A few years ago I worked part time as a checker for Sam's Club. I'm by no means wealthy, but my kids are grown and my 2nd husband and I are comfortable.

I remember there was a time in my life when my kids were very young and we were poor. My first husband and I divorced and it was tough raising 2 little girls on my own. Gosh how we looked forward to going grocery shopping on payday. I could actually say yes to a few things they wanted. Back then that didn't happen often. We visited food banks sometimes because I was broke and hungry, it was awful.

Anyway, back to Sam's.

I was checking one Saturday and a family came in with a cart full. Good stuff, meal basics and you can tell they hadn't been able to shop for awhile. The kids were all excited and happy. Just as I finished checking them out the dad used their SNAP card and it failed. (Food stamps for those not in the US). The mom panics of course and she damn near started crying. The little kids just stand there staring at the food they weren't going to get to eat tonight. I soooooo remember being that mom, the happiness that comes from being able to get food and saying yes to just the freaking basics. And then boom SNAP doesn't work?

The manager came over and said I'm so sorry, the whole system was down statewide. We can't process any EBT cards today. The defeated look on all their faces was just too much. I pulled the manager aside and asked if I can pay? He literally thought I'd lost my mind. Yes it was about 200.00 I think but dammit I've been that mom and I couldn't let them leave without food. It would break my heart. I had my debit card in my back pocket for my break so he explained to the family that I wanted to buy their cart for them and asked if that would be alright?

Now the mom really did cry and the kids started planning supper again. I've never told anyone about that. I'm so thankful I was in a position to help.

That's my random act. So blessed to be able to do that for someone.