Unexpectedly, a stranger helps an impoverished quintuplet mother who runs out of money at the grocery shop.
Rachel and Jack were thrilled to learn they were having quintuplets. After years of infertility, they were overjoyed when they had five children at once.
When their children were born, Rachel was able to stop her job to care for them because Jack was a successful truck driver. Four years passed quickly, and Rachel and Jack never anticipated anything to go wrong. Something happened, and Rachel was confused.
Jack departed for work early one morning and never returned. Rachel tried to stop him on their wedding anniversary because she felt something was wrong. But Jack persuaded her. “Don’t worry, honey. Coming home on time. I assure you.”
Jack broke his pledge. The police called Rachel later that evening to say he had died in a truck crash. The young widow cried nonstop, but nothing changed. It was her turn to be the man of the home without Jack.
Since her kids were four, she couldn’t leave them alone. There was no income and minimal reserves, so hiring a babysitter was impossible. Her unfriendly neighbors prevented her from asking for aid.
Rachel struggled to grieve her husband’s death as she worked to support her children. Summer caused issues for her livelihood of knitting and selling scarves and hats. Her talent was gone, and money was scarce.
She was at a supermarket store buying items for her son’s birthday when the prices made her frown. When did cocoa powder prices rise? $5 for a tiny one?! Oh, I haven’t bought half the goods yet, and the amount is $50! Jesus! I must return some items.”
To replace cake flavoring, she returned the cocoa powder to the shelf and bought generic cocoa biscuits. She moved to the next aisle while her son Max demanded candy. “Mommy! Please bring me chocolates. Please?”
“Oh, honey!” Rachel paused. “Candy is unhealthy. Doctors warn candies damage teeth. Mommy must buy ingredients to create a cake on your birthday, and they’re expensive.
The four-year-old boy didn’t get it. Some shoppers noticed him screaming loudly. “No, Mommy! Want it! I want candy!
“Yes, mommy! We want candy! Please!” the other four boys yelled.
Rachel almost panicked in the store when everyone stared at her, but she gave in to her kids. She had another issue when she paid the bill at the cashier.
“How hard is it to check prices before buying?” Lincy, the cashier, complained. “I’ll have to take some things out here because you’re $10 short.” She grabbed chocolate cookies, candy bars, and other stuff to prepare the bill, but Rachel stopped her.
Please leave such goods. Let’s do one thing. I will take the bread and… Rachel was picking and choosing objects to eliminate.
Unexpected sources can provide assistance.
Max left for the milk carton aisle, but Rachel was too busy to notice. He met an elderly woman while walking. Hello, young man! Mrs. Simpson. What’s your name? “What are you doing here alone?” she questioned gently, smiling at him.
“Hello, Mrs. Simpson. Four-year-old Max. How old are you?
An older woman reddened. Only somewhat older than you, Max. How about 70? Your mother where?
Mommy fights someone. She says mommy doesn’t have enough money and we must leave certain things.”
Is that so? Mrs. Simpson worriedly asked. Will you take me to your mommy?
The boy nodded and ran to the checkout with Mrs. Simpson. Lincy was frustrated with Rachel and yelling at her. “Look, lady! Avoid coming here if you can’t afford something! Now go! Other customers are waiting!” She placed Rachel’s suitcase aside and invited the next customer. “Next!”
No, please wait… Rachel began speaking when a voice interrupted her.
No need to remove those items. Your bill is paid!” Mrs. Simpson gave Lincy her credit card. Even the objects you removed should be rung in. My responsibility.”
“Oh no, please,” Rachel said. “I can’t take that from you. Just fine.”
“Don’t worry, it’s fine,” the elder woman said, and Rachel gave in.
Rachel kept thanking her as they paid their bills and left the business. Many thanks for aiding us. I can’t pay you now, but please visit us. Her address was written on a letter, which she handed her. “I’d love to offer tea and cookies. I bake great cookies.”
“Oh, that’s sweet, young lady!” she said. Max, see you soon! Goodbye, lads! she said before leaving.
The boys waved back, and Mrs. Simpson addressed Max, which confused Rachel. “Do you know Mrs. Simpson, honey?” she asked Max gently.
“Yes, mommy! I told her you were fighting, so she helped.”
“Oh, she’s adorable!” As she returned to her car, Rachel thought.
A knock on her door the next day. “Oh, Mrs. Simpson! Please enter. You arrived on time! I cooked some cookies,” Rachel said, guiding her inside.
Rachel handed the older woman cookies and tea after she sat down. “Oh, you didn’t have to go to all that trouble,” she said, taking the teacup. Have you lived alone with your kids?
Since my husband died last year, I’ve raised my kids alone. Since I’m unemployed, money is tight. My modest business sold knitted sweaters and caps, but no one buys them in the summer, and I’m still unemployed.”
“Why don’t you join me at my clothing store?” An elderly woman proposed. “I need an assistant and want you. Don’t worry—I’ll watch your kids. My husband died years ago, and we never had kids. I’m an old lady counting down the days till God returns her.”
Oh my goodness, Mrs. Simpson! Rachel wept. “How will I repay your kindness? Thank you! Many thanks!”
“You can return my favor, darling,” Mrs. Simpson smiled. Just make me a good cup of tea every night. Deal?”
“Yes, Mrs. Simpson!” Rachel said while wiping her tears. She started working at Mrs. Simpson’s store the next day, worked hard for months, and was promoted to supervisor.
After seeing her design samples, Mrs. Simpson suggested she create a side company and share some of her work on social media.
Rachel’s ideas went viral on social media, and a famous designer hired her. Rachel declined because she wanted to keep working at Mrs. Simpson’s store. Living with Mrs. Simpson, her children affectionately nickname her Grandma Simpson.
What can this story teach us?
Unexpected sources can provide assistance. Rachel ran out of money, but Mrs. Simpson helped.
Goodness is like a boomerang—it always returns. After her husband’s death, Mrs. Simpson was alone, but assisting Rachel gave her a loving family and five gorgeous grandkids.
