Sandy and Joe’s Affecting Story
Sandy Martin’s “Made in America” (April 2) was one of the most affecting stories I have ever read. Yesterday my husband and I were hitting tennis balls on a public court and a young boy came up to try to pull one of our many used practice balls underneath the fence. I thought of Joe, and the peaches, and that this youngster probably was not such a thief at heart.
He then asked if he could play with us. My husband said, “No, we’re just finishing up, but would you like one of our tennis balls?” He was so happy when we gave a ball to him and then gave balls to each of his friends. As we left to go home, we saw that they had quickly invented a new way to play basketball.
There are many Joes among us. We may not all be able to do what Martin did, but we should be aware of the small kindnesses we can extend.
Barbara Firmani
Seal Beach
*
What a remarkable woman Sandy Martin must be, and what a big heart she must have--and how frustrated she must have felt when Joe suddenly was removed from her life. Her tale only proves that there is humanity to be found in every nook and cranny of our city.
David Graham
Los Angeles