21 Comments
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Beth Kaplan's avatar

Many thanks to all of you for your kind, appreciative comments; makes a writer very happy. I hate to do this, but I must - just a reminder that this essay is one of many in my recent memoir-in-essays Midlife Solo. If you liked this one, it's pretty sure you might like at least some of the others.

david dussault's avatar

What a lovely story! Fiction needs an Atticus Finch, real life has your Lenny. Great stuff, Beth!

Lin Morency Buckland's avatar

This is a lovely and appreciative story, warmly told. Some of us in the woodland community where I live are lucky enough to have a Lenny too. Every year at thanksgiving, that's who I give thanks for. A gem!

Maggy Wilson's avatar

Such a lovely, heartfelt piece.

Elaine Kalman's avatar

What a beautiful tribute.

Dr Dorree Lynn's avatar

Just lovely. Too often, those of us who live without manual skills tend to forget their gift—along with the heart and generosity of those who have them.—Most of us tend to live within the confines of our chosen safety nets. You have reminded us how easy it can be to broaden our worlds.

Kathy Miller and RIFF's avatar

Enjoyed the read, thanks.

Bryan Demchinsky's avatar

Lucky is the woman who finds a man who can fix things.

Sally Showalter's avatar

What a beautiful honor.

Jim Sanders's avatar

Left me with mixed feelings. I appreciate that Lenny was appreciated. However, what if he didn’t know how to fix things ?

Susie Kaufman's avatar

There are an infinite number of ways to be a good man, aren't there?

Beth Kaplan's avatar

He was a fine friend, artist, and community member, Jim. We'd have liked him even if he didn't fix things.

Jim Sanders's avatar

Good to know. Funny, when I saw this was about someone called Lenny I got excited thinking it may be about one of my favorite comedians of all time, Lenny Bruce. However, it was a nice and touching story and shows the warm and love that can exist within a community.

Lana harper's avatar

I have been to two funerals lately where only the minister spoke giving his usual sermon. Is there really nothing to say or is it that the mourners cannot put words together. There is a lesson here. Thank you for sharing.

Patti Petersen's avatar

What a wonderful tribute to an unsung hero. Great read. I wish I had a Len in our neighborhood.

Kristin Shannon's avatar

Beth you write a tender eulogy. What a noticing kind of person you are - how very pleased Lenny would have been to know that he was truly seen. And remembered. And loved.

Ruth Miller's avatar

Terrific story, Beth, Here's to your wonderful storytelling, and of course, to Lenny

prue batten's avatar

Wonderful story and yes, I agree. I think society is devaluing and emasculating men a little too much and whilst we all know men who deserve it, there are any number who don't.

Linda Thompson's avatar

What a beautiful tribute to this man. Thank you for sharing.