Struggling Single Mom Gets A Message From A Complete Stranger, And Things Escalate Quickly
Many single moms are singled out for the incredible effort they put into raising their children. But that doesn’t mean they can’t benefit from a little help. Recently, Billie from Florida was approached by a complete stranger online, offering to buy school supplies for her son. The Good Samaritan, however, had a few conditions.
“My son is 7 and headed into second grade,” Billie told Bored Panda. “It’s always been just me and him, so I’ve been a single mom for 7 years. I have 4 jobs and I am also a full-time student so not much time for dating, lol.”
“Of course it’s difficult, it is intended to be a two person job,” she added. “We honestly wouldn’t make it without family, friends, and the kindness of strangers.”
This time, however, the circumstances were a bit different. “She found me in a mom group, I’ve posted there for advice a few times.”
At first, everything sounded a little suspicious. “I was a bit cautious of course,” the mother said. “I stalked her online and made sure she wasn’t an axe murderer.”
Billie thinks that this experience has taught her son an immeasurable lesson, one that she wouldn’t be able to construct on her own. “I owe this woman so much. I hope this story helps other people want to do more kind things, just to do them.”
Scroll down to check out their exchange and learn how the story unfolded!
Recently, a single mom was approached by a complete stranger online
Image credits: sturti (not actual photo)
“This woman messaged me. She found me in a mom group, I’ve posted there for advice a few times. I didn’t know her at all”
“I opened the boxes today. All of my sons school supplies and some extras. A new pair of shoes, which is awesome cuz im super thrifty and hardly ever buy brand new things. He is gonna be super excited”
People said this story restored their faith in humanity
Remember Paying it forward doesn't mean something similar or something big, even the smallest things in this world can make big impact on someone else life. Just do it.
I worked at a propane company in Washington State. There is a couple that comes in every winter and pays for the propane of a family that desperately needs it. It just so happened that on this particular visit, our manager got an emotional phone call from a woman who was a single mother, low on propane (the way the family heated the house) and broke from losing her job a few months earlier when tourist season ended. I heard the squeals of joy when my manager contacted her and told her the truck would be out that afternoon to fill her tank. You never know how just supplying everyday things can help someone who desperately needs it.
Both my mom and dad were school teachers here in Finland. One day my dad found a Russian family who was visiting our country. Their car was broken. My dad knew some Russian language and he helped that family to fix their car. The family explained that they were quite poor and they lived near the border of Finland so the car trip to Finland was always one of their highlights every year. My dad asked about the school (because he was a teacher) and when the Russian kids told how bad the school supplies situation was in Russia, my father took them to his school and gave them plenty of school supplies (notebooks, pens, pencils, erasers, etc) for free (he paid for the school later). The Russian family was very thankful and next year they visited Finland they brought to my dad plenty of candy and other delicious foods from Russia. :)
My daughter lost her wallet one day with her ID, cards, some pictures and what little money she had to her name. We intended on going to the DMV that week to get her a new ID, but received a surprise in the mail that day. Someone had found her wallet and left a note with a 100 bill inside telling her to do something nice for herself but to pay it forward one day. Reading this story made me tear up and it restores some of my faith in humanity. It is free to be kind to someone, even if they are not kind back. it is free to hold the door open or just smile at someone.
A friend of mine is going through some really tough medical problems right now. She wouldn't let us raise money for her, she has a really hard time accepting help. She is a single mother. An anonymous person donated some money recently and she has been trying to figure out who. I told her: maybe someone did something nice for him/her before, and this is their way of thanking that person. Like a "pay it forward" thing. Stop making yourself crazy over it, and when you get better, do something for someone else in need.
can we retire the expression "escalate quickly"? especially as this does not apply at all to this situation.
yeah. I thought some guy used the school supplies as a pick up line. :\
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I hate being, "that person". You know, the one who brings politics into a non-political story. Sometimes though, you can do it to show life is much more than politics. This is the kind of story I like. Most people are pretty decent. It doesn't matter if they are right or left, straight or gay, rich or poor, a lot of people will go out of their way to help others. Who knows how these people identify, ideologically? It didn't matter to them. One knew another could use some help and the other appreciated the assistance. When we look at each other as individuals, we find people are pretty great. When we lump them into groups is when our biases start to take over. Too many people live their lives as, us against them. In reality, there is only, us. Good for these folks.
There are so many wonderful people in this world, I needed to read this today.
Wow. When I read the headline I assumed "escalation" in the negative sense. But that's absolutely beautiful. Not life changing, but simple, kind, thoughtful and so, so powerful. One minute you read a post on Bored Panda about r******d trolls ruining lives online, then something like this makes you realise how wonderful people can be.
Wow! I would've been a bit wary of it being a stalker who just possibly wanted my home address. But I'm glad it wasn't and this is really wholesome.
you never know how little an act may seem to you and how big an act it might be for someone else.
Lucky you, I a'm not a single mom and have enough money for my kids school stuff , but still every time I shop I was always not treated well ... I was always being targeted and harrashed by the store staff and security I was mistaken as a thief most of the time and sometimes with my kids and hubby. Luckly I do not have to do this anymore since I do not have to shop for them anymore... and I still do help people what ever I can. all I need is a peaceful life not to worry of what it is this time everytime going out.
This happens to me too because I *look* poor. Meanwhile, when I see photos of people who steal things and are on video surveillance, they are dressed up in the best clothes, brand names, etc. Those people are walking out with a BBQ while they are following me around, and I don't feel a bit sorry for those stores.
Load More Replies...
"Pay It Forward" was an actual book about a young boy named Trevor (fictional, I think) who started this as a project, and the book talked of its influences on everyone the kind acts were paid forward to. I'm so glad something like this exists in real life as well, and I hope that we can all be part of this someday.
while I have never done something quite like this I do buy extra supplies from my son's list and donate them to his class. Including buying extra headphone (inexpensive) and donating them to his class.
Ive found that charity comes back 6fold. Whenever ive given money for a good cause, somehow the world responds and says here you are.
Then your skepticism would have cost yugioh something beautiful
Load More Replies...
I am someone who has trouble accepting help from others. My older son is on the autism spectrum and then my younger son was born with a rare heart condition. The younger one has spent a large percentage of his time in the hospital undergoing four open-heart surgeries and numerous other procedures. He has had to be resuscitated several times and suffered heart attacks and two strokes. In all that, people around me have found ways both great and small to make my family feel the love. While there might be bad things in this world, I find that focusing on these positive impacts gives me hope for the world. I'm an Eagle Scout, Order of the Arrow, and Alpha Phi Omega (national co-ed service fraternity). I donate both my money (a little) and my time (a lot) to giving back to the world, not always in the same way but always trying to give back. Even if karma isn't exactly the right word, I take comfort in knowing that others' distress and heartache is lessened by my actions.
i was working part-time, (all i could find at the time) and going to school -- i was about 1 month away (with what i had in savings from an accident) from being homeless - a random stranger paid 4 months rent and made 2 car payments for me, giving me the chance to save up and i found a full-time gig one month later. I have never forgotten that and i have paid it forward when i have the chance. This was not a small deed by any means, but anything no matter how small, can make a big difference to someone struggling to make it, you may think $75 for a light bill is nothing - but it means everything to the person having to choose between lights and putting food on the table for their family.
When it comes to a moment in ones life where you are in a situation to help, that help often goes to a cause that they feel the most connected with.
My name is brandy. I have a testimony to share, I am from Texas I want to share with you on how I got a blank ATM CARD which automatically change my life and I was able to pay all my debts within 3 months. I came in contact with MR Donald of fastlinkhackersweb.co@gmail.com when I was looking for a job online and he told me about this CARD and he also said the card can withdraw up to $15,000 per week and it could help me start a better life and help me pay all my bills. he told me the CARD was illegal and have to be smart in other to use the card. I decided to give it a try and I was told the procedure to follow and I did what I was told to do and within 72hours I received a package which contained a CARD and a user guide. from that day I started using the CARD and it has been a blessing to me. if you wish to contact MR DONALD for a card, contact him via fastlinkhackersweb.co@gmail.com
Do you need any financial help? Are you in any financial crisis, or do you need funds to start up your own business? Do you need funds to settle your debt or pay off your bills or start a good business? Do you have a low credit score and you are finding it hard to obtain capital services from local banks and other financial institutes? Here is your chance to obtain a financial services from our company. We offer the following finance to individuals *Commercial finance *Personal finance *Construction finance *Business finance And many More: Contact Us Via Email: masfinancialservices11@gmail.com Apply for a loan today. It’s Easy and fast to get.2% interest rates and monthly instalments payments. Check-out this great offer. Information Needed *Your Name in full:......... *Address:......... *Amount Needed:......... *Duration:......... *City:......... *State:......... *Country:......... *Zip code:......... *Phone number:......... *Monthly income:......... *Purpose of loan:.........
Do you need any financial help? Are you in any financial crisis, or do you need funds to start up your own business? Do you need funds to settle your debt or pay off your bills or start a good business? Do you have a low credit score and you are finding it hard to obtain capital services from local banks and other financial institutes? Here is your chance to obtain a financial services from our company. We offer the following finance to individuals *Commercial finance *Personal finance *Construction finance *Business finance And many More: Contact Us Via Email: masfinancialservices11@gmail.com Apply for a loan today. It’s Easy and fast to get.2% interest rates and monthly instalments payments. Check-out this great offer. Information Needed *Your Name in full:......... *Address:......... *Amount Needed:......... *Duration:......... *City:......... *State:......... *Country:......... *Zip code:......... *Phone number:......... *Monthly income:......... *Purpose of loan:......... For mo
My husband visited a shrine located off the coast of Mumbai some years ago.After returning to the car he realized that he had left his bag with keys and cash behind, perhaps where he kept his shoes. he returns to the site- its a 15 minute walk, and asks the security for info, but just receives sympathy and good luck wishes. he visits the spot where he left his shoes, looking around, losing hope of ever finding them again, when a youth pats his back and asks if this is the bag he is looking for. turns out it was! he thanks the guy profusely, offering all the cash in the bag as a reward, but the guy refused to take even a penny. he said " no one leaves here unhappy" . My husband turned to locate the security guard to let him know, but when he looked back the youth was nowhere to be seen. my husband visits the shrine again to offer thanks and marvels at the way God works.
My dad always struggled with my school supplies, he always managed to get them but in the end that plus the private school I was in, was too much and I ended in an excellent but public school. I'm not saying I had a hard life but now that I'm a grown mid-20s woman, I understand how nice things like this would've lift my dad and helped him with his struggles
We were out having a meal with our children . In walks his incredibly grumpy elderly married couple . I noticed that weren’t talking to each other , and when they did they were arguing over the price of the meal. I felt bad for them as it wasn’t an expensive place to eat at all.. I went to the counter and said I’ll pay for their meals and drinks, pudding too. But please don’t say it was me !! The manager looked at me as if I’d gone mad, and kept saying are you sure . I thought he would give the game away by the way he was going on. Anyway when they went to order their meals I watched and their faces when the server said it has been paid for,It was complete and utter shock they ordered drinks from the other end of the pub, and that was paid for also.. Hahaha Anyway , I secretly watched them for a good hr, and alll they could do was chat chat chat , even interrupting each other ❤️❤️ It was so lovely to see this elderly couple who’d obviously been married for years and years chat and laugh
When Carole Burnett was starting out, an anonymous donor sent her money monthly, on the condition that she pay it forward one day.
Why help out s**t women who make bad and selfish choices by having iligitimate kids with deadbeat men? Oooh right you knew he was an a*****e but he was hot right? Typical female decision making, pass up on good men for that cool hot hunk. Let these single mothers lay in their bed they made for themselves. Dumb c***s.
are you kidding? You are an ignorant person, (there are worse words I can think of but I never say them). Let me say this, and I'll only say it once: YOU DON'T KNOW THEIR SITUATION!!!!!!!! DON'T JUDGE THEM OR CALL THEM THE AWFUL NAMES THAT YOU JUST DID!!!!!!!!
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Valerie? What can I do to make your day better?
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B******t. I have done things like this several times. Just because YOU never would, doesn't mean nobody does.
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Only real difference is that divorce is more widely accepted and women are allowed to work for themselves and support their kids if a divorce is necessary. It is not a 'trend' but people have realised it is better to grow up in a happy home with separated parents than in a family where parents hate eachother. This has become more widely accepted by society and religion (which is didn't used to be). There is less of a stigma with divorced people - it no longer means you will be alone forever. I disagree that less people put more effort into their marriage. There are just more humans in the world and with the internet you are bound to hear about it more. It also does not have to be either of their fault, sometimes people just change. This is coming from someone in a happy marriage btw :). I understand not everyone has the same luck though
Load More Replies...
Remember Paying it forward doesn't mean something similar or something big, even the smallest things in this world can make big impact on someone else life. Just do it.
I worked at a propane company in Washington State. There is a couple that comes in every winter and pays for the propane of a family that desperately needs it. It just so happened that on this particular visit, our manager got an emotional phone call from a woman who was a single mother, low on propane (the way the family heated the house) and broke from losing her job a few months earlier when tourist season ended. I heard the squeals of joy when my manager contacted her and told her the truck would be out that afternoon to fill her tank. You never know how just supplying everyday things can help someone who desperately needs it.
Both my mom and dad were school teachers here in Finland. One day my dad found a Russian family who was visiting our country. Their car was broken. My dad knew some Russian language and he helped that family to fix their car. The family explained that they were quite poor and they lived near the border of Finland so the car trip to Finland was always one of their highlights every year. My dad asked about the school (because he was a teacher) and when the Russian kids told how bad the school supplies situation was in Russia, my father took them to his school and gave them plenty of school supplies (notebooks, pens, pencils, erasers, etc) for free (he paid for the school later). The Russian family was very thankful and next year they visited Finland they brought to my dad plenty of candy and other delicious foods from Russia. :)
My daughter lost her wallet one day with her ID, cards, some pictures and what little money she had to her name. We intended on going to the DMV that week to get her a new ID, but received a surprise in the mail that day. Someone had found her wallet and left a note with a 100 bill inside telling her to do something nice for herself but to pay it forward one day. Reading this story made me tear up and it restores some of my faith in humanity. It is free to be kind to someone, even if they are not kind back. it is free to hold the door open or just smile at someone.
A friend of mine is going through some really tough medical problems right now. She wouldn't let us raise money for her, she has a really hard time accepting help. She is a single mother. An anonymous person donated some money recently and she has been trying to figure out who. I told her: maybe someone did something nice for him/her before, and this is their way of thanking that person. Like a "pay it forward" thing. Stop making yourself crazy over it, and when you get better, do something for someone else in need.
can we retire the expression "escalate quickly"? especially as this does not apply at all to this situation.
yeah. I thought some guy used the school supplies as a pick up line. :\
Load More Replies... I hate being, "that person". You know, the one who brings politics into a non-political story. Sometimes though, you can do it to show life is much more than politics. This is the kind of story I like. Most people are pretty decent. It doesn't matter if they are right or left, straight or gay, rich or poor, a lot of people will go out of their way to help others. Who knows how these people identify, ideologically? It didn't matter to them. One knew another could use some help and the other appreciated the assistance. When we look at each other as individuals, we find people are pretty great. When we lump them into groups is when our biases start to take over. Too many people live their lives as, us against them. In reality, there is only, us. Good for these folks.
There are so many wonderful people in this world, I needed to read this today.
Wow. When I read the headline I assumed "escalation" in the negative sense. But that's absolutely beautiful. Not life changing, but simple, kind, thoughtful and so, so powerful. One minute you read a post on Bored Panda about r******d trolls ruining lives online, then something like this makes you realise how wonderful people can be.
Wow! I would've been a bit wary of it being a stalker who just possibly wanted my home address. But I'm glad it wasn't and this is really wholesome.
you never know how little an act may seem to you and how big an act it might be for someone else.
Lucky you, I a'm not a single mom and have enough money for my kids school stuff , but still every time I shop I was always not treated well ... I was always being targeted and harrashed by the store staff and security I was mistaken as a thief most of the time and sometimes with my kids and hubby. Luckly I do not have to do this anymore since I do not have to shop for them anymore... and I still do help people what ever I can. all I need is a peaceful life not to worry of what it is this time everytime going out.
This happens to me too because I *look* poor. Meanwhile, when I see photos of people who steal things and are on video surveillance, they are dressed up in the best clothes, brand names, etc. Those people are walking out with a BBQ while they are following me around, and I don't feel a bit sorry for those stores.
Load More Replies... "Pay It Forward" was an actual book about a young boy named Trevor (fictional, I think) who started this as a project, and the book talked of its influences on everyone the kind acts were paid forward to. I'm so glad something like this exists in real life as well, and I hope that we can all be part of this someday.
while I have never done something quite like this I do buy extra supplies from my son's list and donate them to his class. Including buying extra headphone (inexpensive) and donating them to his class.
Ive found that charity comes back 6fold. Whenever ive given money for a good cause, somehow the world responds and says here you are.
Then your skepticism would have cost yugioh something beautiful
Load More Replies... I am someone who has trouble accepting help from others. My older son is on the autism spectrum and then my younger son was born with a rare heart condition. The younger one has spent a large percentage of his time in the hospital undergoing four open-heart surgeries and numerous other procedures. He has had to be resuscitated several times and suffered heart attacks and two strokes. In all that, people around me have found ways both great and small to make my family feel the love. While there might be bad things in this world, I find that focusing on these positive impacts gives me hope for the world. I'm an Eagle Scout, Order of the Arrow, and Alpha Phi Omega (national co-ed service fraternity). I donate both my money (a little) and my time (a lot) to giving back to the world, not always in the same way but always trying to give back. Even if karma isn't exactly the right word, I take comfort in knowing that others' distress and heartache is lessened by my actions.
i was working part-time, (all i could find at the time) and going to school -- i was about 1 month away (with what i had in savings from an accident) from being homeless - a random stranger paid 4 months rent and made 2 car payments for me, giving me the chance to save up and i found a full-time gig one month later. I have never forgotten that and i have paid it forward when i have the chance. This was not a small deed by any means, but anything no matter how small, can make a big difference to someone struggling to make it, you may think $75 for a light bill is nothing - but it means everything to the person having to choose between lights and putting food on the table for their family.
When it comes to a moment in ones life where you are in a situation to help, that help often goes to a cause that they feel the most connected with.
My name is brandy. I have a testimony to share, I am from Texas I want to share with you on how I got a blank ATM CARD which automatically change my life and I was able to pay all my debts within 3 months. I came in contact with MR Donald of fastlinkhackersweb.co@gmail.com when I was looking for a job online and he told me about this CARD and he also said the card can withdraw up to $15,000 per week and it could help me start a better life and help me pay all my bills. he told me the CARD was illegal and have to be smart in other to use the card. I decided to give it a try and I was told the procedure to follow and I did what I was told to do and within 72hours I received a package which contained a CARD and a user guide. from that day I started using the CARD and it has been a blessing to me. if you wish to contact MR DONALD for a card, contact him via fastlinkhackersweb.co@gmail.com
Do you need any financial help? Are you in any financial crisis, or do you need funds to start up your own business? Do you need funds to settle your debt or pay off your bills or start a good business? Do you have a low credit score and you are finding it hard to obtain capital services from local banks and other financial institutes? Here is your chance to obtain a financial services from our company. We offer the following finance to individuals *Commercial finance *Personal finance *Construction finance *Business finance And many More: Contact Us Via Email: masfinancialservices11@gmail.com Apply for a loan today. It’s Easy and fast to get.2% interest rates and monthly instalments payments. Check-out this great offer. Information Needed *Your Name in full:......... *Address:......... *Amount Needed:......... *Duration:......... *City:......... *State:......... *Country:......... *Zip code:......... *Phone number:......... *Monthly income:......... *Purpose of loan:.........
Do you need any financial help? Are you in any financial crisis, or do you need funds to start up your own business? Do you need funds to settle your debt or pay off your bills or start a good business? Do you have a low credit score and you are finding it hard to obtain capital services from local banks and other financial institutes? Here is your chance to obtain a financial services from our company. We offer the following finance to individuals *Commercial finance *Personal finance *Construction finance *Business finance And many More: Contact Us Via Email: masfinancialservices11@gmail.com Apply for a loan today. It’s Easy and fast to get.2% interest rates and monthly instalments payments. Check-out this great offer. Information Needed *Your Name in full:......... *Address:......... *Amount Needed:......... *Duration:......... *City:......... *State:......... *Country:......... *Zip code:......... *Phone number:......... *Monthly income:......... *Purpose of loan:......... For mo
My husband visited a shrine located off the coast of Mumbai some years ago.After returning to the car he realized that he had left his bag with keys and cash behind, perhaps where he kept his shoes. he returns to the site- its a 15 minute walk, and asks the security for info, but just receives sympathy and good luck wishes. he visits the spot where he left his shoes, looking around, losing hope of ever finding them again, when a youth pats his back and asks if this is the bag he is looking for. turns out it was! he thanks the guy profusely, offering all the cash in the bag as a reward, but the guy refused to take even a penny. he said " no one leaves here unhappy" . My husband turned to locate the security guard to let him know, but when he looked back the youth was nowhere to be seen. my husband visits the shrine again to offer thanks and marvels at the way God works.
My dad always struggled with my school supplies, he always managed to get them but in the end that plus the private school I was in, was too much and I ended in an excellent but public school. I'm not saying I had a hard life but now that I'm a grown mid-20s woman, I understand how nice things like this would've lift my dad and helped him with his struggles
We were out having a meal with our children . In walks his incredibly grumpy elderly married couple . I noticed that weren’t talking to each other , and when they did they were arguing over the price of the meal. I felt bad for them as it wasn’t an expensive place to eat at all.. I went to the counter and said I’ll pay for their meals and drinks, pudding too. But please don’t say it was me !! The manager looked at me as if I’d gone mad, and kept saying are you sure . I thought he would give the game away by the way he was going on. Anyway when they went to order their meals I watched and their faces when the server said it has been paid for,It was complete and utter shock they ordered drinks from the other end of the pub, and that was paid for also.. Hahaha Anyway , I secretly watched them for a good hr, and alll they could do was chat chat chat , even interrupting each other ❤️❤️ It was so lovely to see this elderly couple who’d obviously been married for years and years chat and laugh
When Carole Burnett was starting out, an anonymous donor sent her money monthly, on the condition that she pay it forward one day.
Why help out s**t women who make bad and selfish choices by having iligitimate kids with deadbeat men? Oooh right you knew he was an a*****e but he was hot right? Typical female decision making, pass up on good men for that cool hot hunk. Let these single mothers lay in their bed they made for themselves. Dumb c***s.
are you kidding? You are an ignorant person, (there are worse words I can think of but I never say them). Let me say this, and I'll only say it once: YOU DON'T KNOW THEIR SITUATION!!!!!!!! DON'T JUDGE THEM OR CALL THEM THE AWFUL NAMES THAT YOU JUST DID!!!!!!!!
Load More Replies... Valerie? What can I do to make your day better?
Load More Replies... B******t. I have done things like this several times. Just because YOU never would, doesn't mean nobody does.
Load More Replies... Only real difference is that divorce is more widely accepted and women are allowed to work for themselves and support their kids if a divorce is necessary. It is not a 'trend' but people have realised it is better to grow up in a happy home with separated parents than in a family where parents hate eachother. This has become more widely accepted by society and religion (which is didn't used to be). There is less of a stigma with divorced people - it no longer means you will be alone forever. I disagree that less people put more effort into their marriage. There are just more humans in the world and with the internet you are bound to hear about it more. It also does not have to be either of their fault, sometimes people just change. This is coming from someone in a happy marriage btw :). I understand not everyone has the same luck though
Load More Replies...
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