a call came from a director
who had worked with my grandson
on an entertainment project
he and his crew were in town
to shoot a pilot for a new show
the idea is to surprise someone
but instead of pranking them
it’s focus is on thanking them
he was looking for locals to help with the show
those who know ‘afternoon delight’
a local breakfast/lunch spot
not fancy, with great food
an unchanged part of this town for many years
the surprise was to be for walter
a local, humble, and very deserving gentleman
who has worked there for 40+ years and refuses to retire
he lives without a phone
(the farmers at the market let him use theirs when he needs one)
he lives without a car
(the local pedi-cab guy gives him rides to work and whenever he needs one)
he’s never been on a plane or boat
he lives alone with his many plants
his family is the restaurant crew and all who pass through the doors
he shows up every single day, works hard, and is unfailingly kind to everyone
but his presence is so much more than that
he has touched so many lives over the years and in so many ways
after keeping walter at home a bit longer than usual
worrying about being needed at work
everything was finally ready
the moment he walked in
he looked teary
saying, “i can’t believe my eyes”
with the sweetest smile
he thanked everyone for coming
and was told
“walter, we are here to thank you!”
for impacting the town and the people
he had a chance to talk to every person
as we each presented him with a plant and our story
he had walked one down the aisle
when she was a waitress there and didn’t have a father
the pedi-cab driver had worked there too
some had worked with him for many years
or had been coming in for many years
and one after another
each person thanked him
multiple generations had eaten there
and he listened and he smiled and he thanked them
for being such an important part of his life
when he sat in the booth that now has his name on it forever
he told his stories
how things had changed over the years but stayed the same
how life had been hard at times but was so thankful for everything
when he first started it was bob dylan and joan baez stopping by after a concert
each era brought new music and new people
along with people who continued to come in over and over
bringing children and grandchildren
while the food is very good
walter is what makes the difference
why people keep coming
as we said our goodbyes
walter climbed into the pedi-cab,
now with bubbles flowing, music playing, for a ride around town
his town
to celebrate his special day
before coming back to his other home
the restaurant
as i walked back to my car
someone saw my t-shirt
stopped his car and asked:
“is that for walter from afternoon delight?”
when i said it was
he told me he owns a nearby deli
whenever he sees walter making his way down the street
he makes walter’s favorite sandwich for him
walter is a treasured family member to everyone lucky enough to meet him.
“there is a light in this world, a healing spirit more powerful than any darkness we may encounter.
we sometimes lose sight of this…
then suddenly the spirit will emerge through the lives of ordinary people,
who hear a call and answer in extraordinary ways.”
-sir richard attenborough
Your town people are very thoughtful and kind and made this awesome gesture. ❤️
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as my daughter said, it would such a touching experience, we got one more gift from him by hearing his story
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Yes, I agree.
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What a wonderful story of community, dedication, and love. We need more people like Walter in this troubled world.
Best wishes, Pete.
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that we do –
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One of the most moving pieces I have ever read. A beautiful example of what makes a family. Thank you for sharing this wonderful story, Beth!
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thank you so much, it was my pleasure
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Aww Walter delightful story! 😻🌈
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Such a wonderful story to begin my day and my week, Beth. Very touching. Thank you
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my pleasure
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Walter!
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Lovely💝
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❤
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A brilliantly delightful story Beth …you’ve made me smile with the “world” tonight … 🤗😊
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I’m so glad and hope your back is a bit better
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I made a special effort for lovely story Beth .. and now I’m back in bed 🤗🌏
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ty –
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Brilliantstory
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it made everyone so happy, especially Walter
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Very good to hear, Beth
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It’s because of “Walter” that I have faith and I know goodness exists, always. Thank you Walter. And Beth.
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I felt the same and my pleasure to share a bit of his story
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What a fabulous story, Beth, and how wonderful Walter was celebrated and felt the community’s love now, while he can still enjoy it, instead of being praised at his funeral. 💕
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yes, that’s exactly right. and everyone there benefited as well
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Exactly!
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What a beautiful gesture. Walter will remember the day for the rest of his life.
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exactly the hope –
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Thank you, Walter, for your unfailing kindness to the people of Ann Arbor! And thank you, Beth, for sharing Walter’s story here so we can catch a glimpse of this special man, too.
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So happy to share his story
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What a wonderful post. Wouldn’t it be great if the news media reported stories like this instead of giving maniacs their 15 minutes of fame!!
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Yes, and I hope their show gets selected so they can do this for more people and have it seen. Even if not, Walter has had a very special day
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Walter, you are so loved. Thank you for being you. Beth, I just love your heart filled with so much gratitude. And for recognizing and sharing this story with us. I’ll not forget Walter! The world needs more Walter! 💛😭
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My pleasure, and we sure do!
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So many good people everywhere. A very touching story and there are thousands more out there.
The only time I heard “Director! Director” being called was at a bridge tournament. Somebody not following the rules. 😦
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Ah!
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Beautiful Beth, what a wonderful thing your city/town did for Walter. The kindness of others come back ten-fold and it doesn’t take any time at all. Sounds like both sides enjoyed the day and what a beautiful story to share.
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It really was a good thing for everyone involved
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How wonderful that Walter got an overwhelming sense that those whom he considers his family feel exactly the same way about him. God bless all who pulled together to make these moments in time memories that Walter will always treasure! Thank you for sharing this story of love!
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it was truly my pleasure to be a tiny part of it and to share his story
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💕
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❤
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Brilliant quote!
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❤
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🙏
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Very moving. Walter brings out the best in all of us. Very special.
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I would love to have a t-shirt: be like Walter.
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What a beautiful story! Not just about how special Walter is, but also about how special the people are who love him.
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every person is truly impacted in some way by him
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I am crying at the tenderness of this story, of a community’s love of Walter and the “thank you” extended to him. I am crying at the essence of Walter. We should all strive to be a Walter both in living and in kindness and gratitude. This is, by far, my favorite of all your wonderful posts. Thank you, Beth, for recognizing Walter and for introducing us to this wonderfully humble and loving man.
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even being there for this very special day, offered me yet another gift from Walter, I felt gratitude for him and hope for the world. thank you
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Walter isn’t the only one bringing sunshine to the lives of others. You do as well, Beth. Thank you!
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wow, thank you so much, I can only hope to be a tiny bit like Walter –
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How nice to hear a positive and heartwarming story Beth. With all the bad things in this world, Walter reminds us of the good.
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I so agree –
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This is such a wonderful story!!!!
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thank you, I was something I’ll never forget
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What an incredible story. What an incredible man. He is the legacy.
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he is that.
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I love stories like these. People who simply give without any thought of receiving. They are the most deserving of beautiful surprises like this. Thanks for sharing, Beth.
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that’s it. dale. a special kind of person who gives so much, asks for nothing, is full of gratitude and deserves the world.
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🙂 🙂 🙂
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Oh, my, I had teary eyes and goose bumps reading the story. What a blessing this man is for everyone who is privileged to meet him. Thank you for sharing, Beth.
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absolutely – he is a jewel
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💖
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Wonderful, wonderful story. ❤️
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thank you so much, Martha. it was so heartwarming and hopeful to be a part of it
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What a wonderful story! Some people just make a difference in the lives of the people around them quietly and humbly. Such a treasure!
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that is exactly it, he is one of those special people
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The fact that this is so touching and meaningful shows how rare and unusual kindness and angels are in this world. Without ever having met him, I love him too.
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I knew you would, and you are right – he is one for sure
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Oh, my gosh. I already love walter. And I love your community for doing this. It’s like giving your testimonies and not having to wait for the funeral. Prank shows are awful and this is so much better. And I love that it’s called afternoon delight. Anyone over 50 can appreciate that.
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the name, yes!)) and yes, who would not love walter?
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Such a wonderful story Beth thanks
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my pleasure
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Oh, I absolutely love this, Beth. ❤️
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thanks so much, Jeff
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What a heartwarming story! Thank you for sharing, Beth.
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so happy to share this
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I mean, I’m wiping tears away with this one. How nice to be so well thought of by so many people. We need more Walters in the world.
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do we ever –
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what a beautiful, inspiring story; what a wonderful man — a fitting tribute, Beth 🙂
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thanks, John –
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Just love that opening line; Totally inspiring story 🙂
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thanks, Peter
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Inspiring dear Beth. I love the Attenborough quote too.
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Such a beautiful story.
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Thank you, norah
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Thanks to your words, Walter is traveling around the world.
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And in a way that feels safe for him
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So beautiful!
Le sniff… I don’t know you Walter… nonetheless, THANK YOU!
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❤
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Wonderfully beautiful. Give Walter my love.
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will do –
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I love this story. It captures so beautifully how showing up, as yourself, day after day can contribute greatly to the world. Thank you for sharing it.
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I think that’s so right and my pleasure
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Thanks, Beth. I borrowed the Attenborough words…
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great ! he has a beautiful way with words
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How touching and beautiful! With so much disagreement in the world, it is so good read stories such as this, of people coming together to express gratitude to another.
Blessings!
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a simple gesture that is so powerful
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A wonderful story. To all the people in our lives who light up the quiet moments.
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Oh, yes. They are so special
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My goodness! This was a beautiful story, a powerful story, an inspiring story. I love Walter. I love his genuine kindness. Thank you for sharing this, Beth. Please let us know if it becomes the pilot for a new show.
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see how his goodness spreads so organically? my pleasure. they are pitching it to the magnolia channel (chip and Joanna’s channel), and said it may be spring before anything happens. I’ll be sure to let you know –
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Yes, it does! And thanks for letting me know, hopefully in the spring.
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So beautiful…
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❤
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This is the positive news I needed to read today. Thank you for sharing.
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