We met years ago at an airport on our way to a Duck game. I have always enjoyed reading your post, but have enjoyed them even more now that you are on your own. It feels like a letter from a good friend. I like that! Thanks!
So true Ken - “like a letter from an old friend”. I’m still a letter/ card writer; there is nothing better than opening the mailbox and finding something other than junk mail.
So much junk out there... even on the traditional news sites and such. No offense to them, but there's a lot of energy spent by those entities feeding that lane. Appreciate that you are here.
Great read John. I hope Charles is around for a long time to root on the Ducks, and to continue his friendship with you. This is very relatable; forming friendships with people you encounter, at the grocery store, getting a haircut, local restaurant or golf course, to name a few. Special people like Charles deserve the recognition that you have given him. Thank you John, appreciate your writing and the comments from fellow subscribers.
Aww John...now you've done it...Your story about Charles made me think back about my Barber, Bob...My son and I have been going to him for 22 years here in the couve...We had that typical Barber/client/friend relationship most guys have with their long time barber. we talked about family, family issues, marriages, divorces, pets, you name it. Bob was very good with my son who has special needs. I asked him about a year ago when he was going to retire and he said "NEVER, He'll die right there in his shop and they will have to carry him out. Well that almost happened...A couple months ago Bob passed out while cleaning up after a hair cut and had to be taken to the ER. He recovered... sort of...but then he spiraled down hill from there. I heard two weeks ago Bob Passed away. Bob was loved by many, and had trained MANY of the barbers in the Vancouver Portland area. I caught myself driving to Bobs shop the other day on a search for a new Barber...it was just an autopilot thing...Then I remembered, and sadly turned around.
Sigh...Life is short...Enjoy the little things. Let those you do enjoy, Know they are appreciated.
What a wonderful read on a cloudy Seattle morning along with a cup of hot coffee! Thanks for sharing, John! I've always enjoyed reading your stories that deals with your connection with the everyday folks. It's a very gentle and calming reminder of the human experience and how life is full of memories, connections, and fleeting moments. Your stories are what keeps me engaged as a subscriber.
To CrazyJim and John, Pass It On indeed! I had an uncle who made his living running a gas station, and later in his 60s and 70s pumped gas ⛽️ for others in Bend. He was someone everyone liked — he was just so polite and friendly, always with a smile! In his “retirement years” (his 70s-80s) he bagged groceries at a Safeway in Vancouver, WA, and was always winning the top “liked” employee awards. I try to always make sure to thank the cashiers by name (if I don’t “know” them, they usually have their name tag on), as I cannot imagine working all day for the general public and not being recognized personally, and thanked, by those you serve. I was reminded of the importance of this last night after the DNC Convention when NJ Senator Cory Booker commented on how both Joe Biden and MN Gov. Tim Walz always go out of their way “to thank the waiters” who are serving them! We need more of that kindness, courtesy and respect shown to one another, as we comment here on matters concerning Sports, and as we continue to engage with one another in this the 249th year of our grand experiment called “Democracy”!
I am touched you have this relationship with the checker, Charles. My wife was a checker years ago at one of the Gelson's markets in the LA area, Pacific Palisades, to be exact. And she was also so engaging and contactful that she had the same draw as Charles. People like Billy Crystal, John Raitt, and Martin Scorsese would go through her line even when it was very full. Raitt made it a point to introduce his daughter, Bonnie to her when she got out of rehab. Crystal confided in her about being worried about getting a new part in a TV show . I was attracted myself to this beautiful, charming woman; that's how we ended up getting married! But you make a good point, John: one can find a bit of joy making contact with people like Charles. I hope he is around a good while longer.
JC, God gave you a gift and you are not squandering it. Thanks for this gem. There are so many Charles’ in each of our lives, and if we’d only pause and smell that rose.
But I also happen to believe you need to make a terminology change when writing about college football. In the past you may have written about which team would win the national championship.
Now you need to write about which team you think will “ buy “ the nation championship!
There is no longer “ the winning of the nation championship “ , it is now “ the buying” of the national championship. Football teams no longer win football games, they buy them. Massive changes are coming including some very negative ones that will result in apathetic fans.
Certainly in SEC .But bit different now in my opinion. Before under the table and any fans unaware and there was not the easy transfer rules like we have today. Now with transfers and NIL it is wide open and bidding wars for talent.
Absolutely and will ruin college sports as we now know it. Ihave already lost all interest in basketball and football. Oregon State baseball I still follow but sure it too will go way of pros.
I really like your comments Jim, and I think you are right. However, I hope you are wrong. Watched the FSU.GA Tech game yesterday. The Yellow Jackets came away with the upset and DJ did his DJ thing that he has done at Clemson and OSU. He is good but typically doesn't get you over the hump in an important game. The game gave me hope for the upcoming season even if it is only for a week or two.
Thanks so much, John. My wife and I have enjoyed Charles since we moved here 23 years ago. He is the heart and soul of the store, a great mentor to younger employees, and the guy you want for a next door neighbor. He is now near retirement after 37 years at this store. In these many times cynical days, be it the "NFL Jr." state of big college football and national political polarization, it's the Charles' of this world who make up the glue of what is truly decent about our country! Thanks a bunch! I'll be on the lookout for you next time I'm in the store! And yes, we also hope Charles will be with us for a long time to come!
Thanks for sharing this story. I had just renewed my subscription and this anecdote affirmed the reasons why. Love how you blend the sports reporting — what happens on the fields — with the people side and the business/institutional realpolitik. It’s entertaining and also hard news. Keep it going!
We met years ago at an airport on our way to a Duck game. I have always enjoyed reading your post, but have enjoyed them even more now that you are on your own. It feels like a letter from a good friend. I like that! Thanks!
Thanks Ken. That means a lot.
So true Ken - “like a letter from an old friend”. I’m still a letter/ card writer; there is nothing better than opening the mailbox and finding something other than junk mail.
So much junk out there... even on the traditional news sites and such. No offense to them, but there's a lot of energy spent by those entities feeding that lane. Appreciate that you are here.
I think most of us have a "Charles." We are better for it.
That is so true.
Great read John. I hope Charles is around for a long time to root on the Ducks, and to continue his friendship with you. This is very relatable; forming friendships with people you encounter, at the grocery store, getting a haircut, local restaurant or golf course, to name a few. Special people like Charles deserve the recognition that you have given him. Thank you John, appreciate your writing and the comments from fellow subscribers.
Thank you.
Your welcome!
As always really well said Jen GH! Thank you for keeping the bar high in this space!!
Aww John...now you've done it...Your story about Charles made me think back about my Barber, Bob...My son and I have been going to him for 22 years here in the couve...We had that typical Barber/client/friend relationship most guys have with their long time barber. we talked about family, family issues, marriages, divorces, pets, you name it. Bob was very good with my son who has special needs. I asked him about a year ago when he was going to retire and he said "NEVER, He'll die right there in his shop and they will have to carry him out. Well that almost happened...A couple months ago Bob passed out while cleaning up after a hair cut and had to be taken to the ER. He recovered... sort of...but then he spiraled down hill from there. I heard two weeks ago Bob Passed away. Bob was loved by many, and had trained MANY of the barbers in the Vancouver Portland area. I caught myself driving to Bobs shop the other day on a search for a new Barber...it was just an autopilot thing...Then I remembered, and sadly turned around.
Sigh...Life is short...Enjoy the little things. Let those you do enjoy, Know they are appreciated.
Thank you for sharing this Grant.
What a wonderful read on a cloudy Seattle morning along with a cup of hot coffee! Thanks for sharing, John! I've always enjoyed reading your stories that deals with your connection with the everyday folks. It's a very gentle and calming reminder of the human experience and how life is full of memories, connections, and fleeting moments. Your stories are what keeps me engaged as a subscriber.
Thank you. As I wrote, I imagined reader with coffee... or at work... or between tasks. So thanks.
To CrazyJim and John, Pass It On indeed! I had an uncle who made his living running a gas station, and later in his 60s and 70s pumped gas ⛽️ for others in Bend. He was someone everyone liked — he was just so polite and friendly, always with a smile! In his “retirement years” (his 70s-80s) he bagged groceries at a Safeway in Vancouver, WA, and was always winning the top “liked” employee awards. I try to always make sure to thank the cashiers by name (if I don’t “know” them, they usually have their name tag on), as I cannot imagine working all day for the general public and not being recognized personally, and thanked, by those you serve. I was reminded of the importance of this last night after the DNC Convention when NJ Senator Cory Booker commented on how both Joe Biden and MN Gov. Tim Walz always go out of their way “to thank the waiters” who are serving them! We need more of that kindness, courtesy and respect shown to one another, as we comment here on matters concerning Sports, and as we continue to engage with one another in this the 249th year of our grand experiment called “Democracy”!
I am touched you have this relationship with the checker, Charles. My wife was a checker years ago at one of the Gelson's markets in the LA area, Pacific Palisades, to be exact. And she was also so engaging and contactful that she had the same draw as Charles. People like Billy Crystal, John Raitt, and Martin Scorsese would go through her line even when it was very full. Raitt made it a point to introduce his daughter, Bonnie to her when she got out of rehab. Crystal confided in her about being worried about getting a new part in a TV show . I was attracted myself to this beautiful, charming woman; that's how we ended up getting married! But you make a good point, John: one can find a bit of joy making contact with people like Charles. I hope he is around a good while longer.
This is beautiful.
Whenever you enter that store acknowledge him whether you see him or not.
Thanks for one of your best articles.
Always do... he pretends not to see me sometimes, but waves without looking. LOL
JC, God gave you a gift and you are not squandering it. Thanks for this gem. There are so many Charles’ in each of our lives, and if we’d only pause and smell that rose.
Loved the article.
But I also happen to believe you need to make a terminology change when writing about college football. In the past you may have written about which team would win the national championship.
Now you need to write about which team you think will “ buy “ the nation championship!
There is no longer “ the winning of the nation championship “ , it is now “ the buying” of the national championship. Football teams no longer win football games, they buy them. Massive changes are coming including some very negative ones that will result in apathetic fans.
Teams have always bought national championships. The only difference is now it's legal.
Certainly in SEC .But bit different now in my opinion. Before under the table and any fans unaware and there was not the easy transfer rules like we have today. Now with transfers and NIL it is wide open and bidding wars for talent.
Seeking a deal with the Saudi's? Just when you think there might be some ethical limit...
https://www.si.com/college/colorado/football/colorado-sought-nil-funding-from-saudi-arabia-pif-in-unpreceded-move
NIL as currently designed is a disaster for college athletics.
Absolutely and will ruin college sports as we now know it. Ihave already lost all interest in basketball and football. Oregon State baseball I still follow but sure it too will go way of pros.
Is this generational? It seems that the ability to manage is disappearing. Examples: Boeing, Stellantis, PAC 12, NIL.
I really like your comments Jim, and I think you are right. However, I hope you are wrong. Watched the FSU.GA Tech game yesterday. The Yellow Jackets came away with the upset and DJ did his DJ thing that he has done at Clemson and OSU. He is good but typically doesn't get you over the hump in an important game. The game gave me hope for the upcoming season even if it is only for a week or two.
Thanks so much, John. My wife and I have enjoyed Charles since we moved here 23 years ago. He is the heart and soul of the store, a great mentor to younger employees, and the guy you want for a next door neighbor. He is now near retirement after 37 years at this store. In these many times cynical days, be it the "NFL Jr." state of big college football and national political polarization, it's the Charles' of this world who make up the glue of what is truly decent about our country! Thanks a bunch! I'll be on the lookout for you next time I'm in the store! And yes, we also hope Charles will be with us for a long time to come!
“Happy, happy…”
I like that you write about life and the impact of sports. You bring a human aspect to your readers. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks Clyde
Your arc always comes back to these types of stories, and I absolutely love them!
It's always about people, isn't it?
Thanks for sharing this story. I had just renewed my subscription and this anecdote affirmed the reasons why. Love how you blend the sports reporting — what happens on the fields — with the people side and the business/institutional realpolitik. It’s entertaining and also hard news. Keep it going!
Thank you for being here
Money well spent. Look forward to every post. Thanks
Appreciate it Don.
Another great story. Keep them coming
Appreciate you Rick.
👍👍👍! No junk here. Thanks for another terrific take.
Best of luck to Oregon and Oregon State, except on 9/14 😁. And Charles, hang in there Sir and keep on baggin'.
Thanks JJ.