Today is Wednesday, March 6th, 2019; Karen's Korner #3987

Recently my sister Jan sent me a copy of a short article in the March Reader's Digest which she liked. I don't get the monthly publication.

The article was titled "To Any Soldier".

In part, the writer is Damian Bartholomew. He served as officer in both Korea and the Persian Gulf War. One night he was rummaging through a cardboard box with the words 'Any Soldier'. Contents:  a bag of stale chocolate chip cookies plus 20 cards signed by some school children with the their child-like graphics plus questions about some of his experiences of his service in both countries. 'For security reasons', he could sign only his name, when he wrote to thank the teacher for their kindness.

"Around 2013, I received a Facebook friend request from a woman with whom I shared no contacts. I replied that unless we were friends, I could not accept her request. She responded with one question:  'Are you 2LT Bartholomew?' I replied that I had been at one time. Her reply stuck with me.

'"Dear sir,' she wrote, 'We have never met, but in 1991 I was a second grade teach at a school in Ohio and our classroom sent a care package addressed to 'Any Service Member'. The thank you letter you composed was framed and has been posted on the wall of the school for more than 20 years. I wanted to thank you again for your service to our country. God bless you.'

"We never spoke again, but this gracious teacher reinforced my belief in doing what my mother always taught me:  Write thank you notes---you never know how many people your kindness can touch."

****


Back