I just got a very nice gift

[Droopy]

and a beautiful gesture of kindness from someone I've never met.

I used to talk to oneighty quit a bit on DU and via private message. He had written a couple of books that he had self-published and he let me read them. They were called "Kazuko", which was an autobiographical account of his time overseas in the Navy and a Japanese woman he had fallen in love with, and "Voyages of the Vicky Mary", which was an autobiographical account of his time living in the south and working as a commercial fisherman.

I was very impressed with the works. Oneighty had lived a hard and adventurous life and he had documented it in a story telling style that I haven't seen elsewhere. I was more than impressed with "Voyages of the Vicky Mary" I should admit. I fell in love with that book.

Oneighty let me keep the copy of "Kazuko" that he'd sent me, but he said he needed the copy of "Voyages" back. He had self-published it and I guess that is quite expensive.

Oneighty passed away in late 2006 at the relatively young age of 72. I was deeply saddened when I got the news. I was visiting with Deja Q out near his home in Minnesota because I had gotten laid over out that way. I was telling him about oneighty and he told me the news. I had the copy of "Kazuko" with me which had oneighty's address on it and after visiting with Deja Q, I wrote to oneighty's family expressing my condolences. I also told them how oneighty had influenced me and had gotten me to write more- the result of which is my "Stories From the Road" series that I have written for the lounge. They wrote back saying that they would like to see some of my stories.

Well, it took me a little while to get back to them, but I finally did around last Christmas and I sent them some of my stories. I also told them that I would really like to have a copy of oneighty's "Voyages" and that if they could part with one, I'd give them whatever they asked as long as it was within reach of a truck driver's salary.

I just went out to the mailbox to collect Saturday's mail and there was a package from oneighty's wife. In it was a copy of "Voyages of the Vicky Mary" with a note saying that she would write to me about my stories at a later time. She did not ask me for anything for the book. I told someone on here the other day that I rarely cry, but I'm going to have a tough time not doing it today.

[Dystopian]

1. Thank you for sharing, Droopy

I just cried reading your words.....a gift from the past, your friend and mentor...
And to think that this treasure from his wife was sitting in your mailbox on Valentines day....
Very happy for you...:hug:


peace~

[Droopy]

3. You're welcome

Thanks for reading. :pals:

[trof]

2. 180 sent me a copy also.

I sure miss that guy.

[Midlodemocrat]

4. Wow. Droopy. What a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing that.

[crispini]

5. Awwwww.

How sweet and wonderful. :hug:

[lost-in-nj]

6. Thank you for sharing this

:hug:


unexpected treasures are the best



lost

[auntAgonist]

7. Droopy that IS a wonderful gift indeed and I know

you'll cherish it forever. I still miss him and suspect I always will.

:hug:

aA

[Droopy]

8. kick

[lizziegrace]

9. You've been given a treasure

but you already know that. :hug:

I'm so glad you have your own copy of something that had such an influence on you. May you carry on the legacy.

[bluesbassman]

10. Thanks for kicking this up Droopy.

I missed it earlier today. What a great story. There really are kind and beautiful people in this world, and it seems you've encountered at least two of them.

[Droopy]

11. You betcha

On all counts. :)

[CaliforniaPeggy]

12. My dear Droopy...

What a wonderful and tender thing oneighty's wife did...

That is a beautiful story you've told here, and, though it's not anything like your "Stories from the Road" I will remember this one a long, long time...

Well told, sweetie, as usual.

Thank you for sharing it!

:hug:

[Droopy]

13. You're welcome, my heart-sporting Peggy

:hug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

14. You know...

I'm almost embarrassed to post, I have so damn many...

:blush:

[Droopy]

15. Don't be embarrassed

I'd be posting twice as much if I had that many hearts just to show off. :)

[Orrex]

16. That's excellent--a truly beautiful gift

His wife sounds like an amazing woman, both from this episode and from everything Ed told me about her while he was alive.

Thank you for sharing this news!

[Flaxbee]

17. oh Droopy, that is wonderful!

He sent me "Kazuko" but I never read "Voyages". He was the first DUer I ever corresponded with and I was so sad when he died. You are right, he had a very unique storytelling style.

:hug: Droopy. Don't cry. :hug:

[Callalily]

18. What a fabulous gift,

and how generous of oneighty's wife to take the time and send you his book. A true and selfless act of kindness.

[Droopy]

19. THANKS EVERYONE!

I appreciate everyone who has posted and will post in this thread. The story in the OP is one of the nicest things that anyone has ever done for me. And you guys reading and commenting on my stories are also some of the nicest things anyone has done for me. Peace.