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Share A Story NowA Cup of Coffee
My life began similarly to most of the kids in my family, with a mother who did the best she could before the father screwed up enough times and she left. That's the way it is in my family, you grow up not knowing what a father is and no one is there to teach you.
Consequently, I developed the usual problems with alcohol and drugs and spent seven years as a street kid, landing in rehab when I was 20. Inside I met my counselor, Bill, and he taught me a lot of things. The main thing was the gift of giving.
It was the night before a significant event and I was very nervous. Bill saw this and suggested that we go for a walk. As we walked and talked, Bill suggested we go for a coffee. I told him I was broke but when I got paid, I would pay him back. He stopped then and looked at me in a serious, but loving way and said, "No, you won't."
He followed by telling me that I didn't owe him anything and he was doing this because he could. He then told me something that has followed me to this day, "One day you'll be around someone and they'll need a coffee, and you'll be able to buy it for them. That's how you can pay me back."
I'm a youth worker now; far away from the life I had ten years ago. My job is simple, I buy kids coffee. Bill taught me how to do that.
Story was submitted anonymously
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Your Comments
I think this story will give kids a great future.
Posted about 4 years ago by Irrving from
I work for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Calgary, and every day I see the wisdom of simply doing the right thing. This story really underlines the difference each of us can make to create a better world for us all.
Posted over 4 years ago by Lynne C. from Calgary, Canada
Very nice.
Posted over 4 years ago by Panne from Spain
Happiness is like a boomerang, you throw it onto others, and see it getting back to you. It gives immense pleasure to know that a soul breathes easy, because you are there. A life is changed because you are there.
"Every act of kindness is reciprocated back."
A thought provoking story.
Posted almost 5 years ago by Sukhsohit S from Chandigarh, India
Paying it forward will make this world [a better place]...i have always been wary of accepting help, in my mind, I am tough, and everything should be repaid. Experience taught me that, life is not like that, I realized that rather than pay the person directly, and feel good that debts have been paid, it feels much sweeter to pass on the goodness to others who needs help.
Posted about 5 years ago by Flor A. from Singapore
This relates to my life also. I'm a teen in my senior year and the start of school I was down hill bad. I had a friend who helped me through it all. He is very special in my life and now is my boyfriend. Graduation is coming up and I don't think I would've made it with out his help. I want to become a teacher and a school counselor and help all those who went through the same thing.
Posted about 5 years ago by Stephanie V from Payson , UT