In recent weeks I've met a man who lives in the wash near my house. A wash is a river with no permanently running water. I met him while I was helping a couple look for their lost puppy. He told us he had seen the puppy that morning and he would pray for it's safe return. His prayers were answered when the puppy turned up safe and sound about 3 days later.

Since that day I've seen him about him about 3 or 4 times. He tries to keep a low profile. Up until Sunday all we really did was exchange pleasantries and have a short conversation. But there was something about the way he carried himself that told me he was, despite his situation, a man of fine character.

Sunday I took the time to sit and talk for close to an hour. Neil is just someone down on his luck. Whenever I see him, he's always clean and groomed to the best his situation allows. He's polite and well spoken. His spritual side is very apparent. He adores my dogs and greets them with great affection.

I really want to do something nice for Neil for Christmas but am not sure what to do. He is a proud man and the only thing he has asked from me is a bag of dog treats so that he has something good to give them when we visit.

I'm afraid that he might interpret a gift from me as condescending and I don't want that. My friend Katrina suggested that noone would refuse some home baked chocolate chip cookies and hot chocolate.

If you have any advice for me, please speak up

Thanks in advance
Rich