Old Willie, who’ve I’ve written about, I see in and around Starbucks in the morning, found a radio…a little transistor that has seen better days.
Taped, scratched, the kind you had when you were a kid, but if you saw him with it, you’d think he found gold.
Must be tough living in a wheelchair, sleeping under an awning or subway entrance, and I’ve noticed since spring, despite a better wheelchair, Willie has taken a turn.
He used to stay in a halfway house at night, but no more. Was it his decision, the state’s? I don’t know, and he’s not a soul who opens up, his privacy and choice to share are what little he has left, but back to his radio.
As I write, I’m watching his face shine in contentment listening to some early program, reminding myself, the smallest thing can switch on a light as well as an AM FM station.
Later on that day…
On my way home, I see Willie again, parked on 84th and Lex, radio on…foot tapping. I hand him a little bag that, when peeked into, produces a huge smile.
Why?
It was filled with AA Batteries.
SB
Empowerment is a wonderful gift!
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If you saw this radio, it looks right out of Bladerunner. But he’s so pleased by it. Humbling.
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Lovely story.
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Hi Gail. Missed ya. Thanks. His happiness over so little inspires. 🙂
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Susannah, my brother and I each got a transistor radio for Christmas in 1964. We couldn’t believe we could listen to the radio while walking outside.
You are so perceptive to think of getting batteries. How perfect.
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I feel for him. It was a tiny thing I could do.
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Your becoming Mother Susannah ! So sweet of you !
Best,
Hal
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Very funny. You might even have sprung for batteries if you were there.
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Somehow I knew the ending to this story before I read it! It’s just like you Susannah to think of the other person. I know Willie was thrilled! ~Elle
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He was happy.
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What a perfect gift! I was sure it was a sandwich and drink maybe with chips. Batteries are awesome!
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Wish you could have seen his face. Utter ecstasy. Imagine…over batteries. sigh
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Sometimes it’s the little things, not the trip to Paris (although I wouldn’t mind that either).
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A trip to Paris with a transitor radio playing Sinatra could be nice. 🙂
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I think I’m just as happy as Wille right now. After a few days of trying to express this very message to deaf recipients, it’s a pleasure to know someone is out there walking the walk.
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You’re one of the kindest people on the planet Top. You could lecture on the topic. 🙂
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You know I’m never without my pop-up soap box. It’s just that the audiences these days are rough. Makes a girl want to keep it in her purse.
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Nah…my money’s on you. 🙂
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You are such a dear and kind and caring person. Each time I read a post like this from you, it confirms in me what a dear person you are. I am humbled and blessed in knowing you. I consider it a gift to refer to you as my NYC blogging friend whom I have never met. You bless my life.
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You’re pretty notorious yourself DAF when it comes to random acts of kindness.
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you are much too kind! thanks…
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