Last updated on September 13, 2025
Not every act of generosity comes with a spotlight. Some arrive quietly, almost unnoticed at first, and yet they shape us in ways that last a lifetime. For me, one such act came from a man named Johnny Gabriel.
When I attended college, I had to work to fund my tuition. My parents were not in the picture. My mother had passed away unexpectedly when I was a teenager, and my father was no longer involved in my life. My high school academic record was far from impressive. In fact, I was lucky just to be accepted into a quality institution of higher learning.
To make ends meet, I took a job with a local wine and liquor wholesale distributor. It turned out to be the perfect job for a full-time college student. Delivering wine and spirits to restaurants and bars allowed me to work flexible hours while listening to recordings of my professors’ lectures as I drove around town.
The owner of the business was Johnny Gabriel. His company was a successful, family-run operation, with his adult children involved and a loyal team of longtime employees handling day-to-day operations. Though my role was mostly manual labor, I paid close attention to how Mr. Gabriel led the organization. He treated his employees like family, and I saw firsthand the impact of strong leadership, loyalty, and a well-run business.
I worked there for a few years, and while I learned a lot simply by observing, one moment has stayed with me all these years. Mr. Gabriel knew I was a serious student and a dedicated worker, even though my long-term plans had nothing to do with the business. One day, he decided to offer me a small grant to help cover my education expenses.
It was not a huge amount by any means, but when you are scraping by, anything makes a difference. More than the money itself, though, it was a vote of confidence in my future. That belief in me motivated me to keep going, to keep working toward my goals even when exhaustion and doubt threatened to derail me.
Looking back, I remember the long days in the sweltering Texas summers, balancing heavy deliveries with the weight of my studies. I remember being worn down, but I also remember the kindness of the Gabriel family and the invaluable lessons I learned about leadership, work ethic, and generosity.
That is the nature of small acts. Their impact cannot be measured by size alone. They ripple outward, often far beyond what the giver imagines. Johnny’s gift left an impression that has guided me for decades. It reminded me that leadership is not always about vision statements or bold strategies. Sometimes it is about noticing someone’s need and quietly filling it.
Too often, we hesitate to give because we believe our contributions are too small to matter. We imagine that unless we can solve a problem entirely, our part is insignificant. But that is not true. Small acts add up. They accumulate in the lives of those around us, creating a foundation of support that enables people to rise above challenges.
While I thanked Johnny personally at the time, I wish I had stayed in touch so he could see how deeply appreciative I am for the impact his act had on my life. Although I suspect he understood, and although I know it was never about recognition for him, I still carry a desire that he knew just how far his kindness reached.
Today, when I remind myself that small things matter, I think of Johnny. When I try to live generously, I think of Johnny. And when I see others give quietly, with no need for recognition, I am reminded again that some of the most powerful leadership comes not from a stage but from the simple strength of small acts.
For his support, his encouragement, and the example he set, I will always be grateful.
About the Author
David Vega is the author of Fool for Thought: Reflections on Life, Identity, and Open-Mindedness and CEO of Rockwall Capital Group, which owns The Rockwall Times. His weekly Life Happens column reflects on perseverance, leadership, and purpose, inspired by his own journey from humble beginnings to executive leadership. Active in the Rockwall community, David serves on several non-profit boards and enjoys giving back to the place he calls home with his wife and children. Learn more about his work at foolforthought.life
