Zero For Operator

By Christine • September 18, 2018

When I was 19 I legally immigrated to the USA. I left my country on Mother's day 1963. Circumstances were such that I for a short time became homeless but then found a job at a Mission in East Los Angeles. I was able to live in one of their staff houses, went 3 hours to school each night. I had very little money but felt abundant.

Mother's Day 1964 arrived and I needed to call my Mom in Germany. I had a little paper sack of quarters for $12. It was a LOT of money for me. I walked up 2 streets to a phone booth. It was a pretty hot day.

Anyway I dialed the operator: 'How may I help you?'

I said I like to call my Mom in Germany.

She said: '$ 12 for the first 3 minutes.'

I fed the phone all the quarters I had. A.s.a. that happened I heard the phone ring. It was my Mom who picked up. She was extremely excited to hear my voice for the first time in a year. We talked fast and excitedly.

After a while she said: 'Child this must be very expensive?'

I had forgotten time and space. We talked on and on.

The call ended and all my quarters tumbled out again. I was stunned.

We had talked for 45 minutes and this kind operator gave us such amazing present.

Thank you.

It was only 1 of the many kindnesses I have experienced in this wonderful country.

I never asked for anything. But because I worked and studied hard, people seeing it supported my effords.

I know the American dream is true if one wants to honestly work their way up.

SHARE YOUR STORY

Click Here For The Most Popular On Sunny Skyz

feel good videoZoo Visitor Captures Incredible Moment An Elephant Saves A Gazelle From Drowning

feel good storiesShe Meant Every Word Of 'In Sickness And In Health'

feel good storiesSoaked, Scared, And Alone - Baby Raccoon Melts Hearts After Rescue

feel good storiesThe Grade That Saved A Life: A Professor's Unforgettable Act Of Kindness

feel good storiesHummingbirds Are Nesting On String Lights - And People Are Sharing The Cutest Photos

feel good storiesParents Secretly Build Disney-Themed Backyard While Kids Sleep

feel good videoGolden Retriever Pushes Owner Into Water Causing Hilarious Chaos

feel good videoMan Claims He Can Speak Chicken - And Then Proves It

feel good videoEmu Has An Absolute Blast Playing Chase With Dogs

feel good videoKid's Freestyle Dance To Live Jazz Is Pure Joy — And Viewers Can't Get Enough

feel good videoOnly 2 Students Show Up For Class Hike, But Their Professor Makes It A Day They'll Never Forget

Chris Filippou 12:17 PM (3 minutes ago) to me