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The Package

Basil

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Staff member
Boss
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Yesterday, Late afternoon, UPS dropped off several packages on our porch. Most were presents we'd ordered for the kids. Among the packages was a box that had been mis-delivered. It was intended for a woman who's house was about 2 miles away from us. I found the name in the phone book, called the number, only to get a "this number has been disconnected" message.

So, Mrs Basil and I hopped in the Santa Fe and drove over to the address on the box. But the home was dark and a locked gate said "Private Property" and "No Trespassing" signs hung on the fence. At that point we walked over to a neighbors home to inquire about the lady. The neighbor said, "Oh, Barbara S***** died a couple of months ago!"

At this point, we headed home and I jumped on the internet trying to find the obituary for Barbara. Sure enough, she had died. The Obituary listed no relatives or next of kin. In fact it was very short and only said that the person had died on (date). The lady was in her 60's and I thought it quite sad that she had such a short obituary.

Next, it took about an hour of detective work, but I finally was able to contact the lady (in Pennsylvania) who had sent the package. Apparently she had recently moved from New Mexico to live with her daughter in Pennsylvania. Her and "Barbara" had been good friends while she was in New Mexico and she said she was sending her friend a Christmas package. She was devistated to learn that her friend had passed away. She had no idea.

I really hated to be the bearer of such bad news, but I didn't want to just have UPS return the package without letting the sender know why it was being returned.
 
Good on you boss - sad news to have to deliver but nice to know someone cares, especially at Christmas.
 
:iagree: It just shows your strength of character, Basil, to have done so much leg work for someone you didn't even know. I truly feel proud to be associated with you through this forum. Merry Christmas to you and your family. :yesnod:
 
Yes, you did a good thing.

And yes, it is sad to see some of these older folks alone (although 60 isn't exactly old to me, since that's how old I am).

Linda and I visit nursing homes as part of her Presbyterian deacon's duties. It's sad to see older folks in these homes who are alone for various holidays.
 
I would not have expected less of you!
 
When I grow up Boss, I want to be just like you!
Good a ya!
 
Good on you Basil!
 
The most powerful force in this world: <span style="font-style: italic">the kindness of strangers</span>.

Cheers to you, Basil. :yesnod:
 
Basil said:
I really hated to be the bearer of such bad news, but I didn't want to just have UPS return the package without letting the sender know why it was being returned.

Some would say you were supposed to get that package. :wink:
 
Good for you!

This story gives me a lump in the throat, though. I had a friend named Barbara for about 30 years. About 5 years ago when I sent her a Christmas card I was surprised I didn't get one from her. When a letter came in January with her sister's return address I didn't have to even open it to know what it said. She had passed away suddenly that fall at age 61.
 
Good on you Basil, for going the extra yard, you really didn't have to but you did anyway...
 
Some stuff ya just NEED to do.

That was one of those things.
 
Today I was at my kids school office when this young student came in and asked if there were any food baskets being given out like at Thanksgiving. The child said there 6 people in the family. When the child left, I asked if I could help. The kid wasnt asking for an ipod or a cell phone or the latest gizmo or gadget....just food. On Monday I'm going back with a gift card for a local grocery store. Like Doc said, some stuff ya just NEED to do.
 
Basil
It is good to know that you
pay it forward,
and this was one of those times.

Thank you
Happy Chanuka and Merry Christmas
to your and you.

David
 
Silverghost said:
asked if there were any food baskets being given out like at Thanksgiving. .

Did that one Christmas only to show up at houses in bad neighborhoods with 15 well dressed people (read brand new clothes and jewlery) and new cars all over the lawn and driveway.
 
Good on you!
I can't wait fot the day that is
considered normal.

- Doug
 
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