Random acts of kindness
Birthday surprise lessens loneliness
April 4 is a day that has very little meaning to most. Occasionally, Easter Sunday will fall on that date, but most of the time it’s a loser — just another day separating winter from early spring.
But not for me. April 4 is my birthday. This one was my 89th.
Usually on birthdays, people will celebrate the occasion, no matter how small or inconspicuous, but not this year. Being old with most relatives living out of town, plus being isolated by the coronavirus left little hope for any celebration.
So, just as I had accepted the fact April 4 was going to be very uneventful, the doorbell rang. Who could that be? Possibly a ludicrous birthday card from my brother or someone wishing to send me a laugh by registered mail.
But wait: In the front of the house were two parked cars and about six people, all strangers except for one. Two were carrying a banner wishing me a happy birthday and all of them singing the most joyful rendition of
“Happy Birthday” I had ever had the pleasure of hearing. Mind you, from strangers.
The sudden switch in emotions left me tearful and speechless. Who were these people? How can I thank them? I am isolated and should not let them in. Before I could get answers, they were gone.
The story is this: Ramona Perryman is a volunteer for that wonderful organization Meals on Wheels, and as she was making her deliveries, she learned of my situation.
And with the help of her twin sister, Phyllis Derienzo, and their respective families, organized the “birthday parade” to my home.
How wonderful. That two whole families would take the time to surprise and please an unknown old man on his birthday is the height of unselfish kindness.
Thank you all. I shall never, ever forget my 89th.
JIM DEAN
Peters
Police officer’s attitude helps alleviate fears
I was sound asleep and heard the phone ring. I looked at the clock; it was 2 a.m.
Who would be calling me at this hour? I answered the phone, and on the other end was this cheery female voice. “Hello, Lorraine?” “Yes.” “This is the Moon Township police. I just wanted to let you know you left your garage door open.”
After I was fully awake and appreciated what happened, my reaction was wow, what service.
And the way the female police officer handled the call, with cheerfulness in her voice, really helped alleviate my fears.
Thank you, Moon Township police. You are the best.
LORRAINE McCARTHY
Moon
Has someone done you right? Send your Random Act of Kindness to page2@post-gazette.com, or write to Portfolio, Post-Gazette, 358 North Shore Drive, Suite 300, Pittsburgh, PA 15212.