‘We are at our best when we care for each other’
‘Iread your column today about the gentleman named ‘Poncho.’ And he was a gentle man, when I interacted with him he was always kind and polite,” a reader writes in response to my June 26 column on the death of Joe “Poncho” Townsley Jr.
“I too would see him walking back and forth on Lincoln Highway, never bothering anyone, just ambling to and fro. Because our paths had crossed, I used to think about him during the harsh winters, and then, when the weather would break, I would see him.
“You are very accurate in your description of him. He was a man of few words, very polite. I never saw him panhandling . ... May God rest his soul.”
Amen.
Another reader writes, “Joe Townsley Jr. is remembered with such respect. Every life is precious. It is so good to read that you saw him and cared.
“Mother Teresa always said that our deeds are often like a drop in the ocean, but when the drop is put into the ocean, it is forever changed (paraphrased).
“This drop you gave him and us will change many of us. Thank You.”
Thank you for such a kind note. Another writes: “Thanks for the tribute to Poncho. Knowing some of his backstory was helpful in getting a clearer picture of who he was. I had been watching him walk for decades — 23 years since we’ve lived in Glenwood, and when we lived in Park Forest (where I was this close to offering him the spare bike) …
“So sad, and so sorry for the way he died.”
Yes. But I am grateful for the lessons his life has left us on how we might better live.
Another writes: “Thanks for sharing the story of Poncho. Touching and a reminder that we are at our best when we care for each other.”
Writes another: “Good Morning, and THANK YOU, for your heartfelt tribute to our path-walker, Mr. Lincoln Highway. So many of us who took part of his route on our ways to and from work every day felt the world was a better, albeit a more heartbreaking place, because of him.
“And somehow even the heartbroken part felt OK. Like he absorbed all that was right and wrong with all of us and walked it off in his wandering way.
“And thank you, for giving him the grace of privacy and the dignity of keeping his pride.”
A reader writes: “How sad that we don’t get to know about Poncho’s young life. But thanks for a beautiful column. And sad.”
Another writes: “I just read your story about Joe Townsley. I must have missed it in the news when he was killed.
“For years, I would see Joe walking up and down Route 30. My wife and I would often stop and give him money and even clothes.
“I found it interesting that he was hit by a drunk driver as I had a son that was killed by a drunk driver.”
Indeed it was tragic irony. … Also, I’m so sorry for your loss.
Another reader writes of Poncho: “OMG, I was a resident and a retired officer in the area. I knew him, I’m heartbroken.
“He was a terrific person, exactly what we all should strive to be.”
Another writes: “This morning, I had the opportunity to read your piece about our Poncho, and I wanted to take a moment to tell you what a beautiful tribute you rendered. It brought me to tears.
“Thank you for your poignant, respectfully delicate treatment of a dear soul. Your voice and your pen are a blessing. Be well.”
Thanks. You, too.