Meet "L"

Sometimes all you need is a bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch to be happy.

Confession — the day I met this man was pretty lousy. A meeting in D.C. had been canceled after I’d already driven into the city, traffic was even more brutal than usual, and my mind wasn’t exactly in the giving mood.

Then I saw this new friend in a park not far from where my meeting would have been. After approaching him — we’ll call him “L” — I offered some of your gift cards. But he didn’t think he could use them because he’s not very mobile.

I asked if there was another way I could help, and that’s when L made a very special request.

“I’d love some Cinnamon Toast Crunch,” he said. But L wasn’t asking for my money. He just wondered if I’d go to the store for him.

When he asked me to check for CVS coupons on my phone, I realized he was expecting to pay for it himself.

“What if I bought it for you?” I asked.

“Really?” he said, gathering his meager money.

“Really.”

With your contributions, I walked to a nearby CVS and picked up his cereal along with a few other requested items like medicine and milk. I also added a couple of surprises before returning to the park.

He was dumbfounded. “I didn’t think you’d come back.”

We talked a while as he began enjoying his cereal — about his journey, his mobility struggles, and his thoughts on local resources.

But more than anything, I just watched his gratitude grow. It was humbling to see him find happiness and hope in something so simple.

For several reasons, we decided his real name and face should remain private. But trust me, L was deeply thankful. All it took was meeting a few basic needs — and a big bowl of happiness.

My friend and I are grateful to you who give, who love, and who believe in spreading joy.

I’ll remember this experience the next time I have a lousy, disappointing day full of first-world problems. I hope you will too.

Happiness can be found in the simplest places.

Like in a bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch.