Generosity, fear, fathers, & daughters

In a previous post, I described how a woman gave me $20 after learning I had cancer and was cycling across the US to raise $ for cancer research, after I learned her daughter had recently damaged her spine.

The tower I climbed for the view.

Something similar happened today. I climbed a tower to get a nice view of the Ozarks and to take a “thank you picture” for one of the people who have donated money, to my cancer research fund.

About half-way up, I saw a dad and 6 daughters walk toward the tower. They reached the top while I was writing on the “thank you” sign I use when taking thank you pictures. I asked if one of the daughters would take my picture and added that the picture was to thank someone for donating to cancer research because I have cancer. They were surprised and subdued. I added that my cancer is under control because of a new drug, and I’ve learned to enjoy life more than ever, like my ride across the US.

 

One of the daughters took my picture, and all of them walked back down the tower. The dad stayed at the top, and we talked for a while. I commented that it was great that Missouri kept the tower open to the public and didn’t close it out of fear, of being sued or someone falling off. I added that there’s too much fear in the world today, and the father agreed. We both talked about how TV feeds and builds on that fear. We talked for a while more, and I added that he has great kids.

A panorama shot, zoom in to see the Ozarks up close

He walked down, and I stayed to take a panographic picture. After finishing the photo, I walked down, and about half-way, the father called out, “My kids have something for you.”

When I got to the bottom, each daughter gave me a $1 bill. It was one of the cutest moments of the trip.

There are some bad people out there, always have been, but there are so many more good.

5 thoughts on “Generosity, fear, fathers, & daughters

    • Hi Greg,

      I’m glad you liked it, and thanks for adding a comment–always good to hear from family.

      Steve

  1. What a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing it and all your other stories as well. You may not know it, but you are an inspiration!

    I too, am a fan of fire towers. We just may have to find one this weekend.

    Stay safe.

    • HI Nikki,

      I’m glad you liked the story. This ride has shown me once again how many wonderful people there are in the world. Thanks also for the comment about me being an inspiration, but honestly, I’m just doing what I love, just a bit further than before.

      Thanks for posting,

      Steve

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