A GOOD DEED PAYS DIVIDENDS.Byline: ANN LANDERS Esther "Eppie" Pauline Friedman Lederer, better known as Ann Landers (July 4, 1918 – June 22, 2002), was best known for writing the famous syndicated advice column "Ann Landers." For some 45 years, it was a regular feature in many newspapers across North America. Dear Ann Landers: I am Bea McGraw, the woman who gave the $20 bill to the newly adopted Russian girl on the plane to Atlanta. I am a teacher for the Department of Defense Dependents School in Weisbaden, Germany. You were right, Ann, when you said someone was sure to tell me about your column. I first heard about it the same day the column appeared. I had been out of the building most of the day, so I missed several calls. When I finished practicing with the German-American choir choir [O.Fr.] 1 A group of singers; traditionally the chorus organized to sing in a church. Usually, Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran choirs are composed of men and boys, but occasionally in these churches and customarily in other Protestant , a teacher friend told me my name was in Stars and Stripes, the Stars and Stripes, The Newspaper for U.S. military personnel. It first appeared in single editions during the American Civil War and was revived as a weekly for troops in Europe at the end of World War I. newspaper for the Armed Forces. I said, "Yeah, right!" and laughed. She elaborated, "You are in Ann Landers' column, and I am not kidding." I insisted that I had never written to you, but my friend asked, "Did you meet a lady on a plane who adopted a child from Russia?" I couldn't believe my ears. I bought the newspaper at once and read all the details. Ann, that couple did such a good job with their little girl. By the time we arrived in Atlanta, most of us DID know about that sweet family because whenever her new mother needed to leave for the restroom, the baby would scream. She was otherwise very well-behaved. I wanted to express my appreciation to the adoptive parents adoptive parents Social medicine Persons who lawfully adopt children, who are generally married couples but may be single persons, including homosexuals; most APs are married for what they had done, but I had only a few seconds because the plane had landed, and I needed to secure my luggage LUGGAGE. Such things as are carried by a traveller, generally for his personal accommodation; baggage. In England this word is generally used in the same sense that baggage is used in the United States. See Baggage. , go through customs and make my connecting flight. So I handed the little girl her first $20 bill. I am planning to come to the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. soon and hope to arrange a visit and see for myself how that little girl is doing. Because of your column, I have received letters from all over the world. Friends I haven't seen in 20 years have written. Many people do good deeds deed n. 1. Something that is carried out; an act or action. 2. A usually praiseworthy act; a feat or exploit. 3. Action or performance in general: Deeds, not words, matter most. every day and never get recognized. You will never know how many lives you touch, Ann. I am honored that someone remembered my moment of thoughtfulness. - Bea McGraw, Weisbaden, Germany Dear Bea: And now, because of this letter, you are going to hear from even more people. How nice! Your 15 minutes of fame is going to last a lot longer. Since your letter reached me, I've heard about your visit with that little girl's family. Watch for a follow-up soon. |
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