In this instantly-gratifying age of f@ceb00k and its brethren, an actual, personal, thoughtful email comes as quite a surprise. In this case, I received a pleasant one from H0ward, a bass in "my" choir and, increasingly, a dear friend.
Back Story: At one of Howard's wonderfully eclectic gatherings, a girl mentioned that she was taking harmonica lessons. My face lit up, I mentioned my fandom for Larry Adler and new-school John Popper, and the world discovered my love for what H0ward calls "this much-maligned instrument." This short exchange took place almost a week ago, but he remembered well enough to share this little nugget from his own life:
"Weird memory: 7 August 2001, I was driving (in a rental PT Cruiser) through National Monument, when All Things Considered started a segment with a harmonica solo, and my first/alas,correct thought was "OMG, Larry Adler's died..."
It may seem a small gesture, but it meant a great deal to me. Much as I love DC, I've found it to be a place where self-promotion is paramount, and those in one's path are sooner trampled than offered a kind word or hand. Co-workers scatter at 5pm, and the friends you do make often quickly succumb to this city's infamous transience, leaving just as you've gotten to know them. In short, it's very easy to feel alone and disconnected...and as a result, finding yourself just as self-centric as your surroundings. (As I edit this, I fully realize that I am sadly no exception.)
This email, however, is a classic example of the warm generosity of mind and spirit that pervades Howard and his wonderful circle of friends, who have welcomed me with open arms. They are a continual reminder of just how rich a life can be when this kind of thoughtfulness is exercised - both for the givers and those who receive. So Howard & Co., if you happen to see this, thank you for inspiring me and making me smile.
I am blessed with good friends.
