Number One Mom by Peter Luckey

How can I let my light shine?

I got my answer while I was volunteering at Just Food, our local food pantry.

I was so absorbed in counting a shopper’s “points” that I did not at first register the woman’s request, “I left my sweatshirt here. Would you have it?”

I thought to myself, “Not a chance. Here in this busy place where volunteers, staff and shoppers jostle, where shelves are depleted as fast as they are being replenished.”

Revealing the anguish in her voice, the woman said, “The sweatshirt has ‘Number 1 Mom’ painted on it. My daughter made it.”

“I’ll go look.” I told her.

What would it be like to be this woman? Maybe ashamed to endure the indignity of begging for free food in the world’s richest country.

Then imagine too, what it would be like to have your prized possession wrapped around your heart once again, a reminder that when it comes to being loved, you are the wealthiest. You are somebody’s number one!

I turned to Charles Shively, Just Food’s pantry manager, inquiring about the missing item’s whereabouts.

He opened a file draw. I looked in. As soon as I saw the “1” on the sweatshirt my heart leaped for joy.

With tears streaming down my face, I returned the treasure to its rightful owner.

“Yes!” She said. “I am calling my daughter right away.”

How can I let my light shine? Two words: Pay attention.

Published in the Lawrence Journal World, Dec 17 2025