Mark meets Stuart, a homeless man, on a busy city street and makes an unusual promise to change his life in just one evening. He starts by giving Stuart a fresh haircut and buying him new clothes, determined to find him a family by the night’s end. But can Mark truly fulfill this bold promise and transform Stuart’s life?
A homeless man | Source: Freepik
You never know who you’ll encounter in life and how they might change your world.
I’m Mark, and a few days ago, I had this wholesome experience I will never forget.
So, I was sitting on a busy city street, munching on my sandwich during lunch break.
A man holding a half-eaten sandwich | Source: Pexels
Out of nowhere, this scruffy-looking guy walks up to me and hands me my wallet.
“Hey, you dropped this,” he said.
I was stunned. “Thanks, man! I didn’t even notice. What’s your name?” I asked, genuinely curious.
A wallet | Source: Pexels
“Stuart,” he replied with a shy smile.
“I’m Mark,” I said, shaking his hand. “I’m a barber. How about I repay you with a fresh haircut?”
Stuart looked down at his worn-out clothes and shrugged. “Why bother? I got no one to impress. Nobody cares about a bum like me.”
I imagined being in Stuart’s shoes, and his words hit me right in the feels. I knew I had to do something more.
A man thinking about something | Source: Pexels
“How about this,” I said, my mind racing. “I bet you I can find you a family in one evening!”
Stuart laughed, thinking I was joking, but I grabbed his hand. “Bet on it!”
I could see he wasn’t really sure, but he agreed.
We headed straight to my shop. “Come on in, Stuart,” I said, holding the door open for him as we arrived. The place was buzzing with activity. My colleagues and a few customers gave us curious looks as we walked in.
Inside a barbershop | Source: Freepik
I pointed to the chair. “Take a seat, Stuart. Let’s see what we can do.”
Stuart hesitated for a moment but then sat down. I draped the cape over him and got to work. “You’re in for a treat,” I said, picking up my clippers.
A man cutting hair | Source: Pexels
As I started cutting his hair, I could see the change happening right before my eyes. The scruffy, tired look began to disappear. Stuart was getting a fresh start, and it showed.
“How’s it looking?” Stuart asked, a bit nervous.
A smiley man at a hair salon | Source: Freepik
“Trust me, you’re going to look great,” I replied, focusing on giving him the best cut possible. Other barbers started to gather around, watching the transformation.
“Wow, Mark, you’re doing wonders,” one of them said, impressed.
A hairdresser standing in a barber shop | Source: Freepik
When I was done, I turned the chair around so Stuart could see himself in the mirror.
His eyes widened. “Is that really me?” he asked, touching his newly styled beard and hair.
“Yep, that’s you,” I said, smiling. “What do you think?”
An elderly man looking into a mirror | Source: Freepik
Stuart grinned, looking a bit shy. “I feel like a new man. But do you think it’s too fancy for a guy like me?”
Everyone in the shop chuckled.
“Not at all,” I said. “You deserve this.”
A man laughing | Source: Pexels
Stuart’s confidence seemed to soar. He stood up a bit straighter, and there was a sparkle in his eye that hadn’t been there before. “Thanks, Mark. This feels amazing,” he said.
But it wasn’t over yet. After the haircut, I decided it was time to get Stuart some new clothes.
Outfits on display inside a boutique | Source: Pexels
We walked over to a nearby clothing boutique. As we stepped inside, the staff greeted us with friendly smiles.
“Hi there! How can we help you today?” one of them asked.
“We need to find my friend Stuart here some stylish clothes,” I said, patting Stuart on the back. Stuart looked around, a bit overwhelmed. “I’ve never been in a place like this,” he whispered to me.
“Don’t worry, we’ll find something great,” I assured him. The staff quickly got to work, bringing out various outfits for Stuart to try.
A man selecting clothes | Source: Pexels
His reactions were priceless. “These pants are so tight! How do people breathe in these?” he said, making everyone laugh.
I handed him a shirt. “Just try it on, Stuart. You’ll look great.”
He reluctantly took the clothes and went into the changing room. A few minutes later, he came out, looking unsure. “How do I look?” he asked.
A man looking at outfits curiously | Source: Freepik
“Wow, Stuart, you look fantastic!” I said, giving him a thumbs up. The staff nodded in agreement.
Stuart looked at himself in the mirror, turning this way and that. “I feel like I’m wearing someone else’s clothes,” he said with a laugh. “But they do look nice.”
An older man in a suit | Source: Midjourney
“Exactly, that’s the point,” I said. “You deserve to feel good about yourself.”
After trying on a few more outfits and making everyone laugh with his witty comments, Stuart finally settled on an outfit that made him feel comfortable yet stylish.
“I think I’ll stick with this one,” he said, smiling.
A confident elderly man in a suit | Source: Pexels
“Great choice,” I said. “You’re looking sharp, my friend.”
Stuart’s confidence seemed to grow even more. “Thanks, Mark. I really appreciate this,” he said, enveloping me in a hug.
“No problem. We’re just getting started,” I said, feeling excited about what was to come.
An elderly man hugging a young man | Source: Pexels
With Stuart looking sharp, we decided to grab dinner at a cozy café.
As we walked in, Stuart seemed nervous. “I haven’t been to a place like this in years,” he admitted.
“Relax, Stuart. It’s just dinner. Enjoy it,” I said, guiding him to a table.
Inside a cafe | Source: Unsplash
We sat down and ordered some food. While we waited, I pulled out my phone. “How about we set up a date for you?” I suggested.
“A date? You’re serious?” Stuart asked, his eyes widening.
“Why not? Let’s give it a shot,” I said, smiling.
A happy man using his phone | Source: Pexels
I registered him on a dating site and quickly set up a profile. Within minutes, we got a response from a woman named Linda. She agreed to meet us at the café.
When Linda arrived, she seemed interested at first. Stuart stood up and introduced himself, looking a bit nervous. “Hi, I’m Stuart,” he said, offering his hand.
A beautiful senior woman | Source: Freepik
Linda shook his hand, but her smile faded as we talked. When she found out Stuart was homeless, her expression changed.
“You should have been honest,” she said, standing up abruptly.
“Wait, Linda, he’s a great guy,” I tried to explain, but she was already walking out the door.
Stuart sat back down, looking dejected.
An elderly man looking sad | Source: Pexels
“I’m sorry, Stuart,” I said, feeling bad for him.
To my surprise, he smiled. “It’s alright, Mark. Today is still one of the best days of my life. It reminded me of when I used to go out with friends and meet girls.”
I didn’t know what to do at that point. I had promised him I would help him find a family, and I knew that I had failed to do so.
But the next morning, on my way to work, I saw something that made me stop in my tracks.
A man walking on a road | Source: Pexels
Stuart was sitting outside a supermarket, chatting with a woman. They were both smiling and laughing.
I walked over, curious. “Hey, Stuart!” I called out, waving.
“Mark! Good to see you,” Stuart replied, standing up and giving me a big smile. “I want you to meet Maria.”
A happy elderly couple | Source: Pexels
Maria stood up and shook my hand. “Hi, Mark. It’s nice to meet you,” she said warmly.
“Nice to meet you too, Maria,” I said, looking at Stuart with a raised eyebrow. “Where did you two meet?”
“Believe it or not, we met last night after the date fiasco,” Stuart said with a chuckle. “Maria was kind enough to sit and talk with me. We’ve been chatting ever since.”
Maria smiled at Stuart. “Stuart told me everything. I’ve had my own struggles, so I understand where he’s coming from.”
A couple holding hands | Source: Pexels
I felt a surge of happiness and pride. “That’s wonderful to hear,” I said, genuinely moved. “You two seem to get along really well.”
“We do,” Stuart said, looking at Maria with a grateful smile. “Thanks to you, Mark. That bet led to something really good.”
“I’m just glad to see you happy, Stuart. You deserve this,” I said, and we shared a hug.
A happy man | Source: Pexels
I still can’t believe it all happened.
Life has a funny way of surprising us, doesn’t it? Stuart found a friend, and maybe even a family, through a series of events that started with a lost wallet. And I learned that sometimes, all it takes is a little compassion to change someone’s life.
Have you ever witnessed something like this or changed someone’s life for the better?
10 time-saving gems that will take your routine to the next level
Feeling like there aren’t enough hours in the day? If it makes you feel any better, you’re not alone in the battle against the clock! We’ve got a secret stash of time-saving gems that’ll make you feel like you got your hands on Hermione Granger’s Time-Turner.
1. Make a bunch of perfectly shaped meatballs in seconds with this manual kitchen tool. You don’t need to get your hands dirty or make any mess. Put the meat mixture inside the container and press down. Enjoy the result!
Pros:
- This product is a huge time-saver. You can make up to 5 meatballs at once.
- The device is easy to use and clean.
- The bowl is made of clear plastic so you can see what’s inside while cooking — handy.
2. Don’t waste time looking for your keys, use this magnetic key holder instead. This fluffy white cloud is pretty versatile: you can also use it in the kitchen, living room, bedroom, and even bathroom. It is easy to install and holds well on a wooden, ceramic, plastic, or metal texture. The surface has to be flat and smooth for the product to have better bearing capacity.
Pros:
- The product is versatile.
- It fits nicely into any interior.
- Does its job quite well and keeps keys securely in place.
Cons:
- You need to make sure you properly stick the device to the surface to prevent it from falling off.
Promising review:
- Love the easy installation. Clean the wall, peel off the sticker, and place it where you like. The magnet is strong and holds my heavy car key. Recommend! — Jamie P.
3. Get your glasses squeaky clean in the blink of an eye with this efficient lens-cleaning cloth. The power of Japanese microfiber is real! The product represents itself as ultra-fine, super-dense, and completely lint-free cloth. Its texture is extremely soft yet very durable.
Pros:
- Works like a charm.
- The packaging is handy.
Cons:
- Gets dirty quicker than one may have hoped.
Promising review:
- They came neatly packed in a sealed box. Each cloth is in its own slipcover. I was able to easily refold the cloth and put it back in the cover for future protection. It seemed to easily clean my lenses without a cleaning solution. — MS
4. Prepare a batch of eggs for a big company or a big breakfast just for you using this stainless steel poached egg cooker. The pan will cook perfect eggs every time. The stainless steel device is sturdy and heavy. It goes well with all stove types (including induction).
Pros:
- This product will save you a lot of time. It is perfect for a big family.
- The device is sturdy and efficient.
Cons:
- You’re going to need a mitt for the metal handles (to remove the egg trays safely).
Promising review:
- I was hesitant to order this but figured I’d give it a shot. And you want to talk about perfect, commercial, beautiful eggs?? You’ll find it with this product. Easy to use, easy to clean.
And I ask myself, «How did I live without this tool in my kitchen!?» You want those perfect eggs? Get this! — Amy
5. Use this strainer lid to drain unwanted liquid from a can—fast and mess-free. This item is efficient, flexible, and durable. The product has a bit of stretch, so it can fit slightly wider cans.
Pros:
- The product is adjustable.
- It is also portable; It’s small, light, and easy to carry. You can take these lids on a camping trip.
Cons:
- The lids might not be suitable for a particular can size. Don’t forget to check the size beforehand.
Promising reviews:
- I like the idea of not having to get a big colander out when draining cans. — Ruthy
- I picked these because of the size. They are perfect. — Karen Walton
6. Here is the fastest way to make dessert for a big company. This silicone popsicle mold is non-stick, hygienic, and easy to use. The popsicles slide out super easily. To top that off, you can fill the product with fruit juice, purée, yogurt, jello, berries, fruits, or jam. Yum!
Pros:
- Super easy to use and clean.
- The product is also a great space-saver.
- Comes with a funnel and a cleaning brush.
- Versatile
Cons:
- A little on the small side.
Promising reviews:
- I liked that it was very easy to use. You can remove the popsicle very fast and have good-looking popsicles. — Marsela Ballabani
- It’s convenient that it comes with a funnel and cleaning brush! Great buy! — Quality!
7. Speed up your cooking process with these 2 pairs of kitchen scissors and a pair of 5-ply herb scissors. And you don’t need to look for a cutting board. They are suitable for cutting different food items: herbs, veggies, meat, dough, and more.
Pros:
- The devices come with protective covers and a cleaning brush.
- They are sharp and work well.
- The kitchen scissors have additional features: built-in nutcrackers, bottle openers, or fish scalers.
Cons:
- The devices do not come apart for easy cleaning.
Promising review:
- Very nice scissors. Each pair has a sheath to protect you or others from getting hurt and the scissors from getting damaged. I am very pleased with this set. — Bob M
8. You don’t wanna waste another minute when you are seriously hungry. Cut your tasty pizza the fastest with this no-effort pizza cutter. It fits comfortably in the palm of your hand and lets you fully control the cutting process. The large cutting wheel makes it extremely easy and fast.
Pros:
- The product is high-quality and sharp; now you can slice and dice your food rather efficiently.
- It comes with a protective blade guard and is easy and safe to store.
- Disassembles in seconds to be washed.
Cons:
- The cleaning is tricky because keeping the blade still might not be easy.
Promising review:
- I bought this as a replacement for a really cheap one. I loved the idea of not needing a handle, and the blade cover was a plus. I liked how big this one was, so I bought it. I was pleasantly surprised with the ease of cleaning. You can completely take it apart and wash every part of it. It took me a minute to figure out how to take it apart, but once you get it, it’s easy. — Annika R
9. You’ll not have to waste your time looking for stuff if you have it neatly arranged with this under-sink organizer. This item maximizes under-sink space nicely. The item is easy to set up. It also has an adjustable height for the top shelf, which can be very handy.
Pros:
- The product will save a ton of space in your kitchen.
- The construction is pretty spacey.
Cons:
- A little pricey.
Promising review:
- I was skeptical at first. Especially when I was putting this together, I didn’t think it was going to be large enough. But to my surprise, it was! It was easy to put together, too! — Meg
10. This «meatball master» will be handy for cooking a fast dinner and storing meals in the freezer for later. You can use it for making meatballs, cookies, sushi, and more. The design allows you to remove the portions effortlessly (even when frozen). After using it, you can throw it in the dishwasher with no fuss.
Pros:
- The product is versatile.
- You can prepare a lot in a short amount of time; for instance, you can make 32 meatballs at once.
- Easy to use and clean.
Cons:
- The size of the meatballs could be too small for some people’s taste.
- The results may vary if you overfill the product.
Promising review:
- Where has this been—all of my cookie-baking life?? It is so much easier to use than a scoop. I bought 3 of them.
I made a double batch of cookie dough, and I am pleased that you got 96 cookies. You do not get that many using a scoop. I like that all the cookies are baked evenly and are all the same size. I soak the containers to get them clean. — Chris Boor
We hope that these products will find their way to your heart. They can make your routine considerably simpler, so you can spend your spare time on something truly important.
Bright Side gets commissions for purchases made through the links in this post. Reviews could have been edited for length and clarity.
Preview photo credit Amazon
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