Hermann

Hermann left his small apartment as usual for his afternoon walk. Halfway into his walk, he felt unusually tired. He took off his hat, laid it top down beside him on the small cement wall, and sat. Soon passersby, one after another, began popping coins into his hat. Even a few dollar bills found their way there.

Hermann put the money into his pocket and walked home. At supper he counted the money--$11.75. He looked in the mirror. All he saw was an ordinary old man with a few catsup stains on his shirt.

Hermann went out day after day whenever the weather was good, same place, same routine, same results. For the quarter, the dime or the dollar, passersby got a lovely smile and a nod of thank you. So Hermann was in fact earning his money.

Every month until his death, Hermann would anonymously leave an envelope at the Salvation Army with around $200 in it. No one ever knew. But you know, because I’m telling you now.