A Heartbreaking Email -- You Would Have Done the Same…Wantagh Long Island New York
Excuse me for not getting back to as many people as I would have liked today. I usually put in 30 to 40 comments per day….and today, I had other things on my mind.
I received an email late last night it kept me up. I spent a large part of today sending as many pictures as I could find of Wantagh Long Island New York to this person…And I have many.
When he wrote me back, saying he had tears in his eyes and a special request, I knew I couldn’t turn that down, either. You’ll see the absolute emotion in this email and along with the follow up came a special request which I hope to be able to do tomorrow:
“Thank you very much for those wonderful pictures of Wantagh that you posted on the internet. I live in Florida, and because of illness, and injuries[due to my employment in the NYC Fire Department](as well as economics) I have not seen or smelled home for over nine years. The pictures that you posted have once more brought to life the wonderful memories of the Wantagh that inspired my youthful life with bike rides to Wantagh Park for lazy Saturdays of fishing, the smells of spring that always promised future days of endless summers playing hide-go-seek, ring-a leavio, climbing trees, adventures in the "woods" that proudly hug the Southern State Parkway. Gentle memories of Wantagh that once again ruffle their flag of hope for another beautiful tomorrow caressed by my memories of home. Thank you again for adding another 100 years to my life. “
It was signed with his full name and address and where he went to High School which happens to be my old High School. He graduated a year after I did although I didn’t know him.
I’m not sure which post he found as I’ve posted so many on both Levittown NY and Wantagh NY but I can so identify with the feeling. Those of us that grew up here will never forget it; it’s part of us. I went through my collection of photos both old and new of both towns and spent a large part of my day emailing photos…..and receiving a joyful, heartfelt response.
I had work to do but it didn’t get done….tomorrow is another day. He asked me a special favor and I will do that as soon as possible. He asked me if I would be kind enough to go to his old home and take some pictures for him. He gave me the exact address and directions but I know exactly where it is….I have a still dear friend who lived on that very block.
So, I missed some work…and makiing many comments…and the gratitude behind these emails touched me in a way nothing has in a long time. It’s not ALWAYS work, is it? It’s the little differences we can make in a life…and a bit of joy!
Just one of SO many pictures of Wantagh Long Island New York.
Maybe, in the end, it’s much more about the people we truly impact than “business.” Maybe making someone’s day is much more valuable.
Wantagh Long Island New York….This is for you, Mr. S: Perhaps you made MY day!
http://www.LongIslandFengShui.com
*Carole Provenzale has been a Certified Feng Shui Consultant since graduating from the Country's very first School for Feng Shui Studiesthat was licensed and accredited in 1997. Carole provides on site Feng Shui Consultations on Long Island NY, Queens New York and New York City - NYC
Feng Shui Manhattan New York City Manhattan NYC Consultant
http://www.FengShuiManhattan.com
**Laura Cerrano is a Second Generation Certified Feng Shui Consultant who has trained with Feng Shui Long Island and Masters from across the Country including Shamans to incorporate Native American beliefs and Space Clearings into her Feng Shui Consulting Firm, Feng Shui Manhattan New York City NY. After co-consulting on site for many years Laura began her own business in 2000 and has a strong client base in New York City, New York.
Hi Carole... Blogging gives each of us a chance to make a difference in other people's lives. Whether it is intentional or, as in your case, an accident of fate. Way to go!
What a wonderful story, Carole. You must feel proud and you are certainly forgiven for neglecting us today.
Hi Carole,
WHat a wonderful thing to happen to you. And, this man went to your high school, too! I think you have just made a new good friend. Great story!
So sweet of you to make that man's day. Sometimes there is something more important to do than the work on your to do list.
Carole with blogging you just never know what word or photo is going to really touch someone. Glad you were able to brighten his day. This is just one of the many rewards that comes from blogging.
From the desk of David Dee,
Carole, that you mighty kind of you to do what you did. You certainly made his day and that is a very touching email he wrote. Material things come and go but the memories last for an eternity. Looks like you have brought him the fountain of youth. :D
I would so like to be able to do something like that for someone some day.
_________
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Wow!! 30-40 comments a day!! That is a lot of commenting. Some days I have more time to allot to commenting, others no. I agree with Jennifer - you never know...
Carole, This is such a touching story. Thanks for sharing. I love the pictures you post of your area.
I love his comment "Thank you for adding another 100 years to my life..." What a wonderful thought!
Thank you for the story....
Such a great letter he sent you. And so good of you to take time out of your routine to make his day. Any absence on your part is completely understandable...and expected from a person as giving as you.
Hi Carole, you are right. Touching someone's life is more important. Doesn't surprise me that you took the time to help this gentleman. And I know he is grateful for what you did!
You're obviously a very special person, Carole. Congratulations on being able to see the forest in spite of all the trees : ) -- Tanya in Montreal
Carole, you make me go "Wow", all the time! First of all, you've been a vehicle for blessing for this gentleman. And secondly, 30-40 comments a day?? Okay, you really are awesome and encouraging beyond belief! Thanks for sharing.
Carole - This is a beautiful post. What a blessing to be touched, and to be touching someone else's life in this way. You are wonderful!
Debi
Carole, you are right, it is not just about business and money. It is these "little" things that make us feel rewarding, what we did on AR can impact so many other people lives. Good for you, will see you when you are done sending the pictures out.
Carole--I would have done the exact same thing! I took pictures of Stillwater and got a few comments and emails about how they grew up in the area or had a romantic dinner on the Zephyr. Como Park, a similar set of emails and comments. But when someone loves a place and cannot visit due to illness what a great opportunity for you to pay-it-forward as they say. What a wonderful gift you have shared.
Carole--You touched my heart with this post. Living life more than breathing and getting the job done. It's interacting with people, giving a hand or a smile to another. It is touching the lives of others. That is living.
There will be other days for comments and work and sometimes that is how we live & interact with others.
Enough philosophy. . .
Carole-what a wonderful wonderful thing you did!
Carole~
The connections we make through the energy we put in at AR are full of promise and healing. You have proven that. Thank you do much for this post.
Carole - It is always so rewarding to connect with those that share our neighborhood roots, and memories. There was the added bonus you provided to someone who hadn't been able to visit their hometown roots in some time. I'm certain it was greatly appreciated! In your case photos weren't worth a thousand words - they were worth a million!
Hi Carole,
What a touching story coming out of Florida... I remember Wantagh, it wasn't too far from Plainview/Bethpage area. I always love your blogs of places I've been or places I will go see, when I visit my Italian Aunt during the holidays. THANKS!!! ;>))
Carole,
You have a heart as big as Texas.....how wonderful of you to take the time to send him so many pictures.
Jo
I just saw the movie "Blind Side" this weekend, and that line they have shown in the previews, of the "ladies who lunch" telling the adoptive mom what a difference she was making in "that boys life". Her reply, "no, he's making a difference in mine". I hear that in you...we always get back ten times what we give out, but you already know that, its why you are who you are, and do what you do! Bless you!
Carole, you are such a dear, dear lady! How fabulous that you were able to help this gentleman put pictures with his memories. Kudos to you.
Steve, It was an accident...except I don't believe in accidents :)
Jane, Thank you...my commenting is a very long list of people I love to read including you.
Marzena, Only one year apart...I must have seen him a thousand times.
Samantha, If somethings bothering me enough to keep me up, I know I need to do it...regardless of work.
Jennifer, Isn't it though? A very unexpected reward.
David, The power of the Internet will always amaze me...and the people that find YOU.
Jim, I'm sure you will....this was totally unexpected.
Michael, I'm going to do a post about my "over active" commenting--it's a bit out of hand :)
Gita, An unexpected nice surprise. What a nice feeling that just by sharing memories you can make someone so happy!
Cheryl, If only that were true....I wish him Godspeed.
Craig, Thank you....if it's on my mind it seems I have to do it....now :)
Jackie, I still have to go back and get his old home. Try as I did to get there today, I couldn't do it.
Tanya, I have much to catch up on....and a good feeling it will all get done somehow.
Deena, My commenting is a bit out of hand...I will be writing about that as I'm not sure it's a good thing----
Debi, I can't wait myself until I get some photos of his old home...there's nothing like "home."
Rita, Thank you for the confirmation. What defines us isn't money or power, it's touching people in a way that we can.
Teri, I don't doubt for a minute you would have done the same thing...as most of the people on here too I believe.
Mary, You're right...there will be other days. I missed a "deadline" but it doesn't matter...it will get done.
Debra, Imagne a 100 years? I'm glad he was thrilled and it gave him some happiness.
janeAnne, Which makes me always believe that the people that are supposed to find you in this world will. And also the clients you are meant to work with. I wish more people understood that the way you do.
Myrl, You're probably right...powerful, wonderful memories can be the best thing we have sometimes.
Ann-Marie, Please call me when you visit your Aunt! I will meet you in lovely Wantagh!
Jo, He sent me back a wonderful, touching note...The pictures of his old home will be very powerful too.
Cheryl, I saw that movie and was deeply touched by it....I just loved it and her strength in keeping to her convictions.
Lisa, I hope they touched off some beautiful memories for him....
That was a wonderful thing you did. Your kindness will be returned 10 fold. Have a wonderful Thursday Carole
This was a precious and priceless heartwarming story to read Carole. I am rejoicing with you.... doesn't it just make your contribution (as small as you think it may be) all worth while? It's what it's ALL about isn't it? Praising God with you and for you!
Paddy, I know you, you would have done the same. I hope it helped ignite some wonderful memories!
Diane, It is a wonderful feeling to make a difference in someone's life...even a small one. That's more gratifying then anything I can think of!
Great deed that you did Carole! One good deed deserves another and I hope that someone blesses you in return.
That was such a nice thing that you did for him! I know I would probably do the same if someone asked.
You are an angel, my friend. A very special angel. :) I am SO proud to know you.