- April 23, 2024
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Dear Editor:
In our world of Kardashians, endless negative post-election coverage and the now infamous Mariah Carey mishap, I’d like to share my simple story. It is an eavesdropping story that I will carry with me for a long time.
Four complete strangers were standing on a customer service line at a local department store. First on line was a young man returning a television the size of an IMAX projection screen. I was next, followed by an elderly man and then a woman probably in her mid 30s.
Elder Man: I guess you couldn’t fit that TV in your bathroom.
Young Man: It doesn’t work, so I have to return it.
Elder Man: I bought myself a 32-inch flat screen, and that’s all I need. My son bought me a television for Christmas, but I didn’t have the heart to tell him I already bought one for myself. So, I’m bringing it to my church. Someone will probably pay $40 for it.
Woman: I’ll buy it.
Elder Man: No, you can’t buy it. I’ll give it to you.
Woman: Really? You’re kidding me, right?
Elder Man: Let me give you my address and you can stop over on Saturday. My birthday is Friday, so I won’t be home, but Saturday morning works.
Woman: I am a single mom raising a 4-year-old, 7-year-old and an 8-year-old. My television was stolen a week before Christmas. Maybe you read about it in the papers. When the person stole my TV, they also stole all the kid’s electronics and gift cards I left out on the counter. I feel like this is a Hallmark commercial, and I’m starring in it.
Me: I can’t help listening to your conversation. Sir, you are so kind to offer your television to this young lady. This does seem like a Hallmark commercial. Can I take your picture?
Elder Man: Huh? Sure.
Me: Sir, may I ask how old you are?
Elder Man: Well, I’ll be 86 on Friday. At my age, I have too many things already. She could use the TV.
Me: And what is your name?
Elder Man: Ron.
Me: And yours (looking at the woman)?
Woman: Regina. We are Ron and Regina. Are you a reporter or something?
Me: I am not a reporter, but a teacher who needs to share this story with others.
So, I took their picture. And smiled the entire way home.
Joan Soldano
Palm Coast
Dear Editor:
My 3-year old grandson, Jerry, attends Bunnell Elementary School and receives special help. My job is to pick Jerry up from school and look after him until my daughter, his mom, gets home from work.
Yesterday we went to the Indian Trails Sports Complex and then walked across two soccer fields and back to my car. Unfortunately, I locked myself out with my keys still on the front seat!
But then, tah-dah! A knight-in-shining-armor, in the name of Enrique Lebron, who was sitting in his car nearby, observed my dilemma. Mr. Lebron offered me the use of his cell phone to call AAA, and I was so grateful. (Over the past year or so, I had noticed the young man on the field as he practiced soccer with a friend.)
As I tried to console Jerry, Mr. Lebron immediately retrieved a basketball from the back of his car and offered to engage Jerry in play. Jerry was delighted, and quickly forgot his frustration.
As I awaited the truck to come to unlock my car (which took about half an hour), the two played happily as we chatted. Mr. Lebron mentioned that he had worked briefly with special needs children, that he was a graduate of Matanzas High School a few years ago, and is now a college student.
What was remarkable to me was his compassionate personality and athleticism. I believe he has a bright future ahead!
Of course, I thanked Enrique Lebron profusely, and the wonderful truck rescue guy, too.
But, both Jerry and I especially appreciated the time and help from this Good Samaritan.
Vivian Richardson
Palm Coast
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