The truest thing I ever wrote was at the end of my book Running To The Mountain: “Life is full of crisis and mystery.” It is so true. It was true again last night.

Around bedtime, two crises and mysteries popped up at the same time. The Cambridge Food Pantry ran out of boxes of cereal to give to the children and families who depend on the pantry for food. Sarah Harrington asked for my help. We are the best shot she has at getting some quickly.

It was no one’s fault—the luck of the draw and the sometimes unpredictable need for food. I told Sarah I would write about it today and hopefully get some cereal boxes moved to the pantry.

She posted three of them on the Pantry Wish List, so I knew she was anxious to get some.

The three cereals are Honey Bunches Of Oats Honey Roasted Breakfast Cereal, Honey Oats Cereal with Granola Clusters, 12 Oz Box (Pack of 2), $5.98; Total Breakfast Cereal, 100 per cent Daily Value of 11 Vitamins & Minerals, Whole Grain Cereal, 16 Oz, $4.98; Life Breakfast Cereal, Cinnamon, 13 oz. Boxes (3 pack), $8.62.

At the same time, my infamous foot – you may have read about it once or twice – showed some signs of trouble, and I’m rushing off to see my trusted Surgical Podiatrist, Dr. Daly, this morning.  I might end up in the hospital – diabetic stuff – hopefully, I’ll be coming home.

I got up early to post this cereal appeal on the blog. For $4 or $5, we could make a real difference. The great thing about the Internet is that you can send a message quickly and efficiently.

Sarah is the pantry’s executive director.

When I told her Maria and I couldn’t do our volunteer work this morning, she kindly sent me a message: “I’m so sorry. I hope you’re okay. Take care. Don’t give the pantry another thought.” But I’m afraid it’s too late; my mind doesn’t work that way. The pantry is in my head.

(Above, I call this the Army Of Good rack; the children’s food we send is stored for today’s backpack loading. I wish I could be there.)

I promised I would get a cereal message up, and here it is. I love keeping promises, even though it isn’t always possible.

I keep thinking of those kids without their cereal. If a bunch of us can send even one box of cereal, they’ll have enough when they show up for their weekly allotment of food. That’s a lot of good for a few dollars.

I’m sending two or three boxes and taking off for the doctor’s appointment.   See you later. Dr. Daly will probably yell at me for not calling her last night. I think we caught this one in time.

Sarah spends a lot of her life opening boxes and breaking them down.