I thought a simple fishing trip with an old man would be just that, but it turned into a life-changing experience. Living in a rundown trailer with my mom after my dad left, I did what I could to help her. One day, while playing outside, a shiny black SUV pulled up, and an elderly man stepped out, offering to throw a soccer ball at my makeshift bowling pins. He proposed a deal: if he got a strike, I owed him a favor; if he missed, I’d get $100. He struck down all the bottles, and our pact led me to go fishing with him the next day.

At the old pond, he shared heart-wrenching memories of his late son, who had died because he couldn’t afford an operation. We bonded over our shared struggles, and while fishing, we fell into the water while trying to catch a huge fish, which we eventually managed to reel in together.

After our day together, the man gifted my mom and me enough money to improve our lives, including medical care and college tuition. Days later, I received a letter revealing he had passed away after heart surgery but found peace meeting me. His message encouraged me to never give up.

Fifteen years later, I stood with my mom, proud of our home and the life I built. I knew the old man was watching over us, reminding me to persevere.