t have the money. I still have to pay for Mom’s funeral,” David continued.
Charlie thought about it for several minutes. He didn’t have a home and had no idea how to raise a kid. But it was a deal he couldn’t pass up. So he moved in with David, and now that he had an address, he could apply for jobs.
Together, they raised enough for a simple funeral for Maria, and they bonded when Charlie told him stories of their time together. David reciprocated and recounted all the things they did together. Eventually, Charlie found a job at Target and paid rent a few weeks later, as the landlord gave them an extension.
David was able to go back to school instead of begging for alms every day. In the end, they thought of each other as family even if they met under the oddest of circumstances.
What can we learn from this story?
- Don’t run from your responsibilities. Not everyone is ready to have kids, but you can’t run away from your duties.
- It’s never too late to do the right thing. Charlie moved in with David and paid for everything he could, so the kid would not have to be alone.
Share this story with your friends. It might brighten their day and inspire them.
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