Paying It Forward

Jim Moore, former KIRO radio sports personality, posted a message about the kindness of friends in a time of need. A nice gesture in tough times, especially at holiday season.

I hope you’re not tired of hearing about nice people. I’ve already mentioned how overwhelmed I’ve been by so much encouragement and support I’ve received after I was laid off by KIRO radio last month.
Today I received two Christmas cards that floored me. In the first one, the note said:
Jimbo, Happy Holidays to you and your family. Find something really fun to do with your boys. Soon they will be up and out of the nest. (Hopefully to Pullman!) – Santa.
I put 2 and 2 together and figured out who Santa was. There was a return address from Silverdale on the envelope. And Larry Tuke had recently asked for my address so he could send me a Christmas card. I knew that Larry lived somewhere on the best side of the Sound, maybe Silverdale.
Larry sent me six $100 bills in the card, and I hope he’s OK with me passing this along to tell you how darn nice he is.
I called him tonight to thank him, and he told me he remembered what it was like when he was a kid when his dad was laid off and just wanted my kids to have a good Christmas.
How well do I know Larry? Not that well, honestly. A long time ago we played in the same foursome in a charity tourney at Kitsap Golf and Country Club, and that’s the last time I saw him, though we’ve stayed in touch as fellow Cougs from time to time through text messages.
Then I opened a card with a typed letter from Bob Viguers of Steilacoom. Bob told me about an email he sent to me years ago when he was down on his luck, and I responded by telling him to keep swinging for the fences or something along those lines anyway.
Bob is battling some health issues but is very happily married to his second wife and just wanted to pass along his thanks. He included a $100 check.
I hope to talk to him sometime this week. I didn’t have his phone number, only his email address.
I feel strange about getting money from Larry and Bob, but I’m going to make sure it goes in one form or another toward my kids. Larry reminded me of the time you don’t get back when they’re gone, and we’re down to a year and a half or so until Mikey and Stevie are off to college.
Sorry to ramble on so long here, but the silver linings continue, and I’m very fortunate and grateful.
Go Cougs.