Who's Tad?
2002's Good Stories
2001's Good Stories
2000's Good Stories
1999's Good Stories
1998's Good Stories
One of the pleasures of writing a nationally syndicated column is that we hear from people we haven't met yet. Please join in the conversation by e-mailing us at friends@tadbartimus.com Here are some thoughts from those who have already written:
"I want to thank you for your article in the Seattle Times...A friend cut it out and gave it to me, and I was deeply moved when I read it. It was comforting to hear from other adult children who were denied their fathers due to the Vietnam war. I especially related to the empty feeling they talked about...that empty feeling that has no name, and has no face. My father, Vesa Alakulppi, was killed in Vietnam a month after I was born in 1968. We never met, as he was still in the conflict when I was born. I also related to Ari Harrison's feelings about trying to live up to his father's image. War heroes are often put on pedestals with the memories of family members. My father was also a West Point Graduate, and I remember seeing that on the back of his tombstone with each visit to Washelli where he is buried. I felt for a long time that I needed to be the best boy in the world, and to be a huge success in the world. Maybe then he would "see" me, I thought.
Tears filled my eyes, and a hollow feeling in my chest came over me when I read your article. I have done a great deal of personal work to overcome some of this loss, yet I realize it will always be a part of me, and in many ways has shaped the person I have become professionally and personally. It is not all negative by any means! I do talk to my father, even though I don't know the sound of his voice. The emptiness is the part of my father that I can hang on to and touch.
Much thanks for writing on this topic, and letting me know there are others out there who understand how I feel. Sincerely," Kurt a Seattle Times reader.
"You might ask your parents or grandparents if they remember the original radio show, "The $64.00 Question". This was broadcast from a studio with a live audience. I particularly remember one evening when the young couple had answered the $8, $16 and $32 question correctly. The MC asked the recent bride, "For $64, what is the first thing you said to your husband after you were married. She said, "Oh! That isn't hard." The MC came back instantly, "Give the lady $64." There was a fraction of a second silence, then the whole audience roared. It was at least five minutes before they calmed down enough to go on with the show. " Howard, Houston Chronicle reader
"You have an original in Tad Bartimus. (Have lived 75 plus years. ) Bless the day I read my fist column by her. Always interesting, candid and relevant. She is in a special class by herself. Thanks for her column!" Geraldine, An Oregonian reader
".....there have been so many times that I have meant to respond to something that you have written but I have been interrupted between the time I get up from my chair and I sit down at my computer. I frequently laugh or cry, and sometimes both, over your words. I always think about them. So this is a thank you for your input. I look forward to it every Sunday and feel like something is missing when it isn't there." Kathleen
"I enjoyed reading your "carpenter" piece which I found in the Albuquerque Journal this past Saturday. I was previously unaware of your work but I'll keep an eye out in the future as I really appreciate your considerable skill and power of observation. I am a designer and builder here in the mountains of central New Mexico, with about 20 years in the business... " Ron, Albuquerque Journal reader
"We are having a library built on to our house, and the builder is just like the man you describe! Once again you have given us a wonderful, insightful column that goes off the usual path to give us an elegant look at the real world. I always enjoy your columns." Thanks. Mel, Richland, WA.
"...Your columns are a great hit here to all who take the Denver Post. I think people today are starved to read about kindness from one person to another or kindness to and from animals due to all the violence that fills the media. You have been touching our hearts and souls and we are appreciative of you every week. Keep up the good work!! " Lorna, Denver Post reader
"A round of applause on your 100th. Reading your column always leaves me feeling like I've just had a satisfying conversation with friends, all with no effort on my part. So now is the moment to weigh in--with a standing ovation of thanks for sharing your insights, and, like any good friends, for just being here...week after week. It's a continuing joy to be AMONG FRIENDS, no matter how distant. May you continue on AMONG FRIENDS for years to come!" Hilary, Bainbridge Island, WA.
"I read your column each time. I like your style, humor and compassion. Thanks for making my mornings nicer." Ralph, Arizona Republic reader.
"I teach 8th grade English in a private school in Lynden. We are studying persuasion and other communication techniques. I brought in your article to simply get their opinion. They felt that you made some generalizations regarding society's self-centeredness. We agree that there are too many people concerned with themselves only and their forwardness. is becoming epidemic. We also agree that the salesmen bothering you were indeed rude. However, we thought that the tone of your article came across as a bit too edgy, considering you were targeting people's behavior and almost participating in it yourself. I will continue to read your column and hopefully, you'll soon be writing about the kindness trend sweeping our nation." Sue, Lynden
"I feel as if I know you because I always read your column in the San Jose Mercury News. I like what you say. You are also very attractive in your picture printed each Sunday. I'm sending your June 13/99 clipping to my daughter in Co. today. She lives near Columbine High School. Another friend of mine gets a copy now and then and we chat about your column when we "do lunch". Several months ago you wrote about medical tests and I agree with you. We love you and you need to know this. God bless you always. " Carol, San Jose, CA.
"When I finished reading your column as the sun was coming up this morning in Denver, I loved your comments on common courtesy. It was easy to picture you smiling, stepping back to allow fellow elevator riders to exit first and enjoying your companion savoring the chunk of chocolate cake instead of tasting it first hand. Yesterday was a crazy day. I had three projects due by the end of the day. (I am a freelance writer/editor--but definitely not on your lever.) Since I work at home, I spend an hour at the gym three times a week in the middle of the day to let off steam and stem the southerly direction some of my body parts are taking. Yesterday, on my way home, I stopped at the market to pick up some fruit. Raspberries are my favorite, and since they were 99 cents, I couldn't resist. The counter had a red-stained, dog-eared sign and only two cartons of berries, one of which looked less than delicious. I claimed the other. As I turned away., I heard a little girl say, "Oooh, raspberries are my all-time favorite." Her mom must have had the same opinion of the lonely container that I did and replied, "These don't look too good, honey. Let's look for another treat." In the spirit of Tad Bartimus and fond memories of my little girl's all-time favorites, I turned and handed the mom my raspberries. She protested, the little girl beamed a polite thank you without prompting, and I felt like a million bucks. Reading you columns adds to the enjoyment of my days as I focus on simplifying and enjoying life in the moment. Thank you for sharing your spirit and words with all of us." Marge
Please join in the conversation by e-mailing us at friends@tadbartimus.com
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