Just about the most pleasure I've gotten from giving a handout happened outside a restaurant on the Oregon Coast.

I was seated alone at a table when I noticed a young man finishing his bowl of soup while methodically eating all the crackers in the basket. Before he went outside he emptied his pockets and counted out the change then carefully returned it to his pocket.

He didn't look unhappy, just serious and quiet.

When I left, a moment later, I found him outside getting onto a bicycle outfitted with saddlebags, a rolled up tent over them, and covered with road dust. I don't remember whether or not he had a sign but it was evident he had traveled a long way.

With just a moment's hesitation - I didn't know how he'd take it - I got a $20 out and walked to him. I held it out and said something like: You're doing what a lot of us would like to do. Have a happy trip.

The look on his face... Well, I still haven't got over it.