Jack, a 10-year-old boy, felt deeply troubled that his mother worked every single day of the week just to support them. Wanting to give her a break, he decided to visit her workplace and speak directly with her boss.
Jack lived with his single mother, Debra. He had never met his father, so Debra had always been both mom and dad to him.
Debra worked as a housekeeper for a large corporation, putting in seven days a week without rest. She never took time off, hoping to earn enough to provide for Jack’s needs.
Although she rarely showed it, Debra was utterly exhausted. Keeping a multi-story building spotless was backbreaking work, and her body ached constantly.
One day, Jack saw his mother crying on their front porch. He had watched her through the window and overheard her speaking on the phone with her friend.
“I’m just so tired, Emily,” Debra sobbed. “I want to rest, but I can’t. I barely make enough to support Jack and cover the bills. I simply can’t afford to take a day off.”
Jack’s heart broke. His mom couldn’t rest because of him, and he felt terrible. Determined to help, he went to her workplace the next day after school.
“Hello, Jack,” the receptionist greeted him as he walked in. “Looking for your mom?”
Jack shook his head quickly.
“No, ma’am. Please don’t tell my mom I’m here. I’m here to see her boss, Mr. Jefferson,” he said politely.
The receptionist looked surprised. But after Jack’s sincere pleading, she called Mr. Jefferson and informed him of the unexpected visitor.
Mr. Jefferson agreed, and the woman led Jack to his office. Jack felt nervous as he entered.
“What brings you here, young man?” Mr. Jefferson asked kindly, motioning for Jack to sit on the couch near his desk.
“I’m Jack,” he said, clearing his throat. “My mom, Debra, works here as a cleaner. I wanted to ask if she could get some paid days off. She never takes a break even though she’s tired all the time because she needs the money to take care of me.”
Mr. Jefferson was taken aback.
“I know your mom works incredibly hard, Jack. We value her a lot. But she’s never asked for time off. Is it tough at home?”
Jack nodded.
“It’s just me and my mom. I’ve never met my dad. Mom works so hard to take care of me. Yesterday, I heard her crying. She said her body hurt, and… I just feel so bad,” Jack said, his eyes brimming with tears.
From across the room, a young voice suddenly chimed in. Jack hadn’t noticed Mr. Jefferson’s daughter sitting in the corner. She appeared to be about his age.
“Dad, I get it,” she said. “You’re like his mom. You work all the time and barely spend any time with me. Jack wants more time with his mom, just like I want more time with you.”
Her words struck Mr. Jefferson hard. His daughter’s honesty made him reflect on his own family life. Realizing how much he’d been missing, he decided to help both Jack and his mother. He sent Jack home with the company driver.
The following day, Mr. Jefferson called Debra to his office.
“Your son came to see me yesterday. He said some remarkable things,” he began.
Debra felt a wave of panic. She had no idea what Jack could have said that warranted a meeting with the CEO.
“There’s no easy way to say this, Debra… you’re fired,” Mr. Jefferson said.
Debra’s face fell. Her heart sank as she begged,
“Please, sir! I don’t know what Jack said, but he’s just a child. Don’t fire me—I need this job!”
Mr. Jefferson chuckled softly.
“Oh Debra, don’t be silly. You’re one of the most hardworking people I’ve ever met. I’m not firing you in a bad way. Your son and my daughter made me realize something yesterday.”
“Our kids won’t be young forever. We need to make time for them. That’s why I’m taking my family on vacation—and I want you and Jack to come too. All expenses paid. What do you say?”
Debra looked confused. She had just been fired, and now he was offering her a vacation?
“I truly appreciate the offer, sir, and I’d love to spend time with my son, but I can’t afford to be unemployed. Please reconsider—I need this job.”
“You’re right,” he nodded. “The corporate grind isn’t for you anymore. But I have a better idea. Come work for my family instead. You and Jack can move into the garden cottage on our estate.”
“You’ll only work a few hours a day, and the rest of the time you can be with Jack. He’s a wonderful young man who clearly loves his mother.”
Then Mr. Jefferson pulled out a bouquet of flowers from under his desk.
“These are from your son,” he said with a warm smile. “Go home and enjoy your time with him.”
Debra could hardly believe what was happening. For the first time in years, she and Jack went on a real vacation—to the Bahamas, with Mr. Jefferson’s family. Everything was paid for.
After the trip, they moved into a beautiful cottage on the estate, a place they had only dreamed of. It was like something out of a magazine—a fresh start filled with hope, gratitude, and love.