The life lesson 1

As I was walking down the main street I looked around at the buzzing of the city. Everyone in a rush to get to work, some to school while others are casually strolling without a specific direction. Many so immersed in their cellphones and missing out on the beauty of the world around them.

Everyone has these tight schedules that they need to keep to so they can build a future, a life for themselves and their families. Following a routine and not taking a single break.

I strolled across the street to the nearest cafe to get myself a steaming cup of hot chocolate while reading the headlines for the day. An advertisement catches my attention at the very top of the paper, a new charity for the homeless children. Immediately I feel the need to assist. They don't specifically ask for money, but small donations such as cannes food and clothes for the children as well as some blankets to keep them warm during the harsh winter.

Today I feel the immense need to help someone else and that is exactly what I am going to do. Once I finish my hot chocolate I pay my bill and make my way out of the cafe onto the busy street.

I hail a cab and give the driver directions to the nearest supermarket. Today is a good day, I Connie Jameson will do something to help. It may not be something extraordinary or tremendous, but that little bit goes a long way.

I'm pulled from my thoughts as the cab comes to a halt in front of the gigantic store named Lee's Supermarket. Many shop here because it is affordable and you get quality for the money you spend. Paying the cab I turn and walk towards the big double glass doors fetching a trolley at the entrance and making my way inside.

I head straight towards the canned food aisle. Nutrition is important especially for growing children. I grab a few of each canned food and place them at the back of the trolley, moving forward I spot the hygiene essentials aisle.

Grabbing some sets of bath soaps, toilet paper and washcloths that are ons sale I decide that I still want to buy something more for these beautiful children. They need this!

I think to myself that children love treats and candy so I load a few mega packs of diffrent kinds of candy and some toys that I think they might enjoy.

Making my way to the cashier I smile to myself, because doing something for someone else feels good. The cashier quickly scans all the products and I briskly pack everything into the bags. After paying for everything I make my way outside. Standing on the sidewalk I realise that there are no cabs in sight, sighing audibly I take out my phone to dial an uber.

Quite a few rings later the line is picked up and the lady informs me that there are no ubers available at the moment.

I feel a slight tap on my shoulder, startled I spin around and immediately grey eyes connect with my doe brown ones.

"I apologise for startling you, but I could'nt help noticing that you seem to be struggling to find a ride. My name's Emmerson and I have a private cab if you would like a ride?" the young man says softly.

I look at him composing myself quickly.

"Yes please I would really appreciate it, nice to meet you by the way I'm Connie"

The young man smiles brightly at me and gestures for the bags sitting at my feet. I nod in approval and he helps me carry them to his car just a few metres from where we were standing.

After loading all the bags into the boot of the car I make my way to the passenger seat. Shortly after Emmerson climbs into the driver's side and starts the ignition.

"Where to humble passenger?" he jokingly asks. I laugh in return and tell him I would like to go to the children shelter that opened a week ago on the other side of town.

He nods and we start driving toward our destination. I feel so excited I can barely contain it. I love spending time with children and seeing their dazzling little smiles and hear their cute giggles.

The drive took us about 20 minutes and soon we pulled into the yard of the shelter. I was in awe as I looked around me, the garden of the shelter was spectacular. One could see that everything was recently planted, but what stood out the most was the big square wall that peaked behind the lush green bushes next to the entrance.

It was filled with little colorful hands and feet that were dipped in paint and then pressed to the wall to leave a print.

Turning around I admired the rest of the front courtyard. Every corner was so unique, not expensive or excessive, just pure creative and made from scratch. The children did all this themselves with the help of their guardians who took them into the shelter to give them a home and sense of safety and security.

A petite older woman makes her way over to me and welcomes me with a warm smile on her face.

"Welcome to little minions children shelter my name is Lucy and I am one of the children's guardians. Please follow me inside, I presume you wish to meet the children?"

I give her a small smile and answer with a polite 'yes'.

"I brought along a few things that I would like to donate to the children" I tell her.

She turns around and engulfs me in a hug. I can see her tearing up a bit.

"We appreciate that so much, its been really tough for some of these angels and every little bit helps a great deal" she smiles at me.

I quickly turn back having forgotten completely about Emmerson. I introduce him to Lucy and make my way to the boot of the car. With the help of Emmerson and Lucy we unload all the bags from the car and make our way inside. The interior is simple yet homey, the walls are a light shade of blue and on a few are drawing made by the children of landscapes. Everything looks and feels homey about this place.

Lucy escorts us into what looks like a classroom. There are about 20 children seated in pairs at small wooden desks.

They all sit up straight as we enter and a chorus of "hello nana Lucy" follows.

Lucy moves toward the front of the classroom and informs the children that they have visitors. We move forward and introduce ourselves. I thought Emmerson would leave as soon as we arrived, but I am grateful that he stayed to help.

After introducing ourselves to the children Lucy tells them that I brought them toys and food and a few other things.

Immediately they all stand up and say thank you. Looking at each of their little faces O can tell that most of them are aged between 5 and 10.

My heart swelled at the sight before me, each and every little face had the biggest smile on them.

This feeling makes my chest feel like it wants to explode. I wish I could do more for them, but I know that the little I did today matters to them and it matters to me.

The lesson in this short story is that if you have it in your power to help the less fortunate or those who really cannot help themselves. Please lend a hand, help someone in need.

The feeling of seeing a bright smile on a little face that had cried so many tears is worth every single moment spent trying to help them in any way possible may it be big or small.

Shout out to all the beautiful people out there with your generous and big hearts. You make a difference every single day. The world is proud of you