A year after his father’s death, Joseph Sutton returned to Nashville to sell his father’s home but hesitated due to sentimental memories. While flipping through old photo albums, he heard a strange noise and found a man hiding in the garage.

“Please, please don’t hit me. I’m sorry!” the man begged, holding a cat. The man, Matthew Wood, explained, “I’m homeless and have nowhere to go. I used to be a teacher, but a tornado destroyed my home. I lost my job because everyone called me ‘smelly’ and ‘homeless.'”

Joseph considered calling the police but decided to help instead. “I’ll cover for you,” he said, offering to take the sick cat to the vet. He allowed Matthew to stay temporarily, saying, “You may stay here as long as you want, but promise you’ll get back on your feet.”

Matthew worked hard and eventually moved into his own place. Years later, he met Carrie, a single mother, and they married. Matthew asked Joseph to be the godfather of their new daughter, Jane, and Joseph happily agreed.