Tiny he was , small but determined the little 8- year old boy woke up at the crack of dawn. Today was gonna be the day he could earn a few dimes .He would be grateful just to earn one dime. Eager as he was he would earn money to help his family. He rememberd one sunday morning. The crippling sounds of the newspaper and seeing his father's eyes widen . Shortly after there was a knock on door. Next thing he knew his father was in his military uniform . His mother in choking sobs pleaded for him not to go, his father embraced his mother. Right as he started turning the door knob he looked back at his small young son. He walked to his son he got one knee and put his arms hugging the little boy tightly. He gently placed his hand on one side of his sons cheek. Tears welled in the boy's ocean eyes. "Be brave son, take care of your siblings and your mother, you are the man of the house now. Then just like that his father was off fighting in the war. Then the great depression struck hard. The little boy with a strap one shoulder carried a wooden box containing a few wooden handled brushes and polish. He skipped past the red brick walls whistling his favorite tune. He kicked a rock or two on his way into town. He walked up and down the side walks advertising "Get your shoes shining brand new clean as a whistle. Sweat poured from his face and neck but he didnt care. Some people smiled and walked past and some ignored him. Hour after hour as the afternoon came, he felt his heart drop. He walked to the corner of a building , feeling such defeat and letting his father down he sat on the curb. He tilted his grey cabbie and looked down at his feet. The tears came in silent waves. His chest tightened as he felt a hand on his shoulder. He wiped away his tears and looked up at the man. He could tell the man was wealthy just by the shiny suit. "What is the matter boy? the man asked. "I haven't made a single thing to help my family," the boy said. "I think my shoes need a cleanin , I have a meeting for the stock market soon." The man continued to speak. "Do you know any shoe shiners that could help me out ?" . The boy broke into a crooked smile. "Today is a gem, luckily for you I can make em shiny clean and brand new." After the boy finished shining the mans shoes the man spoke. "Thank you son" . The man got up and with a smile he gave the boy 4 dimes.. Warm tears of gratitude sprang , "We'll gee, thank you mister." The man winked and walked off with his suitcase. As the sun began to set , the boy smiled all the way walking home.

The End