On a cold January afternoon, I found myself outside St. Peter’s Church, drawn by a need for peace. As I climbed the stairs, I saw a young man sitting there, his clothes worn, his hands struggling with shoes held together by twine. His vulnerability stopped me, and I crouched beside him, offering help with his shoes. I gave him my scarf and went to get him soup and tea. I also gave him my address, offering a place to stay if he ever needed it.

Ten years later, a knock at the door brought a police officer with a photograph of the man from the church steps. He revealed that he had kept my address and scarf, using them as reminders of hope. He had fought his way out of addiction, joined the police force, and spent years searching for me to thank me.

Tears filled my eyes as he told me that I had given him strength when he needed it most. That night, I shared the story with my husband, Ben. He said, “You gave him a second chance.” I smiled and replied, “He gave it to himself. I just opened the door.”

Sometimes, small acts of kindness can change a life forever, and sometimes, those gestures come back in ways we never expect.