It always amazes and inspires me to learn that the smallest gestures of encouragement and kindness can lead to the greatest gifts.

I remember a student at NYU writing about how much he loved stamps, and I asked him why he didn’t write about stamps for a living.

He did, and he edits a philatelist magazine and has loved every day of his work.

This evening, the following message came out of the blue, I am not big on nostalgia, but this was a spark of light that brought me great joy. I remember Barry, and I do recall our meeting on a street in New Jersey right after I had quit the Atlantic City Press for the Philadelphia Daily News.

I remember calling my boss and recommending Barry, but I never heard from him again, and decades later, this sweet note arrived in my mailbox just a few minutes ago. This one got to me. Barry had a lot of fun.

I wanted to share it of course. Small acts of great kindness can change lives. Barry got the job for himself, but I’m glad I gave him a push:

“Hi Jon. This is Barry K…from the old days. Hopefully, you remember me, although I am sure you won’t recall the incident that inspired this note.
It was 1970, and I ran into you on the street in Ventnor. I told you that I had a degree in journalism but was not considering a journalism career. However, I had just gotten married and needed a job. You revealed that you had just given your notice at The Press, and encouraged me to apply for the position. I followed your advice, and it kickstarted a four-decade career that included more than 30 years as a columnist. Most of that time was spent covering Hollywood, and I had more fun than one could imagine.
I’m not dying, but I did want to thank you for giving me that initial push toward a career I loved. I’ve been retired for six years, and my wife and I recently celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary.
 There is no expectation of return correspondence. I just wanted to thank you.
Regards, Barry.”

The thanks go to you, Barry. I wouldn’t think of not responding. I think it is often the small gestures in life that mean the most. People who love their work are rare and sacred to me. I am one of them.