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the school for her diligence and her talents. But on this particular day, one of the off days for which she wouldn’t be going, she ran in to a dilemma. Her family had had many medical bills and student loans. Determined to pay them off, they had set a strict budget, and vowed not to use credit cards. That morning happened to be the day before pay day, and they were totally out of money. As Celese and the children climbed into the van to take Violatte to school, Celese saw, to her dismay, that the gas gauge registered empty. Even though it wasn’t a long way to the school, she knew they couldn’t make it there and back without a stop at the gas station. But with no money left in the checking account, she was left searching for what change could be found. Everyone hurried into the house for the hunt. They looked under cushions, behind couches, and even raided the family piggy bank. Between all of them they came up with $2.47. With gas hovering over the $4 mark, she knew this would barely make the needed trips. When she pulled into the gas station, she went in 26