I’ve been Internet “viral” a couple of times. It’s not all it’s cracked up to be.
It started with a winter storm post back in my Bangor Police Department Facebook days. I received gifts from all over the country. One standout was a couple of cases of Cap’n Crunch cereal. It was hilarious. You’d have read the post to get the gist, but I did eat a few bowls before donating several cases to the local shelter.
In the twelve years since, I’ve written a lot of things, sometimes striking the right notes and helping other good pages get the recognition they deserve. I don’t say need, because we don’t need accolades or fame to make a difference—Hollywood lies.
Sometimes we get gifts, lots of them meaningful.
I digress.
In recent years, I have met so many kind people through my writing. Some folks take a shine to the stuff. I appreciate it so much, but there is nothing I need you to send me.
I enjoy the chance to scribble words and find joy when someone else finds them worthy of a share, or a like, and best of all, a comment where they make my page the kindest little hovel on the Internet.
I mean it. There are days it’s a treat to be in this seat. But I won’t lie to you, there are days when I’d much rather be sitting in the canoe and drifting under any kind of sky.
As my Dad used to tell me, “The sky can’t be blue every day, Son.”
He had a way of grounding me.
It is with great joy I share my most recent gift, from a woman I have never met.
Rosemary reads the stuff, and she’s been to “camp.” Her memories come from the 1960s, down at Kezar Lake.
She sent me the most wonderful, original, soft, non-itchy woolen ‘army’ blanket. She used it at camp.
It’s a pristine example of the kind of blankets that go with you to camp. It’s green, with not an itch to be found.
It’s hard to keep a nice woolen blanket free from odors and pests, but Rosemary did it. I found her cautiously applied care in the feel of this blanket against my face. Heck, I won’t lie; it feels like a soft bunny.
What a sweet thing to send. She also sent along a couple of winter scarves for my grandkids.
This is a blanket that will hold a place of warm honor at my camp in the woods.
You CAN meet the nicest people on the Internet; it’s just not common.
Except here.
Her note:
“Tim,
I have been reading your writings for years and have all 4 of your books well-read. I especially love hearing about the camp. Finding a home in Maine is a dream of mine, but I am stuck in Florida for now. At 70 years old, I have been downsizing my home. I found something I’d like to send you for the camp. Sure can’t use it here in Florida! It is a woolen camp blanket from the mid-60s when I went to summer camp on Kezar Lake near Lovell, Maine. I can imagine cuddling in it with Ellie for a nap on the swing bed at your camp. If you would like it, please send me an address I can ship it to. No strings attached. You can email me at r…………@gmail. Thank you so much for brightening my mornings.
Best,
Rosemary”
And with that, I pack up to head to camp. Today is the screen door installation day. And I’m taking my blankey.
Keep your hands to yourself, leave other people’s things alone, and be kind to one another.
From the Jagged Edge of America, I remain,
TC
* And before you tell me there is not such a thing as a soft, woolen blanket, I can assure you, Timmy does not lie. This thing is incredible. And, no, you cannot have it. tc
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