Donor Ships 8 Cases of Crayons for Patients at Children’s Hospital
Stardate 02.02.2026
“The crayons are here,” Derek said.
I was stunned.
There were so many crayons I needed a flatbed to get them to my vehicle. Eight full cases. I hadn’t realized how heavy crayons could be until I was lifting them one box at a time, already doing the math in my head.
I started thinking ahead—thinking about the kids.
“I can split the crayons up into baggies,” I said, “so every patient can get some with their Where in the World is Wilson?coloring book.”
“That’s one way,” Derek replied.
“Or if you run out, just let me know and I’ll order more.”
Derek happened to be in exactly the right place at exactly the right time. I was mailing the first proof copy of the coloring book to senior leadership at our corporate office for review. I’ll admit—I was a little nervous as he slowly studied each page.
But his response told me everything I needed to know.
This coloring book is going to bring joy to people who need it most. And now, thanks to an unexpected act of generosity, those pages will be filled with color. Real color. The kind that invites imagination, distraction, and a moment of light in a hard place.
I thanked Derek and rushed off to the indoor tennis courts to join my team in our pursuit of another league championship. My captain trusted me with #1 doubles. Teammates stopped by to cheer us on. It was a sweep.
Maybe the endorphins helped. Or maybe it was the quiet certainty that doors were opening.
As the day continued, Amazon emailed to let me know the next shipment of proof copies had arrived.
Piece by piece, it’s all falling into place.
“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
— Galatians 6:9
Captain’s Addendum
Bones: “You’re telling me a pile of crayons changed the trajectory of your whole day?”
Spock: “Doctor, the emotional significance appears… considerable.”
Bones: “Figures. Humans can find hope in anything.”
Michael: Sometimes it isn’t the grand gestures that move us forward—it’s the quiet ones. A man saying yes. A box being lifted. A door opening just enough to remind us we’re not walking alone.
Join me here: https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong
Mission Log:
Small acts. Open hands. Unexpected provision. One percent better—together.
Thank you, Derek.
And thank you, friends, for walking this road with me. May you notice the crayons in your own day—the simple gifts that bring color where it’s needed most.
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