STORY INFO
A Simple Act of Kindness
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Author
Murray Burns
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Categories
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Danh mục
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Update
1 year ago
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Part Chapter
1/??
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Reads
153
Content
A Simple Act of Kindness“The greatest work that kindness does to others is that it makes them kind themselves.”-Amelia EarhartRule #1- Four downs to get the ball across the goal line (telephone pole); no first downs.Rule #2- Pass rusher must count three “Mississippies” before rushing the quarterback. (No cheating.)Rule #3- No catching the ball on a bounce off the side or roof of a ...
Outstanding reviews
I'm gonna keep this story to cheer me up on a rainy day. Good work, man!
I appreciate that. It was a fun story for me to write as that was my childhood. The back alley..the rules for touch football...whiffle ball... a Mr. Radtke...even Midnight Mass at Midnight...I'm still searching my memory to see if I can recall doing anything as nice as shoveling someone else's sidewalk...oh well. Thanks.
Great story and wonderful flow. I was able to get lost in it as it brought back memories from my own childhood and our backyard football games. Thank you for sharing!
I appreciate it. That was my back alley many years ago. Sometimes I regret my grandchildren won't have those same experiences. ". Change", I fear, isn't always for the best. Thanks.
A happy tear is hanging from the corner of my eye:)Now I am doing a happy dance this act of kindness was well recognized with shortlist fame:)
You know what? That was a very nice comment. It actually made me smile. Thanks.
Hi MurrayGood to see kindness prevailing for kindness sake. I think most kids feel like that about someone who seems larger than life, a kind of terrifying figure. Being frightened is part of the fun. But as adults (and sometimes as children) we hopefully learn to scratch beneath the surface and see the sadness and loneliness beneath the surface. An enjoy read with a great message.
I appreciate your reading the story as well as your comments. That was my alley growing up. Yes, we had a Mr. Radtke...not that mean, but intimidating enough that we'd abandon a ball in his yard! I'm an old guy, and I often lament the fact that my grandkids...even with all the "advances" in our society...will miss out on some of the things that defined my childhood. Thanks.
For me, think there may have been a Mrs Rance at the bottom of an adjacent garden when I was about seven. She always looked scary and my two friends who were also neighbours were terrified of her!! I now suspect she was terribly lonely.
Oh my word, your list of rules at the beginning is spot on. It's every neighborhood in America. Well, I guess it was. Not sure kids play communally outside anymore. But such a relatable start! Great character and message.
Oh my word, your list of rules at the beginning is spot on. It's every neighborhood in America. Well, I guess it was. Not sure kids play communally outside anymore. But such a relatable start! Great character and message.
Damn, Murray! What a great little tale you penned here. It's all grit and middle-school psychology, all wrapped up with a little red ribbon of kindness and understanding. Just a fantastic job of conveying some deep truths about humanity without getting sentimental. I have a deep admiration for your writing, my friend, and this story validates your expertise. Nicely done, Murray. Nicely done indeed. Cheers!
Thanks. That was my neighborhood, my childhood, growing up... right up to Midnight Mass at midnight. Yes, we had a Mr. Radtke. I'm sure his reputation for meanness was greatly enhanced by our imaginations...but it did get him a couple abandoned whiffle balls. It was a different time for kids...and maybe a better time. Here's the proof that it's a different time- my 6-year-old grandson called me last December to tell me what he wanted for Christmas- an I-Phone 8! He's six! Thanks again.
Murray, what a great story. Nicely done. Good descriptors. LF6
Murray, what a great story. Nicely done. Good descriptors. LF6
I appreciate the comments. I grew up with a Mr. Radtke across the back alley. Unfortunately, he never "un-meaned" himself. The land of sausage and beer? Milwaukee maybe? I grew up in a suburb and still live nearby. Again, thanks.
That would be good too but no, Germany. It's cranking up to be the season of beer and sausage aplenty as Oktoberfest is knocking on the door! I know America can have a big German community; I remember a very nice area in Chicago complete with micro brewery.
Germany...yeah, I guess I should have thought of that...but, Milwaukee was historically known as the beer capital of the U.S....and, lots of sausages are produced and consumed here...and, my mother was 100% German...so, I should maybe get partial credit...?
I think you should present and receive that award, if only on behalf of your mother 🤗
This story is an act of kindness. You've been kind by letting us enjoy reading it.That was just amazing! But not *just* amazing. I have no words, but I wish I had more.
I have to catch up on my reading. This was very good. You're ready to make an anthology.
I have to catch up on my reading. This was very good. You're ready to make an anthology.
Thanks. I appreciate your kind thoughts...and 1) I keep 4 books in my room; one is To Kill a Mockingbird- Confession: 2 carved figures in a tree may have been on my mind when the whiffles balls were left on the porch...the other books are Dr. Zhivago, The Catcher in the Rye, and...The Essential Lenny Bruce...go figure. 2) My daughter lives in Colorado- Rife- she says it's beautiful- I may be moving there. 3) Yes, Midnight Mass is the best. 4) Ferrets?- not so much. Thanks again.
Nice, feel good story.
Congrats on the shortlist, my friend. The story is stellar, and you are deserving of such recognition.
You see? Assumptions remain what they were. Congrats.
I appreciate it. Thanks.
Welcome.
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