Just Sayin': Unexpected kindness inspires gratitude

Unexpected kindness inspires gratitude

During these days of political and social discord, I want to share what occurred at a local fast-food restaurant drive-through that inspired my wife, Pat, and me When we reached the cashier to pay for our meal, the employee indicated it had already been paid by the person in front of us. The cashier gave us our food and a note from the driver. We never met him, but we were encouraged by his random act of kindness and by by his handwritten note:

"Please accept this small act of kindness today as a reminder that all of us have bad days, but not all of us were fortunate enough to wake op this morning and have a day at all. No matter how hard it gets, keep going. You are stronger than your most difficult hour, and there are so many people supporting you, even if you haven't met them yet. Peace, love, tacos. --A random stranger."

It would be great if we all placed our confrontational beliefs aside for a while and treated each other with just a bit more respect and kindness. This Thanksgiving weekend is an appropriate time for each of us to pay it forward.

Robert Ponzi, East Patchogue

A note of thanks for a crucial good deed

We want to thank the guardian angel who, while recently walking up North Monroe Avenue in West Islip, smelled a gas leak and reported it to 911. You seem to have saved many lives and much property. We also wish to thank the West Islip Fire Department, police and National Grid for their quick response and team effort in repairing the leak.

Ed Giuffre, West Islip

Treat maker's crafts with special care

Now that craft fair season is in full swing, I’ve observed increasing bad behavior from far too many people. I'm hoping this might be a wake-up call to the people it applies to.

Those of us who work hard to make crafts all year appreciate your business. We are trying to pay bills, too. In my case, paying off cancer bills. I am so thankful when someone is respectful in handling my creations whether or not they purchase any. A few have commented on my work, and I appreciate their kindness.

Then there are the others. They pick something up, don’t buy it but throw it back on the table on top of other things, maybe upside down, etc., instead of putting it back where they found it. Or they let a child (often with dirty hands) manhandle my items and don’t purchase any. Or they stand in front of my table blocking others while just talking on their cellphones.

Please be kind. Be respectful of the items we have spent hours -- or even days -- to make. If you have children, turn these into teachable moments.

Enjoy the craft fairs. You'll find unique objects you won’t find in stores.

Barbara Diamond Obstgarten, Port Jefferson Station