11/02/2020
Sometimes friendships are formed when we least expect it.
Friendships like the one between a 17-year-old high school football player and a 49-year-old man who is on the clock.
This is the story about a kind young athlete and his kind gesture.
A kind gesture that helped a sick man and made his day.
The gesture cost the young athlete some money.
Money well spent.
Jasper, AL's Steve Rigbsy has a lot on his mind these days.
He thanks God every morning when he rises and prays that he will get to see another day.
You see, Steve Rigsby has a rare blood clotting disorder.
Clots in his brain, clots in his blood.
His disorder has led to other health problems and hospital visits.
Like the 47-day hospital stay that made Steve think of how long he has left.
It was October 24th when Steve Rigsby stopped by Son's Grocery in Jasper.
After collecting his groceries, Steve wandered to the check-out.
Steve reached for his wallet.
The young man bagging groceries smiled politely.
Steve couldn't believe it.
He had left his wallet at home.
Pulling out a few dollars from his front pocket, Steve realized he didn't have the money to pay for his groceries.
He apologized to the cashier and told her he'd return the groceries.
Treyvon Stewart is a busy young man.
A star running back at Jasper High School, he keeps a GPA of just under four and never misses a practice.
He also finds time to work part time at Son's Grocery.
"Wait", yelled Treyvon. "Let me help you."
Steve Rigsby looked up, surprised.
"I want to pay for your groceries", said Treyvon.
Steve Rigsby was shocked.
Treyvon handed Steve the money.
Steve was grateful and amazed.
Last Friday morning, Steve Rigbsy was invited to speak at the Jasper Vikings' prayer breakfast on game day.
It was there that Steve approached Treyvon and thanked him.
It was there that Steve offered Treyvon fifty dollars as a token of his appreciation.
"I will not take your money", said Treyvon. "But thank you anyway, sir."
Last Friday night, Steve Rigbsy thought he'd try one more time.
As the Vikings were preparing to play their game, Steve approached Treyvon and said. "Here- take this fifty dollars. If you don't want to spend the money on yourself, spend it on someone who needs it."
Treyvon Stewart nodded and took the money under one condition:
That he would only spend the money on others.
Treyvon has yet to spend that fifty dollars, for he's waiting to give it to those in need.
A friend down on his luck?
A senior citizen who is struggling?
A single mother who's looking to feed her family?
A child who needs to be uplifted?
Treyvon Stewart, the star running back from Jasper High School has their backs.
And Steve Rigbsy? He had a front row seat to last Friday's game as he watched his new friend give it his all against Bessemer City.
Jasper won a hard-fought game 49-14, and Steve was thrilled.
He had a new friend in Treyvon Stewart, a tough running back with a kind heart.
Treyvon had a new friend that he met days before.
Sometimes friendships are formed when we least expect it.
Steve and Treyvon didn't expect to become friends, but they were brought together by a kind gesture.
A kind gesture from a part-time bagger at Son's Grocery.
A part-time bagger name Treyvon Stewart, the young football player with a kind heart.
