Ralph Hanahan’s Gift

On today’s Good Morning America, a story of giving and compassion—-something we could use more of, and not just at this time of year: When layoffs were announced at the Governor’s School of the Arts and Humanities in Greenville, S.C., Ralph Hanahan—a state employee for 20 years—voluntarily asked to “take the hit,” so his fellow worker, Mike Camp, could keep his job. Camp has four children aged 6 to 10, the youngest of whom has “severe autism”:

The Camps already have dealt with the great stress brought on by the treatment and therapy for Aaron’s condition and, at times, their medicals bill are too much to bear.

“Ralph [Hanahan] definitely had a soft spot in his heart for Aaron,” Lorrie Camp said.

Her husband said, “He honored that by putting himself in my place and taking the layoff that should’ve been mine.”

Hanrahan, who is currently looking for a job, collects $326 in unemployment. Camp’s mother, Martha Pool, wrote to GMA to tell them about Hanrahan as the family’s “‘Christmas angel.’”

Over the years, it’s happened more than once, and most unexpectedly, that someone has helped us through a tough spot, has been there to help Charlie when we were feeling pretty alone, and (yes, call me a sentimental optimist) I still think there are more Ralph Hanahans out there than we might think.

h/t to Bonnie