Awesome - Kind-Hearted Stranger Helps A Struggling Mom Before Both Their Lives Take A Dramatic Turn
One hectic trip to the store brought Jamie-Lynne Knighten to the brink of insanity until an unexpected interaction saved her from having a total meltdown. Indebted to a stranger, Jamie-Lynne wanted to return the favor the next day. But when she tried to contact him, she found that making things even wouldn't be so simple...
Busy Life With A Newborn
Jamie-Lynne Knighten had a lot on her plate. She and her husband recently welcomed a new baby into the world, and she had to devote nearly all her time and energy to caring for him. She knew she could really use a guardian angel.
Quick Grocery Stop
Following a draining trip, Jamie-Lynne touched down in Southern California. She would've liked nothing more than to go home and sleep, but the Knightens had almost no food left in the house. She decided to make a quick run to the store.
Shopping With A Baby
So Jamie-Lynne headed over to the Trader Joe's in Oceanside with her five-month-old in tow. Weaving through the busy aisles, she filled up her cart with a number of items. However, this errand wasn't going as smoothly as she hoped.
Navigating A Tantrum
Her worn-out infant was throwing a tantrum in the store. Between trying to calm him down and apologizing to other customers around them, Jamie-Lynne barely had time to scan the shelves for food she wanted!
Made It To Checkout
Finally, the tired mom and kid made it to check out. With any luck, the line would move swiftly, and they could get home in a matter of minutes. Jamie-Lynne stepped up to the register and pulled out her credit card.
Problem With Her Card
Except for each time she swiped, the register declined her card! Realizing that the bank thought she was still traveling, Jamie-Lynne panicked. How was she going to pay for this huge grocery order?
Tap On The Shoulder
Moments later, she felt a tap on her shoulder and whirled around to face a stranger. Without giving him a chance to speak, the stressed mom said she was sorry for the delay. The last thing she needed was a customer screaming, too.
Offered To Pay
Except, scanning over Jamie-Lynne's $200 order, the customer — who introduced himself as Matthew Jackson — made a shocking offer. He said he would pay for her entire cart, though with one condition.
One Key Stipulation
Jamie-Lynne had to pay it forward and someday do the same for someone else in need. Grateful beyond belief, she accepted his generous proposition. The mom also insisted on jotting down Matthew's information, so she could pay him back.
Called His Work
Matthew mentioned he worked at a nearby LA Fitness, so Jamie-Lynne called the gym the next day. When she asked for Matthew Jackson, however, all she heard on the other line was a sob.
Tragic Accident
That sobbing came from Angela Lavinder, the manager of the LA Fitness. Once she took a moment to calm herself, Angela explained that Matthew wouldn't be able to meet. There had been an accident.
Car Accident
Less than 24 hours after Matthew paid for the Knighten's groceries, his car had veered into a tree. Two passengers with him entered the hospital with severe injuries, but Matthew got the worst of the crash.
Died The Same Day
He died from the trauma shortly after. This news shook Jamie-Lynne to her core. Was it possible that the life of this Good Samaritan was snuffed out just moments after their brief meeting? She soon found out that his selflessness wasn't an isolated incident either.
History of Kindness
Notably, Matthew and his mother traveled to Phoenix, Arizona, one summer. When he spotted a homeless man sitting alone on the sidewalk, Matthew jumped out of the car on a busy street to hand him a bottle of water.
Jamie-Lynn's Pledge
It was so unfair, Jamie-Lynne thought, for this young man's bright future to be cut short. At the very least, however, she pledged to make good on her final promise to Matthew. She would pay it forward.
Matthew's Legacy
So Jamie-Lynne went online and set up an organization called Matthew's Legacy. She asked all interested members to "please do something extraordinary for a stranger to honor #MatthewsLegacy and help restore faith in humanity."
Acts of Kindness
Jamie-Lynne began sharing photos and stories of her family performing various acts of kindness. Soon, the number of members of Matthew's Legacy climbed into the thousands, and then the tens of thousands.
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