Gentleness and sweetness can walk into your house in the guise of a city utilities worker. It can track bits of snow and ice down your stairs and leave behind a gift of love so huge you’re not sure who to thank.

It is words and demeanor and the offer to fetch medicine for your sick boy. It is a compliment on the boy’s reading, because he’s listened as he worked, and heard a little boy read Little Bear, and been reminded of when he read the same stories to his now-grown kids. Stories he reads, like Good Night Little Bear, to his grandchildren.

And you are left in the wake of infinite graciousness that cannot be predicted but it feeds a thankful heart.