Our home in the 60’s
A letter out of the blue, which I already shared on Facebook:
Bill — I know this is totally out of the blue, and I have no clue whether or not you’d even remember me, but I was that little kid a block up from you on North 18th…the one who was obsessed with baseball and moved away from the neighborhood when my dad went back into the Service in 1966 during the Vietnam days. While only 11 when we moved, your kindness and patience with me has remained a positive memory for all these years. It seems you would always be kind and play catch with me even though you were older and your skills were far beyond mine. I thank you for being such a positive role model during those early days. One never realizes the impact they have on someone else as life goes by, but we don’t live forever. So I wanted you to know you and your mom and dad are remembered fondly. Hope this finds you well. Warmest regards – Mike
I was touched, to say the least. We are talking fifty-four years ago, the last time I saw little Mikey Todd, one block west of our home, a constant presence in those days, his baseball glove attached to the handle bars of his bike, knocking on our front door, “hey, Bill, could you come out and play some catch,” and more often than not I would, me being six years his senior but always willing to play baseball.
You just never know, do you? An act of kindness; a warm gesture to someone in need of attention; it all matters, my friends, and that’s my message on this Tuesday – it all matters!
I’ve lived a long time, and I’ve known many people, and it’s a bit overwhelming and yet gratifying to know that I made a difference in the lives of some of those people. And the thing is, we all do this. We have all done it. We will all do it in the future. We all make a difference in the lives of others.
In a time when it seems every single news story is negative, I think it is vital to keep in mind that humans, at their best, are incredibly loving and caring people.
I know all of you are!
Just a random thought for today. Stay safe and healthy today and beyond. Now I have a yard to work in and spring cleaning to do. This social distancing thing is a piece of cake for an old recluse like me.
Bill
“Helping writers to spread their wings and fly.”
Billybuc
Artistry With Words 
That was very touching, Bill. As you say, you never know. And all these years later, you’re still investing in others. I’m one of those recipients. Thank you.
Thank you so much, William! I appreciate that greatly.
Aw, this story totally put a smile on my face and so needed it after all that has been going on this last week or so. Really does go to show that you just never know. Thanks for sharing and hoping you are your family are doing OK right now.
Thank you Janine! It was a real eye-opener for me.
I hope you and your family are well, living in our new reality. Sending positive vibes your way.
Thank you for sharing this heartwarming story, Bill. You’re always there for those who need a helping hand, be it in person or virtually. I also believe that most people are like you, overall – helping each other, being there for each other, as much as possible. And you are right, we all need to hear something positive in these days of social distancing. A great reminder … Hope you and your family stay safe and healthy.
Thank you so very much, Emese. We are well, thank you, and I hope the same for you and your family.
A truly inspirational piece, Bro. You were serving your friend, as you had no ulterior motive. I have traveled nationally and internationally doing just this. The joy in the Heart is amazing! That is why so many spiritual writings lay emphasis on service. It touches our Hearts.
So very true, Manatita my friend. This note gave me the “warm and fuzzies,” and that kind of glow will last a lifetime.
I guess there’s nothing to say about this that I haven’t already on FB. Part of your legacy will be your kindness and inspiration to others.
You are too kind, Shannon, but thank you! Stay safe my friend.
Kindness is everything–this story touched me today–
Thank you Audrey! I’m so happy you liked it,and I hope you are well.
A wonderful tale of kindness. Thanks for this positive post.
My pleasure, my friend. Thanks for the visit.
That is so cool, Bill. You’ve must have been blown away when you read that letter. As you said, you just never know.
Have a great day, Bill, and have fun with that spring cleaning. lol
Thank you Zulma! Blown away is an understatement, but very gratified.
Spring cleaning is progressing without too much cussing. lol Stay safe!
That is so, so touching. I’m a little speechless for once! What can I say? Bill, you’re a gem, and having read your memoir (will review soon, when I can get my head in order to do it justice), I adore the way you’ver triumphed over all those bumps in your life and managed to develop such a capacity to care for others, rather than wallow in bitterness.
You are the best 🙂
Keep well, my dear friend from across the Pond. .
And you are very sweet, Sarah. Thank you! We all have bumps in life. Most of mine were self-inflicted. Luckily I had been raised by some pretty solid parents.
Stay safe and healthy, my friend. We will all come out of this stronger and more appreciative of love.
Hugs from sunny Olympia
Wow, Bill! What an awesome letter! I often wonder if the people I knew when I was a child ever think of me. Some of them cross my mind from time to time. Like you say, it’s nice to know you’ve left an imprint.
Years ago I ran into my best friend from Catholic school after not having seen her for fifteen or so years. We went to Catholic school in Philly. My folks moved to Jersey just before I started high school, then we moved in Florida. They first and I followed a year after I graduated high school. Anyway, one day I ran into Alice in a bar in Boca Raton, FL of all places! She mentioned to me that she’ll never forget the kind words I wrote to her in a sympathy card when her mom passed, that my words helped her cope with losing her mom at such a young age. We were in sixth grade at the time. To this day I don’t remember what I wrote, but it’s nice to know I was able to console her and that she never forgot me or the card. What a feeling!
Thank you for sharing your letter, Bill. See, you’ve been making an impact on the world for most, if not all, of your life!
I loved your story about Alice. That is just a beautiful thing,to make that kind of impression that lasts a lifetime. Well done, you, and well done all of us who care enough to be kind without any thought of thanks or reward.
Stay safe my friend!
love,
bill
What a lovely letter to receive Bill, it’s true that we don’t know the impact we have sometimes.
Thank you Andrea! It was a beautiful thing to receive for sure.
Blessings to you always!