Monday, October 31, 2016

The Power of One Kind Heart





Tonight as I drove by the familiar scene, I smiled and wondered how many people get to experience the best of small town living. 
Mel and his wife, Glenna by the hot water pot
Here one man whose name is Mel Wilks started a wonderful tradition of offering the parents, trick-or-treaters and anyone else who stops by the welcome of a warm fire, a smile and kind word topped off with  a cup of hot cocoa and candy for the little ones.  This year marks the 20th year of his yearly Halloween respite. Locals sit and chat around the fire as they watch the mini parade of masked kiddos stop by with their moms and dads.

Yup, I couldn't resist the cocoa and a quick chat

A kind tradition continues
When I asked Mel what made him start this wonderful outreach, he said it was watching one cute little tutu clad youngster shivering in her costume on a cold evening. It bothered him and he said to his wife, next year, I’m building a fire so those little ones have a place to warm up.  And now some of those kids so long ago have their kids that they are bringing by.  How cool is that?  It makes me glad that I live where I do, as this is the kind of community spirit that is alive and well and is the true beauty of small town life.

It just shows how one man can create a wonderful tradition that many enjoy and warms not only the body, but the heart and soul of all those who pass by.  A kind heart in deed, thank you Mel and Glenna.

I for one admire this spirit of kindheartedness and wanted to share a bit of my world with you.  If this inspires you to start something wonderful, I hope you will share what you are doing, as I'd love to hear about it.  Happy Halloween!  All my best, Gayle