I’m on a mail list called Heroic Stories. The basic premise is that there are, every day, acts of quiet heroism that go unnoticed–except by those who benefit. Heroic Stories is there to notice them.
Normally, I’ll read it and not think much more about it. Occasionally, I’ll take issue about whether there was any heroism at all, or if, instead, someone made a sacrifice for no good reason, taking from themselves and failing to enrich others all at once.
However, on the odd occasion, there is a story that will absolutely make you feel very small and insignificant, and the story of Frank and Bette does this in spades. This story makes my entire life look small and insignificant. Unless you’re some sort of saint, it should make you feel the same, I think.
You should go read it now.