In a heart-warming holiday story, Faithpot shared a story about Michael Esmond, who owned a pool and spa company in Gulf Breeze, Fla.
He had agreed to pay off the past-due utility bills for 114 families living in his community, a gift that cost him more than $12,000 dollars and no-doubt lightened a burden for many struggling people.
In the story, Michael recalled how he and his three daughters experienced a Christmas without heat or power in 1983, during what was one of the coldest winters on record in Gulf Breeze. Decades later, when his business was successful, Michael remembered that difficult ordeal and pledged to ensure others didn’t share that same experience.
It is a gesture that Michael and his company have done for local residents for several years, Faithpot noted.
“We’ve had a good year, and that’s why I want to share what I have with the people who need it,” Michael said. “People can’t afford to pay their bills and put food on the table, so I hope doing my part and paying some bills for these folks takes a little bit of stress off of them around Christmas time.”
While $12,000 would be a significant gift for many people, it was likely a sizeable donation for Michael’s company, too. However, for 114 families struggling to make ends meet, his act of charity bestowed countless Christmas blessings on people praying for some relief.
The full story can be found at Faithpot.
Photo originally appeared in Faithpot.
After closing his business and enduring several painful years of uncertainty regarding what to do with his life, Greg founded Forward From 50 to help men and women over 50 to live more purposeful lives by pursuing things they are passionate about. A Wisconsin native, Greg currently lives in Arizona.