It was Mother’s Day morning — a day meant for flowers, hugs, and happy breakfasts. My little family and I decided to celebrate with pancakes at IHOP. As we pulled into the parking lot, we noticed a man sitting quietly on the side of the road, holding a sign.

Car after car passed him without a glance. But something about the way he sat there, the quiet hope in his eyes, made us stop. We rolled down the window, handed him a few dollars, and struck up a conversation. His voice was warm but tired, the kind of tired that comes from more than just lack of sleep.

“I appreciate the money,” he said, “but what I’d really like… is a job. All I’ve got is my bike to get around, but I’ll do whatever I have to do. Some hard times have fallen on my shoulders, and it’s really gotten me down and out.”

We ended up talking for nearly an hour. My husband, Tyler, works for PGT, a glass company in southwest Florida. As the man shared his story, Tyler listened closely. Before we left, we gave him the contact information for PGT, the names of people to talk to, and our phone number.

The next morning, Tyler pulled into work — and there he was. The same man from the side of the road, standing outside, sweaty but smiling. He had ridden his bike 30 miles to get there. Thirty miles, on nothing but determination.

Tyler brought him inside, introduced him to the right people, and helped him fill out an application. A short time later, he was hired. And Tyler didn’t stop there — he took him shopping for the essentials he’d need for his new job: work boots, gloves, tools. Everything to help him step into this new chapter with confidence.

Today, that man is employed and working hard. His shoulders don’t seem as heavy anymore. And it all began with one conversation, one moment where someone saw him as more than just a stranger on the side of the road.

I’m so grateful for Tyler — for the way he sees people, really sees them. For the way he believes in them even when they’ve forgotten how to believe in themselves. This man was down on his luck, but with a little support, he’s back on his feet, building something better.

We tell our children all the time: never judge a book by its cover. Always choose kindness. Because sometimes, kindness is the spark that changes someone’s life forever.

And this Mother’s Day, I was reminded — the best gift you can give isn’t flowers or breakfast in bed. It’s hope. 🌟