Thirteen-year-old Adam lived with his widowed mother in a trailer. One day, while playing outside, a black SUV pulled up, and an elderly man stepped out. The man, who appeared to be in his late 70s, had a kind smile and a gentle demeanor. He approached Adam and asked if he could take a shot at the empty bottles Adam was using as targets.
The old man proposed a deal: if he got a strike, Adam would have to grant him a favor. But if he missed, he would give Adam $100 on the spot. Adam agreed, and the old man took his shot. To Adam’s surprise, he got a strike.
The old man, who introduced himself as Charles Atwood, revealed that his favor was for Adam to accompany him to a rocket launch the next day. Charles, a billionaire philanthropist known for his generosity, had always wanted to see a rocket launch, but his health had never allowed it.
The next morning, a limousine picked up Adam and his mother, and they were driven to a private airstrip where Charles’ personal jet awaited. They flew to Florida, where they watched the rocket launch together. Charles was overjoyed to see Adam’s wonder and excitement.
After the launch, Charles revealed that he wanted to fund Adam’s education, ensuring that he could attend a top school and pursue his dreams. Charles believed that every child should have the opportunity to chase their dreams, just like the rocket they had watched.
Charles’ foundation continued to support Adam even after Charles passed away a few years later. Adam went on to graduate with honors and became an aerospace engineer. He never forgot Charles’ kindness and decided to pay it forward by starting a program for children in his old neighborhood, providing them with resources to pursue their dreams in science and engineering.
