Last summer I answered an email question sent to romo_information@nps.gov, the park’s address for inquiries about the park. The writer wanted to know details about a particular trail near the Alpine Visitor Center. I responded with the information requested. A couple days later the same person emailed with another park related question. In the meantime, I had hiked the first trail. I answered his second question and gave him a bit more detail about the first hike. We had a friendly and unremarkable informative interchange.
Fast forward to this summer. I was answering emails while volunteering again and got another question that was fairly easy to answer efficiently and (hopefully) effectively. A few minutes later I received a personal response on my park email from George:
“I knew I recognized your name! I checked my old emails, and sure enough, you are the wonderful volunteer who tried to help me with this last year. New year, new season so thought I would shop the website again. You never know??
So nice to hear from you.
I may have mentioned my wife, Mary, was sick last year. She got much worse come fall, and passed away on 03/06/2023. She died from something called “Lewy Body Dementia.” Probably the most aggressive and deadly form of the disease.
It’s been rough rebuilding my life again. She’s the only woman I’ve ever been with, and we were soon to celebrate our 42nd wedding anniversary. Didn’t quite make it.
Don’t know your situation, but take my advice: stay close to anyone you love. Every day is a gift!
Best wishes, and thanks again for all your help!—George
PS—I was the guy you helped figure out how many steps there are up to the lookout station behind the lodge. Do you remember doing that?”
I sent a quick note back expressing my condolences. George’s response was to wish me a wonderful summer season.
This interchange suggested that often what we do for people goes unnoticed or unacknowledged, and that’s OK. Sometimes, however, it makes a difference both ways. I appreciated George reaching out to me and then responding with his harkening that life is a gift. Although I know each day of living is precious, it was important for me to be reminded.
Beautiful.. just beautiful
This is the coolest story ever! I’m glad he took the time to write you back… sometimes it’s the little things that impact the most. Thanks for telling this story!