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Tuesday, April 15, 2008

So, A Guy Walks Into a Bank ------

So, a guy walks into a bank in Boise, Idaho, plunks down his ID and wants $200 in cash out of his checking account. Fine, no problem, says the nice lady behind the counter. Say, she says, by any chance are you related to Louie _____?? Why, yes, I am, the guy says....I'm his oldest son. Oh my gosh, she says....your dad was one of the very nicest men I've ever known. He was so kind and generous...and always had a big smile for everyone he met. So, now the guy is really tearing up. Giant wet tear drops start to roll out and down. The bank worker apologizes and dashes off to get a tissue for the customer. I'm so sorry, she says. It's just that I was at his funeral and will never forget the personal written tributes that all three of you kids did for you father. I still remember them all of these years later. I know, I know...the guy says. He was an amazing man. And, she says to the guy, I can see, just by looking at you and your eyes, that you're just like your dad....kind and nice. So, the tears continue. Other tellers are watching, other customers wondering why the line isn't moving. She finishes the guy's transaction and reaches out her hand to the customer to shake it and say how nice it was to meet him. And she starts into more adjectives and statements about the customer's father......and then she stops short --- Oh, there's no need to say anything else. You know, you know...she said. And I did.

29 comments:

Anonymous said...

*weeps openly*

r. said...

How wonderful the story! Your father may not be here physically, but his love shines in all places...

xoxo

bardelf said...

Wow, what a truly beautiful experience.

Breenlantern said...

I'm speechless...what a beautiful post. So few will have such an impact on those they leave behind...you are truly blessed.

LeLo said...

Oh wow, Lewis. Such a sweet post.

Nathan said...

That is the best "guy walks into a bank" story I've ever read. Beautiful.

Aren't ya glad ya didn't use the ATM? :)

Anonymous said...

Touching story, thanks Lewis.

travelling, but not in love said...

Really sweet. It's amazing how it gets you though, isn't it?

I think I'm really over losing various family members, my dad included. Then all of a sudden I'll be driving along and a song will come on the radio and that's it - I'm gone.

How lovely to know that people thought so highly of your father. That's a real comfort, surely?

Lemuel said...

I'm sure that like myself none of us thought we knew your father, but, based on the teller's comment, I know now that we did/do. And a mighty wonderful man he was/is. The son he has shared with us shows us all we need to know about him to know just how wonderful a man he was.

"W" said...

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Isn't it great to know you and the family aren't the only ones to have shared life with a wonderful man. I'm sure he's smiling down on you all the time.

Topher said...

Just wow.. I got teary here at work reading the previous posts you had about your dad.

Such a really great man, nice to know he'll always live on

Sh@ney said...

Very touching Lewis...xoxo

bridgeout said...

I sincerely have chills after reading that Lewis... what a blessing! Not only do I wish I _had_ a dad like that (I didn't)... but I _know_ that is the kind of legacy I want to leave as a parent!
{hugs}
Wendy

dit said...

Awe, that is so sweet. How nice that someone would take the time. Truly a beautiful post.

Laurie said...

That's it make my makeup run.
I love a man that can cry. It shows
he's human. You are a wonderful
man Sweetie.

HUGS!!

Anonymous said...

A beautifully written story! I needed two handkerchiefs to dry my tears.

Birdie said...

This wonderful, serendipitous memorial to your dad left me sweetly melancholy. It is two days to the anniversary of my father's death, and it is difficult to move through it—even 36 years later. Like you, the memories serve to change me. Our fathers live on through us, if we're lucky.

Trailhead said...

Wow. That must have been good to hear.

Ur-spo said...

that is sweet.

Billy said...

That is truly amazing. I can only hope to have an ounce of that kind of impact on others...

Java said...

Oh how special! Boise was a good trip for you, wasn't it?
Blessings, dear Lewis.

LSL said...

What a wonderful, wonderful story. And from what you've told us about your dad, you are just like him. Thanks for sharing this.

Blair said...

Lewis, I only know your father through stories and pictures we have shared over our last 10 years together, but from what I know of him, and how I know you, I am truly the lucky one. You walk in his big shoes each and every day. You carry his legacy. His love for humanlife. His sense of adventure and seeking to experience new things. I am the blessed one to know each of you and be a part of your wonderful family!

Anonymous said...

Wow, what a great story!! :) We all have great stories like that about our parents. Luckily, both of mine are still with me. I almost cried reading what you wrote!! :)

Grego

Rick Rockhill said...

oh that was very sweet of her,a fitting tribute to dad

Anonymous said...

At least the others didn't think the teller was fending off a robber when they were wondering about the commotion! ;-)
Lovely story. Thank you for sharing!

WAT said...

This is how I want to be remembered, positively and with joy by others.

dpaste said...

How lovely.

Greg said...

That's probably one of the nicest posts I've ever read. (((hugs)))