An Act Of Kindness

To the Editor:

 The kind-hearted citizens of Newtown continue to impress me and affirm my affection for this town I call home. On Sunday, July 6, my three children and I packed up and headed for Dickinson park to cool off. Upon our arrival, I discovered that we did not have our pool passes. When I learned the cost for us to swim without them, I decided not to pay and herded my disappointed children back to the car.

“Excuse me,” said a gentle male voice behind me, “Were you hoping to swim with your children today?” I explained our mishap to the nice stranger, who asked if I would allow him and his wife to pay for our entrance to the pool so that we would not miss out on a day of swimming. I gratefully accepted, as my two older kids giggled with delight from inside the car. After I thanked the man wholeheartedly, he thanked me right back, saying that we had given him and his wife joy by accepting their gift.

Thank you for your small act of kindness, which took away the sting of disappointment for three children, and reminded me that even strangers care. I promise to pass on the generosity you showed us that day.

Sincerely,

Miranda Pacchiana

Sandy Hook, July 7, 2003