A young man in a rough neighborhood was driving his car on his way to train for a second job. He is nineteen years old. He needed the second job to pay for Christmas gifts for his girlfriend and his daughter. He was driving with his niece who is twelve. She was on the passenger side on the front seat. It was the middle of the day, and he and his niece were enjoying the ride. Just then, a police car was chasing a suspect. They were going at high speed. The police office pulled out his gun and shot at the suspect's car. The bullet went through the rear window of the young man's car and went through the passenger side where his niece was sitting. By the grace of God, she was resting her head on the passenger window. The bullet went through the back window, past the passenger side, and through the front window, missing his niece. Both windows were shot out completely. The nineteen year old boy was shaken and went home to recover. The next day, he called the police department to seek aid in replacing his shot out windows. They could not help, stating that he had to come in and fill out a myriad of paperwork. He could not drive to work with the car in that condition.

When my wife told me about the story, I felt a need to help in some way. I knew the gentleman who was covering the story, so I called him to seek the name and phone number of the young man. The newscaster told me that it would cost $497. to replace the windows. I then called the young man, and asked if I could come over to see if I could help in some way. He was home, and I immediately went over to his home. He greeted me and invited me in. His home was immaculate, and his daughter and girlfriend were sitting in the kitchen. I looked into his baby's eyes, thinking about the presents he could not buy for the family this Christmas. They were not asking for any help, but were happy that someone was concerned enough to care. I pulled out my checkbook and wrote them a check for $497 to replace the glass windows. His girlfriend looked at me with total surprise. I could see a tear running down her cheek, and that was all I needed. The young man hugged me, and let me know how stunned and appreciative he was. He now could get his car fixed. He called his would be employer and explained his circumstances. I could see his excitement and the hope in his eyes. He will be able to purchase those Christmas gifts. I asked one favor in exchange for the money. I asked him to help 3 others who needed help. 3 others who he did not know. 3 others who appeared to be trying to make it. I also asked him to see the movie, "Pay It Forward". He promised to help 3 others and see the movie.

I left his home feeling so happy. I felt rejuvenated. I felt hope. I felt I had been given the greatest gift of my life. The gift is in the giving. I will not check up on him and is family to see if they kept their word. I gave with complete faith and trust that they will use the money in whatever way they decide to use it. Maybe some day, this young man, his girlfriend, his baby, and his niece will help someone else who needed a brake. Someone who has a story to tell, who in turn will care about another. The gift is in the giving!

That is my story. My name is Bruce. You can use my first name. It is not important that others know me, but my story should be heard. God Bless, Bruce of Milwaukee