Small Town, Big Kindness

I watch an hour of news every evening. The bad news always comes first in journalism. There is a saying, if it bleeds it leads.

The good news comes last.

I’d like to share a couple of good news stories about my hometown, Front Royal, Virginia.

I bought an extreme fixer-upper on Virginia Avenue in 2022. Everybody told me not to buy it, including my realtor and all of my friends.

Somehow, I knew I could fix it.

They were building some townhouses next door to me, and the workers helped me. They laid gravel down where there had just been muddy grass. They helped me find a plumber. They introduced me to someone who could get my heating system going. All I had to do was ask.

I have a dog, and she needs to run. We found Eastham Park, which features a dog park and a trail adjacent to the Shenandoah River.

The people I see every morning, almost all of them, have a smile. One day I met someone and I told him a story.

It was a painful story, and I had stopped telling it to everyone because I just got tired of it. We talked over several weeks, and I told him about the house and what a wreck it was.

He then brought some people from his church over, and they cleaned up my yard, back porch, and front porch. And the same guy decided to paint my front porch to make it look pretty, and then he introduced me to a woman who wanted to help me clear up the clutter inside the house. I cannot describe the kindness of not only the man and the person he introduced me to, because it was a bit overwhelming.

Since then, I’ve had people pay for my groceries. Pay for meals just because I was sitting in the back of them.

I met a man who will drive me anywhere: Winchester, Library meetings, and eye appointments.

And he will wait for me no matter how long the board of supervisors meeting goes or how long he has to wait while I see the eye doctor. He says he just likes my company.

The world may be falling apart, and news may be depressing, but at the end of the newscast, and at the end of my story, you will find so much goodness and joy if you pay attention.

Do you have a story to tell about someone kind to you? I think we all would like to hear it.

Diane Deutman
Front Royal, VA

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the letters published on this page are solely those of the respective authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Royal Examiner’s editorial team, its affiliates, or advertisers. The Royal Examiner does not endorse or take responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or validity of any statements made by the authors. The Royal Examiner has not independently verified the statements and claims presented in the letters. Readers are encouraged to exercise their judgment and critical thinking skills when evaluating the content. Any reliance on the information in the letters is at the reader’s own risk.

While the Royal Examiner makes every effort to publish diverse opinions, it does not guarantee the publication of all received letters. The Royal Examiner reserves the right to edit letters for clarity, length, and adherence to editorial guidelines. Moreover, the Royal Examiner does not assume any liability for any loss or damage incurred by readers due to the content of the letters or any subsequent actions based on these opinions.

In submitting a letter to the editor, authors grant the newspaper the right to publish, edit, reproduce, or distribute the content in print, online, or any other form.

We value our readers’ engagement and encourage open and constructive discussions on a wide range of topics. However, the Royal Examiner retains the right to reject any letter that contains offensive language, personal attacks, or violates any legal regulations. Thank you for being part of our vibrant community of readers and contributors.

We look forward to receiving your diverse perspectives on matters of interest and importance.