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Letters Of Gratitude

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A Tribune Staff Report

Published: September 23, 2007

Just when you think everyone's out to get the other guy or out for himself, along comes National Thank You Day.

And the stories pour forth.

Older people grateful for the aid of young strangers.

Husbands and wives who live true love every day.

Employees whose bosses care as much, or more, about people as they do work.

Today is the first National Thank You Day, sponsored by the Emily Post Institute and merci European chocolates to recognize everyday acts of kindness and good deeds.

"Thank you" is underappreciated, says etiquette expert and author Peggy Post.

"These words, when sincerely expressed in any form, can bring happiness, change attitudes and influence people."

But people who intend to say it sometimes never get around to it.

We asked readers if they had an overdue "thank you," and we were amazed by their stories. They tell of kind people, unselfish people, heroic people.

Apparently, there are countless people out there looking out for one another.

Steve Kornacki and Penny Carnathan

After over 14 years of marriage, I still have a crush on this wonderful man. Phil Dubord came into my life at a time when I thought the last thing I needed was yet another man, another failed relationship. How can you thank someone for bringing laughter back into your life? For unconditionally loving your three sons as if they were his biological children? For giving me back my belief in marriage and "happily ever after"?

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Beverly Dubord

New Tampa

I would like to thank Helga Palma, activities director at Beacon Pointe of Tampa. … My husband has been in three other homes and my mother in four and I've never encountered a person like Helga. She is a very considerate and loving person to everyone. She makes every day special. … She gives of her personal time to make life good for the residents.

Eileen Wilkinson

Tampa

Mr. Steinbrenner (George, if I may),

We want to thank you so much for bringing Legends Field to baseball lovers in the Tampa area. … This will be our 13th season. We chose our seats when they were building the stadium. Every year we look forward to seeing our fellow Yankee fans that have become so dear to us - Oh look, there's Jose and Maria! There's Clare and Tom. … We really know it's the start of our year when we look back and see you quietly sitting in your box.

Sue and Gene Camp

Tampa

Yes, it has been years, but I always meant to send a thank-you card to the power company workers for restoring our power after hurricanes Charley, Jeanne, etc., to the newspaper folks for continuing to deliver the paper in very nasty weather, and to the phone company workers who restored our phone lines …

Sometimes people don't appreciate things until they are gone.

Julie Meisner

Tampa

I want to thank my wife, Melody …

Since I was diagnosed with cancer in February you have always been by my side. You have been there in the middle of the night for me to reach out to when I was in pain, and you never complained when I called on you to make those midnight trips to the emergency room.

You forced me to eat when I couldn't even look at food, and when I didn't want to face another day, or another procedure, you told me, "Let's do it together."

Never once did you complain, and never once at the end of an exhausting day did you go to sleep without telling me how much you loved me.

Because of you I am on my way to a full recovery.

Ross Greco

Tampa

I would like to thank my ex-husband, Mike Hare. Even though we are divorced, Mike is always there for me. Whenever I am lonely or need someone to talk to, Mike listens patiently and gives me the advice I need to hear. … Mike is a very wise man.

Some people have to age and mature to appreciate all the good things about other people.

Thanks, Mike.

June Simpson-Hare

Hernando Beach

For me, [teachers] Mrs. Dunn and Miss Lavin set the standard for all others to follow. I had always planned to go back and tell my kindergarten and first-grade teachers how much I appreciated them. I wanted to tell them that they were not just doing a job, but gave this student a priceless gift for which he was forever grateful. I am now in my 70s and would like to set the record straight. Wherever you are, Mrs. Dunn and Miss Lavin, I have never forgotten you.

Charles E. Spears

Hudson

Last summer, [former Tribune columnist] Judy Hill did a series in hopes of getting our family a custom wheelchair van. My son Taylor has Duchene's Muscular Dystrophy and is in a motorized chair. … We had a standard minivan with the middle seat taken out and Taylor's chair strapped in with bungee cords. It wasn't practical or safe so we really didn't go anywhere. …

The people of Tampa Bay responded spectacularly!

Let me tell you how this van has changed our lives. … We go to MOSI, the zoo. We even went to the beach. We get to do stuff normal families do.

What I would like to say is this to the people of Tampa Bay: Thank you so much.

Melanie DeLeon

Tampa

I would like to thank the young girl who came to my assistance on April 22, 2005, when my car was hit by a semi at Route 60 and Gornto Lake Road in Brandon. She witnessed the accident, called the police and stayed with me until things were resolved. I was upset from the accident although thankfully not injured. I learned she broke a doctor's appointment to stay with me.

On my way home I realized I had not obtained her name and address … I tried to get it from the police and insurance company but was unable.

I would really like to thank her. It meant so much to me.

Phyllis Morgan

Sun City Center

Heading for the city bus from Publix on North Nebraska Avenue in June, I tripped and fell over my grocery bags. A young man came running to pick me up, then an older man was behind him helping. Then two young women gave me a ride home. I wrote their names, Melissa and Crystal, on my calendar to remember. I didn't know the two men's names.

If they read this, they'll know they are all thought of as true heroes and not forgotten by me.

Polly Browning

Tampa

I spent more than five years with Aubrey Lee and Co. I ran the office. Mr. Lee was kind, generous and thoughtful. This young girl (me) gained a lot of confidence and self-esteem working for him, so much so that I decided to spread my wings. I was hired by TWA Airlines as an airline hostess (that's what we were called back then). How incredibly exciting!

Arline Kluger

Sun City Center

I need to thank my mom and dad, George and Ilse Roberts, for years and years of love and devotion. For all the tears they have dried from my cheeks, the wonderful advice they shared (only when asked), the millions of gifts and cards sent for no reason other than they knew they would bring a smile to my face during a difficult time.

They are the best and I am so proud to say they are mine.

Lisa Naktin

Riverview

I am the director of admissions at Zephyr Haven Health and Rehab in Zephyrhills. Lea McKenney has been my boss for over 10 years. This is one of the few people I've known through my life who talks the talk but also walks the walk, a walk of compassion, understanding, empathy, love and a care for others that never fails to amaze me.

I know most folks would never consider wanting to express a special thank you to their boss. I am honored to call her my friend as well as my boss.

Bev J. Gregorio

Zephyrhills

I'd like to say thank you to a former employer, Dr. Jerry Gregory, a Tampa veterinarian. He has always treated me and all his employees and clients as if they were his friend. He talked to you as a friend and equal, not just an employee. He believed in me at a time when I wasn't so sure about myself. I know it made a big impact on who I am today.

Lynn Plazewski

San Antonio

I want to thank every member of the E.R. and I.C.U. staffs in every medical facility. Due to the intensity of their departments, people usually avoid going back to the scene and giving thanks. Seeing the look on their faces when I was able to tell them in person is something I will never forget.

James Jones

Tampa

Our elderly parents recently died leaving a tremendous void in our lives, and then two healers introduced themselves to us. As it turns out they had special powers to breathe new life into our souls. They've asked very little in return; they easily settle for a smile, bottle of milk and a dry diaper. Yes, the healers are our deceased parents' great grandsons, Jason and Joseph Conte.

Diane Conte and Millie Coton

Tampa

To the Dowdell Magnet School Sunshine Committee, thanks for honoring me with a retirement party. A special thanks to Principal Robert Lawson for including my family members.

I miss you all.

Carroll Mitchell

Tampa

My husband died suddenly in December leaving me alone with no family in Tampa and no transportation. At the time of a loss you hear a lot of "I'm sorry, if I can do anything" remarks that are well meant but not usually followed through. You rarely hear "I know you don't drive and probably need groceries and pet food. Come with me next Saturday and we'll do lunch, too."

Josephine has made this offer several times. I am especially gratified since we were more working acquaintances than close friends. I always thank her but feel she deserves a special thanks.

Pat Askew

Tampa

My two daughters, Cindee and Kristi, both grown with families of their own, both with full-time jobs, still they have all the time in the world for me. I have taken them for granted all these years because they have always been there for me.

Thank you, girls.

Claudia Orme

Lutz

I was very lucky to be able to do my veterinary technician internship with Dr. Eddie Garcia. He helped start my 30-year career in the most wonderful way possible. I went on to work in four different areas of veterinary medicine, with more than 100 different veterinarians and veterinary interns. Although took wonderful care of their patients, few did it with the grace, compassion and empathy that Dr. Garcia did. I appreciate the direction he gave me, and the milkshakes he treated the staff to every Thursday night.

Mary Randle Port

Lutz

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