There's something about losing somebody who was kind to you. There's something about losing the possibility of knowing someone better or exchanging more kindnesses with them. And what better way to do that at a little free library. Bet she was a good side chick.
Friendship is not a matter of length of time together, neither in frequency not longevity. Rather it is action and words with each other when together.
She probably was very lonely, I can understand that sort of feeling….I bet her kids didn’t know how special she was during those later years. Lonely is just one of those things that can eat away at you as time passes, then you get used to it and don’t expect much else. At least she did have you as a friend near the end of her time on this earth. A friend who didn’t ask anything of her but shared a mutual love of books WITH her. Sometimes is those moments of sharing that mean the most!💕
Oh, that's sad, Sean. But she was a friend, even though you had lost touch. You had reading in common and that was a strong connection, and good for you helping her out. And yes, we remember kindnesses, although too often we remember instead the slights and arguments and bad things that people did to us. We should instead concentrate on remembering the kindnesses and good things that happen to us. Let's all make a pact to remember the good in people and forget, totally blot from our minds, the wrong things that we have experienced. We'll all be happier!
I’m sure your friendship meant a lot to her. It’s easy to lose touch with people-even good friends. Life just happens. But reaching out to strangers and sharing their lives, then sharing them with us, is a talent. You’re a good human, Sean, and I know you touched her life in a positive way, just as you kept her in a corner of your heart. Big hugs.
I just wrote down her name so I would be able to remember when I wanted to look up one of her books. Probably a lot more of us will be going to our libraries to find one of her books.
Pone, you may be the Antichrist, but you a Good Antichrist! But Ole pube still ain't sure bout dis nekid butt thing you got going from babyhood. Old Vulcan don't get no respect! BTW somebody sent me a great video of Trent and RicCy going fishing in Maine. I tried to post it on here but working on Substack is like trying to clean da old mouse balls!
Isn’t it amazing that when we are willing to smile and open ourselves up for a little conversation with people we don’t know how many become friends because we find we have so much in common, no matter the age. Friends move in and out of our lives. Treasure them!
As gregarious as that woman was, as quick to speak to a stranger, I bet she wasn't lonely. People think living alone is some kind of "near death sentence," but I consider it a blessing! I found it hard when I was younger, in my 20s and 30s. For decades, it's my preference although not always what I was doing. I'm never bored, lack for something to do, or get lonely. I cook when I want, don't have to carry on a conversation if I don't feel like it, clean up after anyone else (conversely, no one makes a mess), or pay attention to anyone if I'm preoccupied. I built a greenhouse and renovated my house without someone whining, "why didn't you" (or "why don't you . . .") do such and such. Visitors are welcome, but not for long. Oddly enough, my many (female) friends, both married and not, are discovering (or wishing for) the joys of living without a man in the house. Which is funny when I think of all the effort we put into finding one we can live with without killing him!!
Agree, Te! Living alone is relished Solitude; not loneliness. And I once described the serendipitous thrill of reconnecting with a kindred soul as "finding the Golden Egg at an Easter egg hunt you had never intended to attend...whose company was EVEN BETTER than the Solitude of being alone."
Sean, you’re such a kind soul. I hope when I get that old the younger generation is kind to me too. I hope I will be an endearing old woman who doesn’t demand much from people and I hope I touch lives like you do.
Wonderful tribute for beautiful senior women. Dorothy Garlock, who found joy in writing until the age of 98, never lost her love of purpose! And the Side Chick was adorable in conversation, encouragement and love of life! Their wisdom was profound and noteworthy! Something to take note of….reading and writing should be a life long journey! The numbers add up…..very positively…..there’s the arithmetic!
What a special little lady she was to you my dear friend and what a beautiful friendship you both created and like my mom once told me you don’t have to know someone to care about them thank you for sharing another sweet tender story my dear friend and may this sweet little lady rest in peace 🙏
There's something about losing somebody who was kind to you. There's something about losing the possibility of knowing someone better or exchanging more kindnesses with them. And what better way to do that at a little free library. Bet she was a good side chick.
Beautifully expressed. Thank you!
Friendship is not a matter of length of time together, neither in frequency not longevity. Rather it is action and words with each other when together.
Beautiful…..totally agree!
She probably was very lonely, I can understand that sort of feeling….I bet her kids didn’t know how special she was during those later years. Lonely is just one of those things that can eat away at you as time passes, then you get used to it and don’t expect much else. At least she did have you as a friend near the end of her time on this earth. A friend who didn’t ask anything of her but shared a mutual love of books WITH her. Sometimes is those moments of sharing that mean the most!💕
Oh, that's sad, Sean. But she was a friend, even though you had lost touch. You had reading in common and that was a strong connection, and good for you helping her out. And yes, we remember kindnesses, although too often we remember instead the slights and arguments and bad things that people did to us. We should instead concentrate on remembering the kindnesses and good things that happen to us. Let's all make a pact to remember the good in people and forget, totally blot from our minds, the wrong things that we have experienced. We'll all be happier!
I think we all are whether he likes it or not..
I’m sure your friendship meant a lot to her. It’s easy to lose touch with people-even good friends. Life just happens. But reaching out to strangers and sharing their lives, then sharing them with us, is a talent. You’re a good human, Sean, and I know you touched her life in a positive way, just as you kept her in a corner of your heart. Big hugs.
I would have liked to have been one of "Side Chick's" friends. And now I have to find a book by Dorothy Garlock! :-)
Ditto!!
I just wrote down her name so I would be able to remember when I wanted to look up one of her books. Probably a lot more of us will be going to our libraries to find one of her books.
One more Ditto.
Me too!
Double Ditto‼️
TRIPPLE DITTO‼️‼️‼️
I loved this Sean. Kindness is so important for all of us to practice. You are a very kind and humble man. Thank you.❤️
Pone, you may be the Antichrist, but you a Good Antichrist! But Ole pube still ain't sure bout dis nekid butt thing you got going from babyhood. Old Vulcan don't get no respect! BTW somebody sent me a great video of Trent and RicCy going fishing in Maine. I tried to post it on here but working on Substack is like trying to clean da old mouse balls!
Keep it in da road Mon Frere,
Pubert Earle
Pub, find a way to get that video up and running. I want to see it.
🤣🫶🎣
Isn’t it amazing that when we are willing to smile and open ourselves up for a little conversation with people we don’t know how many become friends because we find we have so much in common, no matter the age. Friends move in and out of our lives. Treasure them!
So good on you for being a friend when she needed one. You made her life better... the tears are good ones!
Human touch extending the loving kindness of God is the best in mankind and a source of comfort.
As gregarious as that woman was, as quick to speak to a stranger, I bet she wasn't lonely. People think living alone is some kind of "near death sentence," but I consider it a blessing! I found it hard when I was younger, in my 20s and 30s. For decades, it's my preference although not always what I was doing. I'm never bored, lack for something to do, or get lonely. I cook when I want, don't have to carry on a conversation if I don't feel like it, clean up after anyone else (conversely, no one makes a mess), or pay attention to anyone if I'm preoccupied. I built a greenhouse and renovated my house without someone whining, "why didn't you" (or "why don't you . . .") do such and such. Visitors are welcome, but not for long. Oddly enough, my many (female) friends, both married and not, are discovering (or wishing for) the joys of living without a man in the house. Which is funny when I think of all the effort we put into finding one we can live with without killing him!!
I agree…..I don’t believe Side Chick was lonely either…..
Agree, Te! Living alone is relished Solitude; not loneliness. And I once described the serendipitous thrill of reconnecting with a kindred soul as "finding the Golden Egg at an Easter egg hunt you had never intended to attend...whose company was EVEN BETTER than the Solitude of being alone."
Te….right on brother!! 🤣
Agreed totally! I love being alone. And when that gets old, connecting with someone is all the more joyful !!
Thanks....you've verified just what I think! I often LOVE being alone, reading a good book or listening to music.
Sean, you’re such a kind soul. I hope when I get that old the younger generation is kind to me too. I hope I will be an endearing old woman who doesn’t demand much from people and I hope I touch lives like you do.
You rock Jan!! 💖
Love you today Miss Jan
Thanks Sean D for sharing another awesome story! Luv it.
I bet you will mention her in one of your future books 📚? Truely, Friendship stay engraved in hearts and the minds of us readers.
Any new "side chick"?
Wonderful tribute for beautiful senior women. Dorothy Garlock, who found joy in writing until the age of 98, never lost her love of purpose! And the Side Chick was adorable in conversation, encouragement and love of life! Their wisdom was profound and noteworthy! Something to take note of….reading and writing should be a life long journey! The numbers add up…..very positively…..there’s the arithmetic!
What a special little lady she was to you my dear friend and what a beautiful friendship you both created and like my mom once told me you don’t have to know someone to care about them thank you for sharing another sweet tender story my dear friend and may this sweet little lady rest in peace 🙏