Practicing Random Acts Of Kindness And Senseless Acts Of Beauty...

I think the story of the Man With The Golden Voice has been pretty widely publicized.  I first saw the video over on Andy's Place and in my opinion, it is rare in any of the media forms to ever deviate from the formula of  "if it bleeds, it leads..."  

Not so widely publicized was the journalist who took the time to talk to Mr. Williams.  Doral Chenoweth III is a videographer who created the video for The Columbus Dispatch. If his intentions were anything more than trying to use his talent to just do his job, I really don't know.  I hope that, at least part, his motivation was to do something kind for someone else without any thought of repayment (at least anything beyond his paycheck for doing a wonderful job).  From all I've read, it doesn't sound like he expected the kind of help that was offered to Mr. Williams, but seemed genuinely glad about it.  I think it just reinforces my opinion that even the smallest act of kindness can have the most profound effect on a farther range of people than most people realize.

Thank you, Mr. Chenoweth, for not only your kindness, but as a reminder to me that not all reporters should be painted with the same brush.  And thank you to his publisher who agreed to run the story.  My small little corner of the universe was lightened at the thought of how many people were touched.  It won't ever mean a lot to anyone else, but in my own heart, you both win the You Made A Difference Award.

Thank you sincerely,

Lemon Stand

QOTD:

All my life I have tried to pluck a thistle and plant a flower wherever the flower would grow in thought and mind. ~ Abraham Lincoln, inspired by his mother's credo, which was 'kindness to neighbors and strangers'.

To Benjamin Webb¹  (L. C.)

Passy, April ₂₂^d, 1784.

Dear Sir,

I received yours of the 15t Instant, and the Memorial it enclosed.2  The account they give of your situation grieves me.  I send you herewith a Bill for Ten Louis d’ors.  I do not pretend to give such a Sum; I only lend it to you.  When you shall return to your Country with a good Character, you cannot fail of getting into some Business, that will in time enable you to pay all your Debts.  In that Case, when you meet with another honest Man in similar Distress, you must pay me by lending this Sum to him; enjoining him to discharge the Debt by a like operation, when he shall be able, and shall meet with such another opportunity.  I hope it may thus go thro’ many hands, before it meets with a Knave that will stop its Progress.  This is a trick of mine for doing a deal of good with a little money.  I am not rich enough to afford much in good works, and so am obliged to be cunning and make the most of a little.  With best wishes for the success of your Memorial, and your future prosperity, I am, dear Sir, your most obedient servant,                                                   B. Franklin

¹ The Duke of Sussex wrote in the margin of his copy of Franklin’s works (now in B. M.), “the idea of this loan is most beautiful and bespeaks a goodness of heart for which one must love the man.” ~ E_D.

² This letter written at Geneva is in A. P. S.  The writer had been declared a bankrupt in England, fell under suspicion of having secreted property, and fled to the continent.  He now wished to return to England and reëmbark in business. ~ E_D.

The writings of Benjamin Franklin, Volume 9, page 197 By Benjamin Franklin