A cold-hearted landlord gave a woman an eviction notice because she couldn’t pay her rent. But when he went to his sister’s house for dinner, he was shocked to see her there.
Life is tough, and it’s even worse when the people around us have no compassion. Diane Salinger knew what tough times were like. At sixty-two, she had faced more bad days than good and shed many tears.
But Diane wasn’t someone who gave up easily. Whenever life knocked her down, she got back up, ready to fight again. She lost her husband three years ago, and then a tornado destroyed her home. Still, she started over once more.
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She used her savings to buy a small grocery store in a nice town in Michigan. It was perfect for her—big enough to enjoy exotic items she wanted to sell, but small enough to feel cozy.
The town may have been cozy, but Diane’s landlord, Chris Turkle, wasn’t. Diane rented a small apartment from Chris that was close to her store.
When times are tough, people should help each other. Diane was the perfect tenant. She was quiet, respectful, and always paid her rent on time. Then one month, she came up short.
Chris counted the money from her envelope and waved it in her face. “You’re $120 short, Mrs. Salinger.”
Diane blushed. “As I explained, Mr. Turkle, with so many businesses struggling during Covid, I extended credit to some families in need. This month I’m a bit short. I’ll pay the $120 in two weeks.”
“If you want to play Mother Teresa, that’s your problem,” Chris snapped. “I’m a businessman, not a charity! I want you out by the end of the week!”
“But Mr. Turkle,” Diane pleaded. “It’s just one week, and I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
“It happened once, and that’s enough. You’re out,” Chris said coldly as he walked away. He felt justified. Diane’s grocery store seemed busy, with people constantly coming in and out with full shopping bags. “Short on cash? Yeah, right,” Chris thought. “She’s just taking advantage.”
Chris went home to get ready for dinner at his sister Vanessa’s house. He often worried about her. She was a single mom, working two jobs to support herself and her 16-year-old son. Chris had offered her son a weekend job, but Vanessa always refused, saying, “It’s okay, Chris. I’ll manage.” But Chris had noticed she looked tired and worn out.
Since it was his nephew’s birthday, Chris tucked $20 in an envelope, put it in his jacket, and walked to Vanessa’s house.
Vanessa greeted him with a smile. She seemed more relaxed than usual, and the house smelled delicious. “Hey!” he said, giving her a kiss on the cheek. “Where’s the birthday boy?”
“Playing video games with Diane,” Vanessa smiled. “Come on in!” She called up the stairs, “Joss, Diane, time for dinner!”
To Chris’ shock, in walked Mrs. Salinger—the tenant he had just evicted! She seemed to get along well with his sister and nephew. Diane looked surprised but stayed calm.
“Hello,” she said with a smile. “I didn’t know you were Vanessa’s brother.”
Chris blushed. “Yes, she’s my younger sister.”
“Everyone, come on! The roast is ready,” Vanessa called.
“Roast!” Joss exclaimed. “That’s my favorite! But mom, I thought you didn’t get paid until next week. How did you afford this?”
Diane smiled at Joss and patted his hand. “Don’t worry about that,” she said. “Your mom’s credit is good with me. Now, let’s eat!”
Chris leaned in and asked quietly, “Is Vanessa the person you’re helping?”
Diane nodded. “She’s one of them. One of her jobs didn’t work out, so I’m just helping until she’s back on her feet.”
Chris felt ashamed. “I’m so sorry… about everything. Why didn’t Vanessa ask me for help?”
Diane replied gently, “She has her pride. She wants to stand on her own. It’s easier to accept help from a friend than to feel like a burden on family.”
Chris whispered, “From now on, you can have the apartment at half-price. Consider it an investment in our town—and in my sister.”
By the end of the evening, Chris realized Diane was a kind and funny woman. He enjoyed her company, and his view of the community changed. He decided to follow Diane’s example and start offering a helping hand.
Navy Dad Comes Home To Newborn Son, Turns To His Wife And Says Four Words Nobody Expected..Check Comments
Every time a loved one is sent overseas, military families deal with tremendous difficulties. For many families, saying goodbye—possibly for the final time—is an agonizing reality.
It’s a daunting idea to consider the possibility of never seeing each other again. Military troops must make life-or-death decisions while on duty and must count down the days until they can go home. Their families also struggle, juggling obstacles in daily life without the help of a loved one. Keeping in touch while serving overseas is still challenging, despite the availability of contemporary tools like video calls.
Lt. Michael Lemmons of the US Navy also experienced this. His wife gave birth to their son while he was stationed overseas. Lemmons related this story to twenty-seven other crew members who had not seen their babies born. They could not wait to see their new family members when they returned.
Lemmons’s face beams in a touching video when he sees his wife waiting for him on the dock. He finally gets to see his newborn kid as he rushes to her side. She holds their small, darling child in her arms.
Lemmons erupts, overcome with emotion, saying, “He’s perfect.” I’m grateful. He wanted to thank his wife for bearing with him through the ordeal of giving birth and for keeping the household running well. He recognizes the difficulties of being a single parent.
His wife started crying when she heard his sincere remarks. While her husband was serving the nation, she felt appreciated for all that she had done. Even though her efforts were less apparent, they were clearly important.
Lemmons and his wife held their newborn in their arms. Now that their family was complete, they could finally mend their relationship. Lemmons loved spending time with his wife and new baby because he knew he wouldn’t have this much time to spend at home and that he would soon have to serve again.
Supportive remarks were made on Lt. Lemmons’s heartwarming reunion on YouTube.
“My husband was aboard the US Bataan when they were deployed for ten and a half months,” a viewer shared. When they returned home, they had about 150 new fathers—and that number did not include the Marines.
What do you think of this Navy father’s sincere response upon seeing his newborn son?
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