Michael spent every Thanksgiving alone, always listening to others talk about their family plans. This year, his only friend canceled, choosing to spend the holiday with a new girlfriend. Michael, who had no family of his own, decided to make a change. He cooked a big Thanksgiving meal—turkey, pie, casserole—and, instead of eating alone, he took the food to a homeless shelter he passed every day.

At the shelter, he offered hot meals to the guests, but when he noticed a barefoot boy sitting alone, he went over and shared his plate of food. The boy, Damon, looked up with tears in his eyes and shared how his mom worked all day to provide for them, leaving him alone. Michael was struck by the boy’s story—it reminded him of his own lonely childhood when his mother had to work and eventually disappeared.

Determined to help, Michael offered Damon’s mom, Lindy, a job as his assistant, allowing her to work fewer hours and spend more time with her son. Grateful, Lindy accepted.

A year later, Michael was no longer alone. He spent Thanksgiving with Lindy and Damon, now his family. As they sat down to dinner, Michael said a prayer of gratitude. “Thank you for giving me a family,” he prayed.

From that day on, Michael had a home filled with love, and never had to spend another holiday alone.