The following “letter” is part of the continuing series from the unpublished novel by James Garrett, “Benicia Letters Once More”. He does not plan to publish the book but instead is choosing to share the letters with the readers of the Benicia Herald. The letters continue the storyline of Garrett’s first novel “Benicia and Letters of Love”. Each “letter” tells of love in one of its many forms from a separate point of view. Benicia is represented prominently in the letters because of Garrett’s deep fondness for the city of Benicia. He hopes readers see themselves or others they know in the letters because the concept of “Love” is universal.

Mr. Garrett,
Maybe it could only happen in a small town like Benicia, but I don’t think so. Three or four times a week our newspapers, we subscribe to three including the Benicia Herald, arrive near our front door. I mean that as a compliment. More than one person takes the time and effort as they walk or drive down our block in the early morning to get the newspapers closer to our home than they are delivered. I’m not complaining about the delivery service. I’m praising the unknowns who take the time and effort to ensure the newspapers are closer to our front door. That is especially nice on rainy mornings.
At times the two newspapers from nearby towns are held together by the single rubber band with which they reached our property. Sometimes they are held together by the rubber band of one while the other retains its rubber band. It makes for an easy to pickup bundle. We appreciate the kindness.
One day a few months ago I was outside earlier in the morning than usual and a newspaper flew towards the driveway from a passing car. The driver waved to me and I waved back. Almost every time since then when that newspaper is delivered it is up by our house. We appreciate the kindness.
Some whose names I don’t know care for Josie and me enough to give the little acts of kindness of purposely moving our newspapers closer to our front door. Those are simple examples of love in and for a small town. The small town is Benicia, but I’ll bet the same expression of love is shown across our country in the same and similar acts of kindness. The act of kindness is the act of love.
Mark

James Garrett is a lifelong resident of Benicia and a former teacher at Benicia High School. He is the author of the following novels: “Benicia and Letters of Love,” “The Mansion Stories,” “Chief Salt,” and “One Great Season, 9-0!” He also compiled a three-volume work titled “The Golden Era: Benicia High School Football, The 1948 through 1960 Seasons, “A” History with Comments.”
He can be contacted at jgstoriesnpoetry@aol.com.

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