A lesson in caring原文 开头为It was a cold evening

A lesson in caring
　　It was a cold evening and my daughter and I were walking up Broadway. I didn’t notice a guy sitting inside a cardboard box. But Nora did. She wasn’t even four, but she pulled at my coat and said, “That man’s cold, Daddy. Can we take him home?”
　　I don’t remember my reply. But I do remember a sudden heavy feeling inside me. I had always been delighted at how much my daughter noticed in her world, whether it was birds on flight or children playing. But now she was noticing suffering and beggary.
　　A few days later, I saw an article in the newspaper about volunteers who picked up a food package from a nearby school on a Sunday morning and delivered it to an elderly person. It was quick and easy. I signed us up. Nora was excited about it. She could understand the importance of food, so she could easily see how valuable our job was. When Sunday came, she was ready, but I had to push myself to leave the house. On the way to the school, I fought an urge to turn back . The Sunday paper and coffee were waiting at home. Why do this? Still, we phoned the elderly person we’d been appointed. She invited us right over.
　　The building was in a sad state. Facing us was a silver-haired woman in an old dress. She took the package and asked us to come in. Nora ran inside. I unwillingly followed. Once inside, I saw the apartment belonged to someone poor. Our hostess showed us some photos. Nora played and when it came time to say good-bye, we three hugged. I walked home in tears.
　　Professionals call such a visit a “volunteer opportunity.” They are opportunities, I’ve come to see. Where else but as volunteers do you have the opportunity to do something enjoyable that’s good for others as well as for yourself? Nora and I regularly serve meals to needy people and 　 collect clothes for the homeless. Yet, as I’ve watched her grow over these past four years, I still wonder—which of us has benefited more?