The only thing this photo of Ernie has in common with my found-wallet story is that they both occurred the same day, at the end of my 11-day trip.

I found a wallet in the Denver airport recently. It was a few days before Thanksgiving, I was super early for my flight home, and there it was, a couple of seats down from where I waited at an almost entirely empty gate.

And I thought, “Someone’s about to have a really lousy holiday week. Unless…”

I looked at the driver’s license and went into research mode. In short order, I found a social media profile for that person, sent them a message, and received a grateful midflight reply.

When gate agents arrived, I coordinated with them and with the walletless traveler to arrange for a friend of the traveler to come pick up the wallet and arrange for its reunion with its owner.

This past week, I received a thank-you message from the person whose Thanksgiving hadn’t been lousy after all — and the news that their nephew would be receiving one of my books for Christmas.

I’d already been so glad that I could help, so happy that I had an opportunity to show a stranger the same sort of kindness that I’d want someone to show my kids if any of them got into a jam while far from home. But hearing about the book was a nice bonus.

Just something to keep in mind as you travel this week — or any week: Someone you’ve never met might really appreciate your watching out for them. Or might be watching out for you. There’s no better gift.