To the Editor:
I hope you can find room for a nonpolitical, no complaint short letter of gratitude to some very deserving folks.
I would like to publicly thank Richie Armstrong, Jr and his family, Debbie Stewart and Lawrence’s Grocery Store for the many ways they have helped me through the last bunch of months. I swatted at a wasp last summer and stepped backwards to see where he landed. In doing so, I fell off the fireplace hearth and broke my left hip. Some time later when I was about to graduate off the walker, somehow the left front wheel of the walker slipped off the driveway as I was coming back from the mailbox resulting in more broken bones (heel, thigh and hip) on the left side.
Therefore I have been crippled for months now and have become a walker expert, so to speak. After each break, I learned and relearned how to get myself into my car although it took well over an hour each time to begin with. Long story briefly told.
Richie and his family have helped throughout by running errands, bringing food and generally checking on me often. LeaAnn has sent me lots of dinners, Cheyann has helped with housework, errands and such. Richie has fixed things I can’t reach, helped tremendously when my car broke and been ‘on call’ for emergencies. This wonderful family has proven to be true friends and I love them all.
Debbie Stewart has remained a true friend checking on me via Facebook often even though she has had her own family problems going on at the same time. She has encouraged me when I got depressed, scolded me soundly when I got impatient and reckless, complained when I lost so much weight and been available 24/7 if/when I needed to vent. Yes, I’ve vented lots since patience is not one of my virtues at all.
Lawrence’s Grocery Store has also been almost a miracle. Benny is the one who’s usually there when I come through. Ever since I’ve been married to this confound walker Benny has come outside, taken my list, filled it, loaded it and all I have to do is pay. He has saved me from so much pain having to get myself out of the car, onto the walker, into the store and so forth. He has been so very kind, almost always cheerful (even when I show up when it’s raining) and always gives really fast driveway service. This store goes above and beyond just friendly service. They believe in helping people and do. I could go on listing all they’ve done for me over the last years but don’t have room.
I promised to be brief so have been. Could brag and praise all of these folk lots more. Suffice to say there are wonderful people in the world although we rarely hear about them. The news is always full of bad, sad and terrible things. Folk complain all the time about all the problems in life. Maybe it’s time we looked up and noticed all the good things? There are so many really wonderful people in the world but it’s fairly rare we hear about it in the news. Isn’t it time we find the good amongst the bad and emphasize that? Look up and enjoy the good and the beauty! However, if you’re using a walker come to a total halt before doing that.
Brenda Lane
Kosciusko
