My husband and I have taken a young man under our wings...

[MANative]

He came from a rough background - teen mother, substance-abusing/absent father, barely made it through high school. He's very smart and equally determined to make something of his life, and he found a good job at a local supermarket a couple of years ago. At 23, he's just recently been made Front End Manager, a job that one usually attains in mid-30s or later in a supermarket of their size. We've been "coaching" him and supporting him as he navigates through work and life challenges, and he's been a lifesaver by helping us with errands and shopping so we don't have to spend a lot of time in large, public settings.

We've also shared our political ideals with him, which he embraced enthusiastically, and the results of that have been astounding:

1. He registered to vote for the first time, applied for and his submitted absentee ballot for our recent primary.
2. Brought voter registration forms to work for all of his employees (80+ direct reports)
3. Showed them how to apply for absentee ballots.

(All of this without going partisan, which would have been inappropriate at work.)

Finally, for our recent birthdays (one day apart) he bought us a collection of Biden gear, including yard signs, buttons, bumper stickers, etc! I'm so proud of our young friend that I could just burst! There is plenty of hope to be found in our young adult generation.

[redwitch]

1. How wonderful!

So nice that you saw his worth!

[MANative]

6. His kindness to us was the first step

Everything followed from there.

[yonder]

2. Water, sunshine and nurturing. Congratulations and well done!

[SharonClark]

3. Thanks for sharing this wonderful story.

He’s fortunate to have you in his life.

[MANative]

5. We consider ourselves just as lucky to have him

My greatest joy is teaching and he's the thirstiest "sponge" I've ever encountered!

[soldierant]

32. I hear you! That is indeed a blessing!

[appalachiablue]

34. That is just wonderful, how lucky for all. I'd like

to see much more of this, Americans helping each other regardless of age, background, etc.

[Devilsun]

4. Kudos

The world could use a lot more people like you!

[CurtEastPoint]

7. It is our job as adults to show the young ones the best way to be a good citizen. Thank you.

[Freedomofspeech]

8. What a beautiful story...

Thank you for what you have done for this young man.

[iluvtennis]

19. Ditto. nt

[calimary]

9. Wonderful news!

Thank you for sharing this with us, MANative!

Mentorship ROCKS!!!

[radical noodle]

10. A happy post in these dark times

Bless you for being there for him, and I'm sure his friendship is equally valuable to you.

[MANative]

15. It is.

Without kids of our own, he's become a member of the family, minus the blood relationship! His energy brings us both such great joy.

[radical noodle]

39. Blood isn't nearly as important

as the caring you have for one another. I hope you have many happy years as a family.

[SallyHemmings]

45. Love is the special sauce that binds a family

You are this young man’s family.

[Rhiannon12866]

11. Awww! What a wonderful and encouraging story!

Kudos to you both and thank you so much for sharing this with us - there is so little encouraging news these days that your story goes a long way...

[dickthegrouch]

12. My partner and I do this regularly

We have a number of huge success stories.
Thank you for caring.

[arthritisR_US]

13. This says so much about him and you and your husband👍🏼🥰

[Scarsdale]

14. Sounds like everyone benefits

in this situation. The young man NEEDS adults taking an interest in him. Seems as though he appreciates you both. I wish you all well, and hope this young man goes far. He is on the right track, that's for sure.

[Karadeniz]

16. Every soul came to earth for a purpose. It usually takes a while to figure it out and then accomplis

It. In the new testament, it's called working in the vineyard, doing things for a higher, unselfish purpose. (Wine is a symbol of heightened spirituality.) What you and your husband are doing is perfect Can you imagine what a wonderful world we'd have if everyone took care of one another?

[MANative]

21. My niece says that we are "spiritually parenting" him

While we are not religious, this does ring true on a number of levels. The universe saw fit to bring the three of us together for our mutual benefit and enlightenment.

[Karadeniz]

46. I love Spiritual parenting"! Not being religious is a boon, since most religions inhibit spiritual

Development. The messages hidden in the parables encourage spiritual development...too bad everyone stops at the literal level.

[fierywoman]

17. B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L !!!

[Kitchari]

18. Super positive

What a great thing to do

[magicarpet]

20. What a wonderful uplifting story,... best luck and wishes your way...

... his way too the young man.

[George II]

22. Nice story, good for him (and you)! A diamond in the rough!!

Reminds me of a story about my father and a young man, but that's a subject for another time.

[MANative]

24. I hope you'll share it!

[George II]

25. Well, I didn't want to get off the subject of your story about that young man. But..

My parents were involved with the Fortune Society, which helps people who are re-entering society after serving time in prison.

At my father's wake, I knew just about everybody there. Except for a man in his 20s, who was standing off to the side with tears in his eyes. I went over to speak with him, we introduced ourselves, and I asked how he knew my father.

He said he never met him but knew of him - he was helped by him and the Fortune Society after he got out of prison. When he heard that my father had died he said he just had to go see him. That broke me up.

That was 15 years ago - he seemed like he turned himself around, hope he stayed the way he was that day.

You never know who you're going to run across in life and are sometimes surprised how even the most unfortunate might turn out.

[MANative]

28. That is just a stunning testament to the power of caring

Your father and his work were an example I can only hope to emulate in some small way.

[George II]

29. It looks like you have. Sometimes someone on the wrong track only needs someone to show him...

....that people care for him, as you've done with your "protege".

If everyone did something like that once in their life we'd have a much better country and world.

[paleotn]

23. That is so wonderful!

Folks just need someone who cares. And just that can turns lives around.

[titanicdave]

26. ...Fantastic....

.....it is stories such as this that give me hope for the younger generation, and it makes me feel that we will be leaving our country in very capable hands.......

[mountain grammy]

27. Thanks, MANative!

I needed this story.

[Upthevibe]

30. MANative....What a win-win!

That's awesome that you guys are helping him and he in turn is helping you. Thank you for sharing your story. It's heartwarming...

[NNadir]

31. I expect great things from this up and coming generation. They will need to be great.

We have left them with a nearly intractable mess.

[Joinfortmill]

33. I love that

[TNNurse]

35. I love this so very much.

[seta1950]

36. Thank you for sharing

Your uplifting story, more people should try.

[niyad]

37. What an amazing story. I I am so very glad that you all found each other. That is such

a bright blessing!

And what cool birthday presents! I hope your celebration was joyous.

[MANative]

38. They were a delightful surprise! It was, thank you!

[peacebuzzard]

40. You are an angel.

You helped a young person and he is giving back.
This is beautiful.

[thinkingagain]

41. So sweet when a small seed is

Sown, nurtured and and it blossoms into something wonderful and beautiful

[SunSeeker]

42. Beautiful. Made me tear up!

[Raster]

43. Share. The. Love.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

44. So wonderful! Inspiring!! Moving!! 💙💙💙

[appleannie1]

47. Congrats. I really get upset with the people that complain that

all the kids today are lazy, self serving and want everything for nothing. Your young man proves them wrong. And if their kids or grandkids are lazy and selfish, they learned it from their own family.