My neighbor once asked to borrow $200 for her sick son. I barely had enough myself, but I gave it. Months passed with no repayment, and I grew bitter—especially when I heard a party next door.
But when I went over, I found a celebration for her son returning home after months of cancer treatment. The money had helped save him. She explained she hadn’t forgotten the debt; life had just been overwhelming. My anger vanished.
She repaid me slowly, and we became close—sharing rides, meals, and struggles. I helped her build a website for her dream cleaning business, which soon grew and hired other single moms. A client even offered me part-time work.
A year later, after winning a $15,000 grant, she brought me a $2,000 check. “Not repayment,” she said. “Partnership.”
The $200 I lent turned into community, opportunity, and a friendship that changed both our lives.
