The connection that this story has with trains is the fact it would have never happened were it not for the recent Open House that Alex and Dina Malliae hosted. Let me explain. My wife inadvertently left her summer raincoat at the Malliae's home. Alex was kind enough to ship it back to us. The delivery person came to our door today to leave this package containing the raincoat. They asked me if the package was a train item and I said no, it was a raincoat being returned to Elizabeth.The individual seemed disappointed as they love our layout and look forward to new additions (particularly from Alex whose packages they have come to recognize).
We chatted for awhile and this very nice delivery person, who I have come to know, asked me if I was keeping busy. This individual caught me on a day when I was deeply involved in the design of a brochure for a client who is in the process of raising funds to construct a much needed 30 million dollar wellness and fitness center for individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities. I started to tell them about this wonderful client that has served people with disabilities for over 35 years and the great job they do to fill an important need in our community. This individual appeared to be surprised by my response and started to tell me about their child who has both physical and intellectual disabilities and requires special care beyond what they can adequately now give. They have searched without success for a Program that provides a good home environment while at the same time giving special care to those who have disabilities. My client deals with individuals with these special needs and although there is a process to go through, at least this individual now has a place to start that could prove to be a perfect fit for their child.
So Alex, even though this is not what you exactly intended when returning Elizabeth's coat, you may be the instrument that started a process to help some very good people. And by the way, Mr. Buffet or anyone else who may read this, I would love to put you in touch with some folks that greatly need help to fund this very worthwhile project.
