Jack was only 10 years old, living with his hardworking single mom, Debra. His father had never been in the picture, so his mom had to take on both parenting roles. Debra worked tirelessly as a cleaner at a large corporation, clocking in seven days a week to provide for Jack’s needs.
Although she always tried to stay strong, Jack once saw his mother sitting on their front porch, tears streaming down her face. Listening from inside, he overheard her talking on the phone with her friend Emily. “I’m just so tired,” Debra sobbed. “I can’t take time off. I barely make enough to pay the bills and support Jack.”
Hearing this, Jack’s heart sank. He felt guilty that his mother was overworked because of him, and he desperately wanted to help. So, after school the next day, Jack went to his mom’s office.
“Hello, Jack,” the receptionist greeted him. “Are you here to see your mom?”
Jack shook his head. “No, please don’t tell her I’m here. I need to speak with her boss, Mr. Jefferson.”
Surprised by the request, the receptionist eventually agreed to call Mr. Jefferson after Jack’s persistent pleading. When Jack was brought into the CEO’s office, he felt a wave of nerves.
“To what do I owe this visit, young man?” Mr. Jefferson asked.
“I’m Jack, Debra’s son,” the boy said shyly. “I’m here because I want to ask if you could give my mom some paid days off. She’s really tired but keeps working because she needs the money to care for me.”
Mr. Jefferson was moved. “I know how hard your mom works. I didn’t realize she was pushing herself so much. Is it just you two at home?”
Jack nodded tearfully. “It’s just us. I’ve never met my dad. She works so hard to pay our bills. Yesterday, I heard her crying on the phone, saying her body hurt. I feel so bad for her.”
At that moment, a young girl Jack’s age spoke up from the corner of the office—it was Mr. Jefferson’s daughter. “Dad, you’re just like his mom. You’re always working and hardly spend time with me. Jack just wants more time with his mom too.”
Mr. Jefferson felt a deep pang of guilt. He realized he’d been neglecting his own family in favor of work. He promised Jack he’d help his mom and sent him home with the company driver.
The next day, Debra was called into Mr. Jefferson’s office. She entered nervously, wondering what Jack might have said. “Your son came to see me yesterday,” he began.
Debra’s face paled. “I’m sorry for whatever he said. Please don’t fire me. I need this job!”
“Don’t be silly, Debra,” Mr. Jefferson said with a smile. “You’re one of the most dedicated workers I’ve seen. Jack and my daughter helped me realize how much we need to value our families. I’m taking my family on vacation, and I want you and Jack to join us. The trip will be fully paid for.”
Debra was stunned. “Thank you, sir, but I can’t afford to lose my job. I need to keep working.”
Mr. Jefferson reassured her. “Debra, you won’t lose your job. But instead of cleaning offices, I’d like you to work for my family. You and Jack can live in our garden cottage on the estate. You’ll only need to work a few hours a day, and the rest of the time you can spend with your son.”
With that, Mr. Jefferson handed Debra a bouquet of flowers. “These are from Jack,” he said warmly. “Go home and enjoy your time together.”
Debra was overwhelmed with gratitude. For the first time in years, she and Jack went on vacation—to the Bahamas, fully paid by Mr. Jefferson. When they returned, they moved into a beautiful garden cottage on his estate, starting a new, happier chapter of their lives.