The $20 Surprise: A Battery, a Barrier, and a Bit of Hope

Today at O’Reilly’s, I had a moment that hit me in a way I didn’t expect.

A Hispanic customer came in needing to warranty out a battery. He didn’t speak English very well, but we managed to communicate. I grabbed the new battery and the tool cart and walked outside to install it—just like I would for anyone.

But then he said something that caught me off guard.

He told me he was surprised I was going to install the battery for him. That no one in America has ever offered to help him like that—not in any store.

I didn’t know what to say. It stuck with me.

I live in a very conservative area where, sadly, racism toward Hispanics and Black people is pretty common. I see it. I hear it. But at our O’Reilly’s, it’s different. My coworkers are open-minded, supportive of race and disability, and even accepting of me being Autistic.

And still, this man didn’t expect kindness. He was shocked someone would help him without judgment. After I installed his battery, he handed me $20.

Not for the battery. Not for the job.

For the dignity.

And that hit me harder than I expected.

There are too many people who’ve been treated like their existence is a problem. But sometimes, something as simple as installing a battery can say, “You matter here.”

Today, I was that message.
And I hope he carries that feeling with him.

Written by Caleb · Chronicles of a Quiet Fighter