A Simple Act of Kindness

I was reconnecting with a former high school classmate (2nd-year high school or 7th grade) who is now a retired US Army officer. 

I would have failed my Practical Arts (Automotive) subject if it hadn't been for him. Life was simple but unforgettable when I was in high school. My Practical Arts teacher told us in 2nd-year high school to group ourselves (by 3s or 4) & spend enough money on our Automotive project. Because money was tight and my parents couldn't manage to fund my project, I decided to accept the failing grade.

As a result, I couldn't join any groups and was left painfully alone while the others began contributing to the project. Sherwin Cruz, whom I dubbed a Good Samaritan, arrived late to class; our teacher immediately paired me with him, promptly Sherwin took out his money and handed it to our teacher without hesitation.

I told him I didn't have any money to share, and our teacher quickly informed me that I'd failed, to which I replied: My parents had accepted the fate that I'd fail.  Sherwin Cruz, the Good Samaritan he was, quickly said, "I will pay for you." Prolly, Sherwin didn't realize the magnitude effect on how he saved me that day. That moment, and the act of kindness he performed, will live with me forever. His mother privately messages me after his relative (in the Philippines) saw my comment on my high school classmate's post mentioning Sherwin Cruz's name.

I had not expected my reactions to a high school friend's post about a poor 5th-grade boy's article (to) lead to our reconnecting and me expressing my gratitude.

A simple act of kindness can truly make a difference.