Post-Mortem Blues

[H2O Man]

21. Beautiful!

Thank you so much for this! It makes me happier to read than I can find words to express.

Years ago, a friend of mine was killed in what was ruled an accident, but was the result of an action by three railroad workers. Not realizing that it had killed him, the three laughed about their "prank" that afternoon in a local bar. In time, his parents asked me what services were lacking in the county for children & youth. I said we needed something akin to a Big Brother/Big Sister program. They donated the money they got in the settlement in their civil case against the railroad, to start the program. To this day, I still hear from the kids that were in the program -- and many of them are grandparents today.

There were ever enough adult volunteers to match up with all the kids refered to the program, but those we had were outstanding. We tried to hold group events so that all the kids were included. That included picnics on a large plot of land -- fields, woods, and a beautiful creek -- that my friend's parents bought for our use. We also did a well-organized archaeological excavation with a well-known university professor, which led to displays in a few local colleges and in public buildings.

So it really makes me happy to learn that you & others are doing the same type of thing! Again, thank you!