Mom Gave Last $3 to Buy Old Skates for Son, He Won $130K Prize Wearing Them — Story from the Past

Hollie and her son, Max, always had each other’s backs despite their struggles. Years later, Hollie’s simple gift to her son would be paid back in a major way.

Since her youth, Hollie has always made sacrifices for her loved ones. Whether it was her family or friends, she always did everything she could to help.

When she met her husband, Joel, he had forgotten to bring his wallet to the gas station, and Hollie offered to help. Joel insisted on taking her phone number to make it up to her.

“It isn’t a problem. Think of it as a small good deed.” She insisted. Joel fell in love with her on the spot and decided to take a chance.

“Perhaps I could take you to dinner instead,” He offered. Hollie couldn’t help but blush as she accepted his offer. Joel took Hollie to a restaurant and shared a chicken pot pie.

Hollie even learned how to cook the dish herself, and it became a tradition to share one once a month. The two shared a deep bond and eventually married and had a son, Max.

Eleven years later, Joel fell ill and was bedridden in a hospital for two years. Hollie spent all her savings on his treatment, but Joel’s condition only worsened.

Hollie’s bills piled up, and she lost her job as an office assistant due to her absence from work. She could barely make ends meet and struggled to pay for Max’s school fees.

Max had also begun to show athletic talent and participated in various sports. Hollie could see her son’s potential but felt embarrassed because she couldn’t afford the best for him.

She needed government assistance, food stamps, and help from her family & friends to pay for essentials. Hollie spent day & night in the ward with Joel. As his condition got worse, Joel began to prepare for the worst.

“You’ve given so much for me. I’m sorry I couldn’t do the same for you.” Joel told her. “You’ve given more than enough in love,” Hollie replied.

Joel eventually passed away due to his condition, with both his wife and son with him at his bedside. Due to Hollie’s unpaid rent and hospital bills, she and Max moved into a shelter while she looked for work.

Max realized that his mother was struggling to cope. Joel had been there for Hollie so long that the two became inseparable.

While Joel was sick, he couldn’t earn any income, leaving Hollie to carry most of the financial burden. Although Max had only just turned 13, he felt the need to be there for his mother.

Having lost his father, Max decided to take on more responsibility. He consoled his mother as she grieved her husband’s loss and helped her to apply for jobs.