Boy Takes Mom’s Last $13 to Start

13-year-old Simon lived with his mother, Annie, in a cramped trailer. One cold evening, Simon asked, “Mom, when are we going to start living in a nice house?” Annie, who struggled to make ends meet, had no immediate answer. “Very soon… We will move from here very soon, son,” she said, though she knew it wouldn’t happen anytime soon.

Simon’s frustration grew. One day, he noticed a boy tossing money into a box behind a lemonade stand. Inspired, Simon rushed home and begged his mother for $13, the last of her savings. “Just give me that money, and you won’t regret it,” he insisted. After some hesitation, Annie handed him the money, curious about what he would do.

Simon’s plan was simple yet bold. He used the money to buy seeds, then started a small garden outside their trailer. As he worked hard to grow plants, he told his mother, “Only if we sow today can we reap tomorrow.” Over the following weeks, Simon’s garden flourished. The plants weren’t just for their use—they were for sale. “We are not allowed to nibble at our own produce,” Simon explained. “I’m selling them in the little stall I’m putting up.” His fresh, healthy produce quickly gained attention in the community.

As the garden grew, so did Simon’s success. He expanded it to include fruits and exotic flowers, which brought in more money. With his earnings, he and Annie moved into a rented house, and Annie quit her job to help Simon with the garden. Soon, they had a thriving stall that attracted local customers. But their success didn’t go unnoticed—Alex, a wealthy farmer, visited Simon’s garden, impressed by its natural growth. “How are you able to grow such healthy produce without the infusion of chemical pesticides?” he asked.

Simon replied, “We humans can only survive eating food, not poison.” This response impressed Alex, who invited Simon to work with him on his farm, offering a partnership.

Simon’s hard work and dedication paid off. Over the next two years, his partnership with Alex helped the business grow, even expanding to neighboring states. Finally, Simon had saved enough money to fulfill his mother’s dream. He built her a beautiful house on the land where their trailer once stood, handing her the keys in a moment of joy.

Annie, overwhelmed with emotion, said, “You sacrificed all your fun and friendship to make me smile. I love you, darling!” Simon replied, “I’ll do anything for you, mom.”

Simon’s story shows the power of hard work and determination. Despite their hardships, Simon found a way to change their lives. His story teaches us that, even in the face of poverty, with perseverance and a clear goal, anything is possible.