Derrick Mounter’s life took a turn on a freezing day when he encountered his guardian angels.
In Lewisville, Texas, the McDonald’s at Vista Ridge Village usually sees fewer customers when winter weather hits and the dining room is closed.
But during a particularly cold spell last month, something extraordinary happened.
General Manager Paloma Robles was surprised by a knock at the door.
“I said, ‘Sir, the lobby is closed, but the drive-thru is open,'” she recalled.
The knock came from Doug Evans and his wife, Kyli, who had spotted a man shivering in the cold while driving nearby.
“I couldn’t even believe it,” Kyli said. “Is that somebody sitting on the side of the road? The human heart in me could not allow somebody to just sit outside in 12-degree weather, so I just wanted to do something.”
This compassion led them to McDonald’s, where Robles, against company policy, opened the door.
“I needed to help him,” she said. “I would not let him be outside in the cold.”
Once inside, Robles learned the man’s name was Derrick Mounter.
Derrick had once hoped to work as an animator, having gone to college for graphic design.
His life took a downward spiral after a breakup and a severe car wreck that nearly claimed his life.
“I prayed to God every single day, ‘God, please help me out of this situation,'” Derrick shared.
Despite his efforts to find employment, Derrick often faced harsh judgments from passersby, leading him to despair.
“It made me not want to live anymore and it made me feel like God was not on my side anymore because of some of the things that they were saying,” he said.
But his encounter at McDonald’s was about to change everything.
After hearing Derrick’s story, Robles made a life-changing offer.
“I said, ‘I’m going to give you that job. I’m going to give you that opportunity that you’re looking for.’ So he started crying.”
Derrick saw in Robles’ gesture a new hope and a chance to escape his dire situation.
“She knew I had something better to live for and she didn’t want me to be in this situation anymore,” he said.
Derrick’s dedication as a new employee at McDonald’s was remarkable.
He consistently arrived at least 15 minutes early for his shifts, quickly becoming a valued member of the team.
“It almost brings me to tears because most people don’t want to give you a chance,” Derrick expressed, grateful for the opportunity.
The story of Derrick’s transformation is not just about one man’s journey but also about the power of compassion and community.
Clifton Johnson, the owner of the McDonald’s, reflected on this, saying, “If we took the time to actually be more compassionate, that energy would help the entire universe.”
Paloma Robles echoed this sentiment, believing that such acts of kindness could “change the world.”
Kyli Evans added, “I think you’d find a lot more Derricks,” emphasizing the potential impact of opening our hearts to those in need.
Derrick Mounter’s story is proof of the profound difference a simple act of kindness can make.
It’s a reminder that behind every person struggling with homelessness is a story and a potential waiting to be unlocked.
It’s about more than just giving someone a job; it’s about giving them a chance to turn their life around.
To learn more about Derrick’s story, watch the video below.
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