She remembers one boy who rode his old bike to school every morning. He would stand outside the windows of the weathered school building, simultaneously hopeful and embarrassed. His family didn’t have enough money to pay for the school. But he would stand outside and listen in through the open windows.

When she came back, Theresa relayed the story of the boy to a few of our friends and family. All were moved by his desire to learn and saddened by his circumstances. How much do we take for granted? All of the many fortunate things we have.

The story of the boy deeply stirred Mary’s heart. Being a long-time family friend, Mary requested more details. She obtained the boy’s photograph from Theresa’s files, found his school, and the person who would be able to convey her concern for the boy.

It turned out that only $300 would pay for the whole school year. Mary followed through with her decision. This year, he went to school. Next year, and every year after, she is making a commitment to keep his dream alive.