Reach Out

My take-charge, ex-marine father is failing. He is 93 years old, frail and confused, but still a remarkable man.
On a precious visit, Dad invited me to pick out a walking stick from the collection he has hand crafted over many years. The sticks, polished to a soft sheen, were made from a variety of woods, but each held a spiral pattern from vines that had enveloped them. As I drove home to Monticello, Dad’s walking stick was on the seat beside me.

Leaving my dad was hard. I knew my mood would benefit from exercise, so even though the day after my return home was gloomy, I set out. I walked up and down the streets in a quiet, safe subdivision nearby, walking stick fitting perfectly in my hand.

My dad, my stick and I walked alone, until a silver car pulled up to a house under construction. A slight woman got out of the car and began to walk. She walked away from me, growing smaller in the distance.
Several blocks later we crossed paths and she called out, "I love your walking stick!"
Those few words from a stranger made a difference in my life. Now we walk together sharing bits and pieces of our lives; all because a Monticello resident took the time to reach out.

It's the Monticello way.

If you have a Monticello moment you would like to share when someone reached out to you and made it a little easier, or if you know of someone that is/has blessing someone else’s life in any way, please email goodstories2020@yahoo.com. We will be in touch and help you tell your story.