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HeroicStories #808: Positive Reverberations... For Decades
Reaching more than 37,000 subscribers in 118 countries, this is...
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HeroicStories #808: 19 August 2010 www.HeroicStories.com
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Positive Reverberations... For Decades Story Editor:
by Mary Young Joyce Schowalter
Georgia, USA
My childhood was less than ideal -- in fact, I was the only girl in my
immediate family who did not run away from home during adolescence.
After high school I moved 300 miles away for college, but quickly had
second thoughts about whether I belonged there. Coming from a
blue-collar family and an easy rural high school to a white-collar
university that gave a "C" for work that would be a "B" at another
school, I felt like a misfit financially, culturally, and educationally.
Somehow I made it through my freshman year, and headed back for year
two. I'm so glad I went back, because that was the year I met Barb.
Barb seemed the exact opposite of myself, and everything I wished I
could be. She was popular, out-going, confident, talented, and artistic.
One day I watched Barb doodle, making beautiful calligraphic swirls
while waiting for class to start. I sighed, thinking how Barb could do
anything she wanted to: draw, paint, sing, play guitar, even
calligraphy. I was lucky to be able to read the notes I took in class --
forget about anyone else being able to read them.
Barb heard me sigh, and asked what was wrong. "I wish I was artistic," I
replied.
"Mary," she said in amazement. "You ARE artistic!"
"No, I'm not. I can't draw or do calligraphy. I can color inside the
lines, but that's about it."
"Well," she said. "I think you're artistic."
I figured she was just being nice, but still, if Barb said it, there
must be something to it. I knew I was creative -- I'd been writing poems
and short stories since I was 12. But artistic? I could barely draw
stick figures, and crafts I tried came out looking clunky.
But if Barb thought I was artistic, there must be something to it, even
if I thought my only artistic abilities were with words.
It was 1980 when Barb said those words to me. Thanks to her, I learned
to recognize my artistic abilities: the way I instinctively frame a
field of wildflowers for the best possible photograph, and my ability to
see beauty in unexpected places, like sun-dried sea oats hanging from
their stem, backlit by the morning sun=8A
The summer of 2009 I wrote Barb and reminded her of that conversation,
and let her know her words are still working their magic. I had ripped
out a closet in my bedroom for more space, and needed to choose colors,
wall hangings and draperies. I felt totally inadequate -- interior
decorating has never been my forte.
Just as I was about to give up, I heard Barb's voice in my memory,
"Mary, you ARE artistic!" With her words ringing in my head, I found the
perfect color for the walls, the perfect pictures for the walls, and the
perfect drapes to tie it all together.
Thanks, Barb, for believing in me all those years ago.
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Pakistani flood victims need shelter -- now.
Help provide it via a wonderful charity: Disaster Aid
Kits include a ten-person tent, emergency supplies, and hope.
Small donations add up. Please give:
http://www.disasteraid.ca/
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"Unexpected Return" (#807) by Angel Torres described the loss -- and
return -- of his cell phone as he traveled through an airport on his way
to deployment in Iraq.
Joe in California replies: "I loved the story of the Marine who lost his
phone at the airport. While most of us can relate to losing a cell
phone, they don't realize the full meaning to a soldier away from home,
whose only lifeline with his or her family and closest friends is that
phone. My brother was a Marine, and though cell phones weren't around
during the Vietnam War, I know that connections with home (a letter or
bracelet from a loved one) were an important link, and helped keep him
sane. It warms my heart to know some people would take the time to make
sure this phone got back to a soldier. May I remind us all that when we
upgrade to a newer phone, please donate your old phone to the 'Cell
Phones for Soldiers' organization: http:www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com .
They send you an envelope with paid postage to mail it in. Two teenagers
started this organization, which has donated thousands of cell phones to
our troops overseas."
Lauri in Oklahoma sent a further comment on Maddy Jonas' story
"Unforgotten Sacrifice" (#806), in which a disheveled-looking customer
left Maddy a substantial tip. (Full story on our archives:
http://heroicstories.com/archives.html .) Laurie: "I've spent time in
various customer service jobs over the years and decided long ago that
food service was the least financially rewarding. An experienced
waitress learns early on that you cannot tell who will be the best
tipper by looking at their clothes or the type of car they drive.
'Unforgotten Sacrifice' reminded me of those days I spent 'slinging
hash'. How does that old saying go? You can't judge a book by the cover?
Well, you can't judge a man by his cover either!"
"Tandem Highway Dance" (#805) described two semi drivers who cooperated
to block the road to traffic, until police could herd an impaired driver
to the shoulder. Alta in Texas witnessed a similar incident: "A few
years ago we had a sleet storm in Texas. I was to drive my sister-in-law
from Florida home the next day. Roads were clear when we set out. Soon
the trailer truck we were following pulled over to straddle the center
line so no one could pass. With four-way flashers on, he slowed to a
crawl. I was upset, as I'm sure drivers piled up behind me were. But we
soon came to a very icy bridge: without the semi driver's warning, I'm
sure someone would have skidded into the railing. After crossing the
bridge, the semi moved right and speeded up. Soon he again straddled the
center line and slowed to a crawl. I decided following him was a good
idea. The same thing happened at every bridge until he turned off. By
then the ice was gone. It wasn't until he was out of sight that it
really sunk in on me what he had done, that there was no way to thank
him. He was a true 'knight of the road'." (Full story on our archives:
http://heroicstories.com/archives.html .)
Katie in Arizona replied to our "DELIGHTFULLY HEROIC NEWS STORY" in our
last issue. Katie wrote: "I loved the story from Australia about the
marathoner who made it with a little help from his friends... who were
strangers to him. Thanks!" If you missed it, the link is:
http://tinyurl.com/239bbsq .
The Comments section works when *you* let us know what you think of our
stories, at our Comments address below. We look forward to hearing from
you.
Joyce Schowalter, Publisher
Co-Conspirator to Make the World a Better Place
COMMENTS about stories are always welcome -- please include your first
name and location: [contact information]
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