With a little support, he found part-time work and started volunteering at a shelter. One day, we received a letter from Lionel, thanking us for “seeing him.” A few weeks later, that same shelter honored Harper with a “Heart of the City” award. Lionel had nominated her, writing: “She gave me hope. And hope is contagious.”

That night, Harper simply said, “I just wanted him to be happy.”

She reminded me that kindness doesn’t need to be big or planned. Sometimes, it’s just a sticky cinnamon bun and a child who chooses to care.