I remember a time when I was young and I went trick-or-treating with my parents. I was walking down the dark streets when I met this man. He had on ragged clothing, and it seemed to me that he didn't have a home. What was this destitute man giving for Halloween? Not candy, but money. He obviously hadn't shaved for weeks and needed every penny he had. But yet he chose to give this Halloween. And it was this small gesture on that night that touched my heart. I hadn't noticed at the time that the gesture was special, I hadn't even remembered it for the following several years. But today, one day after Halloween, I remembered his simple act. To give without anticipating something in return. It may sound simple, but it's hard to have such a pure heart.
I know people who give on Christmas just to receive a present in return. I know people who give presents weeks early so that the receiver will have enough time to buy a present to reciprocate. I know how hard it is to just give to bring joy to people.
That man I saw on Halloween left me with more than just two dimes and a penny that day. He made me realize the spirit of not just Halloween but America as well. And to this day, every gift I give, I make sure that I'll give just to give.
