We first met at a Little Free Library. About a mile from my house. I was walking through the ancient neighborhoods of Birmingham. I was with my dog, carrying a little plastic baggy of poop. The antique houses caught the light from the setting sun. There was the sound of a leaf blower in the distance. Kids on bikes.
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.
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!
Side Chick sounds wonderful. Like many of the women here in Sean’s free virtual meeting place. Sharing comments doesn’t compare to power washing someone’s fence. But friendships can develop even with the tiniest of interactions. https://eds-art.net/web-friends/
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!!
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!
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 would have liked to have been one of "Side Chick's" friends. And now I have to find a book by Dorothy Garlock! :-)
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
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!
Side Chick sounds wonderful. Like many of the women here in Sean’s free virtual meeting place. Sharing comments doesn’t compare to power washing someone’s fence. But friendships can develop even with the tiniest of interactions. https://eds-art.net/web-friends/
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!!
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.
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!