I’m not sure how long I sat there, staring at my phone, but eventually I made a determination. I needed to find her. I began making calls, checking shelters, food banks, anywhere she might have sought assistance.
Most places couldn’t disclose personal information, but a woman at a downtown church hesitated when I mentioned Celia’s name.
“She was here two nights ago,” the woman said. “She picked up some food and blankets. That’s all I know.”
It wasn’t much, but it was something. I drove downtown and parked near the church. If she had been here, perhaps she wasn’t too far away. I walked the streets, peering into parked cars, feeling like an oddball. I was on the verge of giving up when I spotted an old sedan in a grocery store parking lot. The windows were fogged up, and a small face peeked out from beneath a blanket in the back seat.
My heart constricted.
I gently knocked on the window. A moment later, Celia sat up in the driver’s seat, her eyes wary. When she recognized me, her face became expressionless.
“Celia, I’m truly sorry,” I blurted out. “Please, allow me to help.”
She hesitated, then rolled the window down a bit. “Help?” Her voice was dull. “Like how you ‘helped’ last week?”
I deserved that.
“I didn’t know,” I conceded. “I should have inquired. I should have paid attention. But I just adhered to the rules instead of seeing the person standing before me.”
She remained silent. Her son shifted in the back and curled up under the blanket.
“Come back to work,” I said. “Please. Your job is still yours if you want it. And not only that—I want to assist you in getting back on your feet.”
She let out a hollow laugh. “How can you help? With a paycheck that barely covers the rent?”
I swallowed hard. She was right. I couldn’t just offer her a job and assume everything would be okay.
“I can do more,” I said. “I have connections. My cousin manages an apartment complex—they have an empty unit. I can help you secure it, and there’s no deposit required. And there are programs that can assist with food and childcare. I can make calls and find out what resources are available.”
She stared at me. “Why?”
“because I made a big mistake. I judged you without knowing the whole story. You’ve been through so much, and I want to make it right. You’re a hard – working person, Celia, and you don’t deserve to be treated like this. Please, give me a chance to help you and your son.”
Tears welled up in Celia’s eyes. “I don’t know what to say. I’ve been so scared, so alone. I didn’t know how much longer I could keep this up.”
I reached through the slightly open window and gently touched her hand. “You don’t have to be alone anymore. Let me be there for you. Let’s get you and your son a proper home, a stable job, and a better life.”
She took a deep breath and nodded. “Okay. I’ll give it a try. But if this doesn’t work out, I don’t know what I’ll do.”
I smiled, feeling a glimmer of hope. “It will work out, Celia. I promise. Let’s start by getting you to my office. We can talk to HR about reinstating you, and then I’ll start making those calls about the apartment and other resources.”
Celia started the car, and I followed her back to the office. When we arrived, I immediately called the HR department and explained the situation. They were understanding and agreed to reinstate Celia without any further issues.
Over the next few weeks, I made good on my promises. I talked to my cousin, and Celia was able to move into the empty apartment. We also found a local program that provided assistance with food and helped her get her son into a quality daycare. Celia was able to focus on her work, and she quickly became one of the most reliable employees in the office.
As for me, I learned a valuable lesson. Rules are important, but people are more important. I should have taken the time to understand Celia’s situation before making a hasty decision. From that day on, I made a point to be more empathetic and understanding with my employees. I wanted to create a work environment where everyone felt valued and supported, no matter what challenges they were facing. And Celia and her son? They were finally on the path to a brighter future, and I was grateful to be a part of it.
