On my way this past Monday to pick up our Greenberg Turkey in Tyler, I encountered a man who inspired me to write a letter to the editor of the Tyler paper. The Managing Editor messaged me "Thank you very much for your submission and for sharing this story with our readers," which I interpreted (or misinterpreted) as "We are going to publish it."
After waiting several days, I give up and "publish" it myself today, here on my blog:
"On rainy Monday I saw an elderly man at the stop sign on eastbound Van Highway at the Gentry Parkway. He clearly did not want to be there, but his square sign said "PLEASE HELP" in all capitals. I reached for my wallet and rolled down the window. When I saw he was soaking wet, I multiplied by five the amount of my gift. He said, "Trying to get out of this cold rain. God bless you." I returned the greeting. He glanced at my cash, looked over his left shoulder, and called gently but loudly, "C'mon. We can get out of the rain now."
That's when I saw his wife, seated against a chain link fence. She was not wearing a raincoat. I went onward through the rain to my destination, Greenberg Turkey on McMurrey, and picked up our turkey (always a wholesome experience). When I passed back through the intersection, the old couple was gone.
How does this happen to such people, in their advanced years, in the USA with all its GNP? That's a question. Meanwhile, observance of Thanksgiving is a good reminder for everybody to demonstrate their thankfulness.
Josiah Daniel"