STRANGER: Bears timely gift

I went to Winco Friday to get some groceries. I couldn’t access my bank app to see how much I had in my account due to the latest iOS download draining my battery so quickly. I thought I had plenty of money available. When the cashier ran my card, it was declined. I asked her if I could put my cart behind her so I could try to contact my bank to see what the issue was. Then the man behind in line told the cashier that he would pay for my groceries.

The total was $88 and change. I tried to stop him from doing this, but he insisted. I tried to get his name to thank him, but he wouldn’t give it to me. I even asked him where he worked so I could drop off some mango pineapple habanero jelly and garlic ginger jelly that I make to thank him, but he wouldn’t budge.

The timing couldn’t have been more miraculous. We have been struggling lately because our kids were having trouble paying their rent and bills due to unforeseen circumstances. We knew we had to help them. In fact, we had just discovered on their final payment date for rent that they were several hundred dollars short on the rent. My Christmas spirit was fading fast.

I prayed for help and guidance because of the situation we were being thrown into. The kids were going to need our help with rent and food until their lease was over at the end of January. Then they are going to have to move home to regroup.

The cashier and the lady next in line were so amazed. In fact when he left, the lady behind him said she had heard of this happening, but had never seen it.

I got my Christmas miracle.

JODY PAUL

Coeur d’Alene