White Trash Warm Hearts

I didn’t have nice clothes, so my dorm mates loaned me an outfit and helped me get ready for the interview. A friend drove me to the man’s home and dropped me off in his driveway. I found myself alone looking at a large mansion and feeling small and insignificant. I knew poor very well, but this definitely looked like rich to me and I was not familiar with it. At nineteen years old I had never been around wealthy people and was scared out of my mind. I was a college kid going to see a wealthy man that I’d never met, who didn’t know me and I had to ask him for what seemed to me like a huge amount of money. I knew I had no option but to go through with this or pack up my dreams and go home. I walked to the huge door and rang the bell, knowing that this night and this interview could determine my future, or at least delay it by forcing me to drop out of school. The idea of having to drop out was worse than the fear of the interview, so I decided it was necessary for me to buck up, handle my nerves and perform at my best. I don’t remember much about the interview except it was in an expensive restaurant, which unnerved me. Having never been to an exceptionally nice restaurant, I didn’t know which of all those silver forks by my plate to use first. Thank goodness, the man was an extremely nice person who did everything he could to put me at ease. This helped me relax and answer his questions, while, I hoped, eating with the correct fork instead of looking like the young hillbilly that I was. It was quite an evening and a learning experience for me; yet I must have performed adequately. Soon, I received a letter stating he was glad to assist me. It also contained a sizable check which was enough to cover all my expenses for the year. I cried tears of joy knowing I was now able to finish my sophomore year and move forward. My dorm friends celebrated with me and Momma came to join us. It was the only time in my four years she was able to visit me except for graduation when, as Momma often said, “I’ll be there with bells on!” Momma knew the generous support my friends had provided and, to my absolute amazement, she brought her famous hot dogs, chili and slaw, as well as banana pudding for all. We had a lot of fun that day and we gulped down the delicious homemade meal in the midst of a mighty celebration. I don’t know how Momma could afford that meal or transportation there, since we never had a car in the family, but it was the best meal I’ve ever had. I’ll never forget that special day with Momma and my friends. I was extremely happy knowing I didn’t have to go home feeling like a failure. I knew people would again start that old Southern chant for all unmarried girls over 15 years old: “You don’t need no education, you’re just gonna get married and have babies.” Thank goodness I had escaped going through that maddening experience again. I wrote my generous benefactor a thank-you note immediately and told him I would repay the money after college. His response was: “I don’t want to be paid back, but I would ask that when you can, please pass it on to someone who needs assistance.” I’ve always remembered that and have helped students, financially and in other ways. Although I never saw the man again, I often think of him, even now, sixty years later. I’m very grateful for this “angel” who appeared in my life when I truly needed one. I was a stranger to him and yet he was willing to give me money for my education without any strings attached. Without a doubt, it felt like a miracle to me and I accepted it as one. This was a pivotal event in my life. I knew then that I would finish college regardless of what obstacles might show up along my way. When I went to Wake Forest University it was much more expensive, and I’ve often wondered how the tuition was paid. I worked many jobs, including delivering papers before classes each day, but they paid very little. I did have one small scholarship at the university, but the money including my annual loan, the job income, and scholarship did not ever add up to the tuition. Despite this, I never had any difficulty with college expenses again and it’s still a mystery. I assume angels are watching over me and they’ve shown up in many shapes and size; sometimes without my being aware of them. Momma taught me to believe that things always work out for the best and I continue to believe this. I know that just holding this belief, which she impressed on me and my siblings, is very powerful. Many angels have supported me along the way and I graduated with a very good education (including using the correct fork at the right time). I also learned a lot of good, common sense from Momma, which is more valuable than a college education. I’m very thankful for my angels, especially the stranger who paid my tuition that year when I was desperate. This taught me never to doubt that there are many good people and to be there for others when possible. I gained unforgettable lessons from a generous stranger with an open heart. And like him, I believe we have an obligation to pass it on to others.