A woman from California in the United States posted a frightening picture and an emotional story on Facebook.

“I hesitated uploading this photo, but given that many of us will be thankful for what we have today and will be spending it with those we love while eating delicious food, I changed my mind.” I was unaware that my boyfriend had recorded this scene.

We recently went to @raisingcanes for a late-night meal, and while we waited for our food, I noticed a homeless woman asking others who were dumping their leftovers if she could take them. They all disregarded her and threw it away, not one of them responding, and it crushed my heart.

I’ve been working with the homeless as a volunteer for many years, and I like every single one of them. So I told Fred if I see her before we are done eating I will give her my food.

As we prepared to leave, I looked for her but couldn’t find her. Knowing how many times she was turned down while looking for a warm lunch that night made me sad. I heard a very quiet voice ask me if I had any leftover chicken strip and around five fries as I was about to toss them away.

I gave her my lunch and watched her eat it as I turned around, but something didn’t feel quite right. She deserved so much more, and I felt like a terrible human for giving her my remaining chicken strip. She deserved to have a hot dinner, so I purchased her an entire dinner.

When I placed the order, I begged the staff member kindly not to send the customer out while we waited. She sat at the table eating the leftovers I had left, and I could already see the horror on everyone’s faces. When I surprised her with this meal, she was about to stand up and leave—the expression on her face said it all. I have never experienced anything like this… honest, genuine thanks.

The hug she gave me was unlike any hug I had ever had, and I felt her emotions deeply in my heart. I squeezed her tightly while allowing her to cry. I only cuddled her. And that is a time that I will always remember. So be careful the next time you condemn someone who is homeless. Not all of them are on the streets due to drug addiction or laziness.