The second floor apartment was exceptionally neat and nicely decorated for Christmas. It was certainly a little small for a family of six but a nice home nevertheless.

It was here that I received the strongest hug of my life.

This was a Christmas season full of families on the brink. On countless deliveries we heard stories of someone losing a job, getting sick, or being forced to downsize. Pauline’s story was no exception.

When she opened the door to let us in, Pauline was already smiling from ear to ear. Once inside her apartment though, she began to open up about the family’s difficult year. It started with Pauline’s husband, Dan, being laid off. Days later, Pauline lost her long-time retail job as well.

While Dan went back to work after a couple of months, Pauline was still looking a year later. Her last position didn’t pay much but, in her words, the second income provided them with enough to “live comfortably.” As if to underscore her humility, so typical of those we serve, Pauline also described her former job as “very convenient” since you could walk to and from the bus stops.

No way around it, with four kids to support it had been a difficult year filled with difficult choices. However, it was also apparent that despite their struggles, Pauline’s faith was unshaken. “Through it all we have not lost our faith. He has continued to provide for us.”

Pauline clearly understood that God’s help had come in the form of My Brother’ s Keeper. Getting through to our Helpline for assistance was such a relief that Pauline had immediately broken down into tears. She summed up her gratitude saying, “I know a lot of people are worse off than we are, but we wouldn’t have had much of a Christmas without you.”

Then it was time for the hug. I can’t think of a better thank you.