by Matt Shea
An old high school classmate of Mary's approached her. The woman hadn't seen Mary in many years. She accepted a Holiday Cookie and gave thanks. A brief conversation arose. “I thought that you two retired and would probably spend the rest of your life close to your children,” said the assuming woman.
“We are retired,” said Mary, “and we're doing just that!”
The adopted nephew felt the same realizing that it didn't matter where he was. All that mattered was who he was. He was Teddy Downing and recently discovered something special that he had in common with his aunt and uncle. As long as he was loving and giving; he would always be family with anyone, anywhere.
Teddy stood back and admired the harmony that his aunt and uncle had with the entire neighborhood. He was also grateful to be a part of it. Like a young child at a carnival, he just wanted to join in with everyone else. He weaved through the small crowd and continued helping his auntie Mary hand out their Holiday Cookies.
It did Teddy good to see someone who was a little hungry and a little lonely join in. They were guaranteed to receive a cookie from a new friend they haven't met yet. It would serve as that little push needed to introduce themself and wish everyone a Merry Christmas.
EPILOGUE
Chase Mansfield and Teddy Downing are basically run-of-the-mill people. Socially, they lack in one way only to excel in another; just like you and me. What separates them from most is that they are compassionate souls that put others first. These are the unsung heroes that always have a smile and never ask for anything.
Traditionally such people are taken lightly and forgotten...until tragedy occurs. At a moment of crisis, their halo shines like a beacon and attracts their worse critics. When it's all said and done; they prove to be the necessary ingredient needed. Feelings are healed with lessons taught and people brought together.
Their pureness can also be a curse.
It's common for such individuals to be taken for granted and never being fully accepted. Some even get ridiculed for their decency. The day comes when they continue their life and move on. When that happens; those left behind have a hole in their heart that can never be filled.
I want to thank you for taking the time to read my stories. They were meant to amuse you, make you think and bring happiness. Above all, I want these writings to motivate you to take a closer look at yourself and towards anyone you feel is a little odd.
With warmest regards,
Matt Shea
MATT SHEA
Matt Shea is a developing author having published five books. He is greatly inspired by the writings of Andy Griffith and focuses on the common folk that small towns are made of.
He credits the success of his first book, “The Groundskeeper And Other Short Stories” to his family. The values that were instilled throughout his childhood gave him the strong sense of justice that is conveyed through his writings. The Shea family is only an average American family from an average neighborhood. Their secret was that they were close knit and accepted others.
Matt's mother, Vyerl set an example of being self sacrificing; having never placed herself first. She always cared about the feelings of others, no matter who they were. She even sponsored many foster children despite having a family of eight. During the holidays, the Roman Catholic mom would also have a Hanukkah bush for their Jewish friends. There were years when the family would make Christmas gifts and personally deliver them to seniors in rest homes.
The very table that Matt writes all of his stories on came from a childhood neighbor, Netta Wilson. Through time, Netta had to be relocated to assistant living due to deteriorating health. Vyerl never forgot that she and Netta traveled to see the Vatican together. Care packages, visits, and transporting Netta to spend Sundays at their home became a ritual until her last day. When she passed away, Matt was bequeathed an antique table from Netta. A priceless heirloom that he regards as sacred.
Many of Matt's friends are senior citizens or foreign born. He has the common practice of brewing a pot of tea and inviting them over to watch Alfred Hitchcock. Together they will watch Alfred, share a cup of tea, and afterwards listen to his manuscripts. Sometimes these social gatherings last well beyond midnight. “This is where I get most of my ideas,” says Matt. “I learned this from my mom.”
Matt Shea appreciates all who take the time to read his stories. He loves feedback and offers his email address for any comments or suggestions you might have. Matt promises to do his very best to answer all who write him. His goal is to reach out to his audience and improve as a writer and a person.
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