A New York City bus driver’s quick response and fatherly instinct saved a 5-year-old girl who left school alone to buy a new fish after her pet died.
God shows His love through people who notice when something isn’t right and step up to help. When we see someone who needs help, especially a child, it’s both our human nature and God’s gentle nudge that moves us to act. This story shows us how the Lord places His people right where they need to be.
Luis Jimenez, who drives for MTA, almost called in sick that September morning but decided to work his M116 route through Manhattan. As he drove near 106th Street and Broadway, he spotted a young girl walking by herself on the sidewalk.
“My instinct as a father came on,” Jimenez said. “If I see a kid in the street in need of help, I would want somebody to help one of my children or one of my grandkids.”
Jimenez watched the child for a block while he thought about what to do. He then had a passenger call 911 and radioed his dispatcher for help. Together with his passengers, they brought the young girl safely onto the bus and waited for police to arrive.
They soon learned the girl was Adaline “Addy” Gonzalez, and her school, ten blocks away, had reported her missing. The 5-year-old had never left school before, but that day was different – her pet fish had died, and she set out to buy a new one on her own.
The next chapter of this story unfolded in October when Jimenez met Addy and her family. At their reunion, Addy looked up at him and said, “Thank you, Luis, for being my hero and saving my life.”
Her family gave Jimenez a New York Jets cap with special words printed on it: “Addy’s Hero.”
During their meeting, Addy received her wish – a new pet fish. She knew exactly what to name it: “Luis.” Her eyes lit up as she said, “I was excited and I was happy and it was perfect.”
Her father, Cesar Gonzalez, spoke from his heart: “It’s beautiful to meet Luis… And thank God. Thank him. You know, [because of Jimenez] she’s here with us today.”
Jimenez faces the challenges of city life with faith and hope. He shared, “Times are hard and there’s things happening every day, and every day we got to come in with a positive attitude. Even though it’s negative all over the world going on, we have to go ahead and make a difference.”
The Lord works through everyday people like Luis Jimenez to protect and care for others. His actions remind us to keep our eyes open for those who might need our help, just as Jesus teaches us to care for one another.
Each new day brings chances to show God’s love through our actions. When we listen to that quiet voice inside us – the one that says “help” – we become part of God’s plan to protect and care for His children.
WATCH: Quick-Thinking Bus Driver Saves Young Girl Walking Alone in NYC
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