Help a Family Breathe Easier Tonight

AVA’S STORY Continued

And making my little brother laugh when he feels nervous.

Last week something happened and I keep thinking about it.

Mom opened the refrigerator.   
Not all the way — just a crack.   
Like she didn’t want us to see.

Inside:   
Mustard.   
A jar with a few pickles.   
And a lot of empty space.

She closed it fast.   
Then she sighed — that grown-up kind of sigh   
where they try not to look upset.

I didn’t say anything.   
My brother didn’t either.   
We just kept doing our spelling words.

Then Mom whispered, “I’m so sorry.”   
She wasn’t talking to anyone.   
But I think maybe she meant us.

Here’s what I know, even though I’m only nine:

My mom tries really hard.   
She works a lot.   
She helps us with homework even when she’s tired.   
She tells us “we’re okay” even when I know she’s scared.

I hear her counting things sometimes:   
Bills.   
Food.   
Gas.   
Days until payday.

I hear her praying quietly.   
I don’t know the words,   
but I know the sound.

And I don’t think we’re the only family like this.

There are kids at school who eat slow   
or look at their lunch for a long time before eating.   
Some ask for seconds in a quiet voice.

Mom always says,   
“It’s not your fault.”   
“Things are expensive.”   
“People care.”   
“Help is coming.”

I didn’t get what she meant until   
we picked up a box of food last month.

That night felt different.   
Mom didn’t sigh at the fridge.   
My brother didn’t pretend he wasn’t hungry.   
It felt… safe.

Mom said someone cared about us even though they didn’t know us.

I think that someone might be you.

Thank you for helping families like mine.   
Thank you for helping moms and dads who are trying so hard.   
Thank you for helping kids who want to see something besides mustard when we open the fridge.

Mom says she hopes this year will be better.   
I hope so too.

— Ava

👉 Help make the next chapter brighter 

Give a Gift That Matters