Dec 2: Finding Hope in Small Moments...

Dear Readers,

Evan sat alone on the same park bench he had occupied for years. Winter had swept through the city, and the once-vibrant park was now a barren expanse of frost-covered grass. His only companions were the pigeons that flocked near his feet, hopeful for crumbs.

He reached into his paper bag, pulling out a crust of bread. “Here you go,” he muttered, tossing it to a plump pigeon. The bird hopped forward, its head cocked curiously before it pecked at the offering.

Soon, more pigeons gathered, their cooing creating a chorus that filled the otherwise empty park. Evan chuckled, tossing more crumbs. “You’re greedy little things, aren’t you?”

A young woman walking by paused to watch. “You’ve got quite the audience,” she said with a smile.

Evan looked up, startled. It had been weeks since anyone had spoken to him. “I guess I do,” he replied, his voice gruff but softening.

The woman pulled out a granola bar from her pocket and handed it to him. “For you,” she said.

For a moment, he hesitated. Then, with a nod, he accepted the bar. “Thank you,” he said quietly.

As the pigeons scattered and the woman jogged away, Evan unwrapped the bar, his fingers trembling. That small act of kindness, like the chirping birds, reminded him that life still held moments of connection, even for someone like him.

God Bless Us All…

Jacob M