Mail from a stranger
It was in Part I of the story, I just met Scrooge! True story, where I had a wee run-in with a grumpy old man. I named him Scrooge; it was unavoidable. And so, wouldn’t you know it, I pick up the mail the other day and guess what falls out amongst the bills and useless junk mail? You know it. A real genuine letter from Mr. Scrooge himself.
At first I was stumped as to who it was from, but I knew it was someone who appreciated good quality stationery as the envelope itself was of a nice weight and texture. Then, I saw it. The return address. I recognized it right away, as it had taken me a bit of sleuthing to find it out in the first place.
Journey of a letter
It was with a bit of fear and trepidation that I ripped opened the envelope. I was nervous, truth be told, that he was going to berate me again. Perhaps yell at me for daring to send him a card at his home address. Or maybe he was going to say nasty things, complaining how I had some nerve to park in front of his house in the first place.
But wait! My eye goes to the very professional, personal, letter head at the top of the good quality paper (to match the envelope). Yikes. Who is this guy? What have I done, and where is it taking me?
The letter, as you can see, was typed on the computer and very well written. Another clue. This is someone who is used to corresponding through written words.
Of course, you know me, I had to figure out who the guy is. It didn’t take long for me to find out that in his working days, he held a very, very prominent position in the provincial court system. Can you believe it?! Me neither. Crazy, that’s what.
So, what do you think of his letter? His response? What do you think I should do next?
P.S. I suppose it is a testament to my messy handwriting that he thinks my name is Bev and not Barb. Ha!
What a fun post! I love that he wrote you back and was so – well, un-Scrooge like! 😉 Who doesn’t love getting a little encouragement or thank you in the mail?
I have had in my mind to write him another letter soon. I must get on that and continue the encouragement. Thanks for stopping in Karrilee.
OMG I love this story. I am new to your blog, so I had to go back and read the old post – what an amazingly cool idea to send the grumpy man a Christmas card ha ha – I love it! And the fact he has written back – even better! He could of just burnt it of course, but you offered him kindness, I really like this. What an inspirational idea and one we should all try to do more 🙂
Hello there Laura, Thanks so much for exploring my wee blog. I was as stunned as you at the fact he actually wrote me back! Crazy, that’s what. I’m seriously debating continuing a correspondence with this gentleman. Maybe an Easter card…. time will tell. So nice to meet you.
I love that he answered, and that you sent him the note in the first place! It’s interesting that there are often two sides to stories like this, and trust a good old bit of paper to help sort it out! Thanks for sharing with #PaperyPeep
You just never know what can come about through a hand written letter, right Jocelyn? Loving what you are doing with Bring Back Paper and PaperyPeep. 🙂
I like the fact that he answered.
I think he wasn’t aware that he had yelled so much until he received your letter. Now he is, even if he looked for a sort of justification.
New Year wishes and all… He will always remain Mr Scrooge for us! 😛
Ha, your comments made me smile Eva! Especially the last part. I like the fact that he answered too. You just never know where the story will go from here…
I like the fact that he answered. I think he wasn’t aware that he had yelled so much and now he is (even if he looked for a sort of justification). Best wishes and all… he will always remain Mr Scrooge for us! 😛
Love it Barb – thanks for reminding us all that it is always worth paying it forward, and returning good for whatever comes our way. Not always easy, but a good challenge to take on in a new way for the year ahead. Thanks for sharing!
Such an interesting turn of events Joan, that he actually took the time to write me back. You just never know where and how we might be able to shine the light. Lovely of you to weigh in on this story, so glad you liked it.
Wow…all I can say is this is a GREAT story! I can’t believe that the two of you existed in this way and took the time to write notes to each other! It’s like this all existed in another time and I love it! The gruff man … the affronted women … then the woman collects herself and considers the man is the way he is for a reason and her heart warms and … WRITES A LETTER and give a Christmas wish and gift!!! What! Who does that!?! And then … almost equally astonishing the gruff man, rolls up his sleeve and takes the time to type (not just write…but TYPE!!) a polite and respectful letter and say that he and his wife Betty (the fact that he names her lands heavy for me) send good wishes!!! I really can’t believe it!!!
Thank you for sharing! This is really, really an amazing exchange between two humans, being very human and also rising above their human behaviours and responses to be respectful and kind in a most polite and significant way! 🙂
Beth, I love what you said about this being a humanity story. And funny, the fact that he mentioned his wife by name, also stuck with me too. P.S. Maybe you should write my blog titles… you are good!
I love it!! You inspire me. Sometimes we listen to our better angels. You did and look what a difference it made.
Hey there Dominique, You just never know who is going to respond and in what way. Glad I listened this time. Hope I don’t miss it next time too. Thanks for your kind words.