St. Cloud Veteran Dying Of Cancer Asks For Letters From Strangers
I was home sick yesterday and stumbled across a story posted on our sister station 103.7 The Loon's website by my husband, Dave Overlund. Because, when you're home sick, what else do you have to do besides surf the internet?
The story is about Army veteran, James Wiitamaki from the St. Cloud VA Medical Center who is dying of cancer. He took out a newspaper ad asking people to send him letters without his family's knowledge.
I decided to pen a letter to him yesterday. It was either that or watch more Judge Judy reruns. When I started writing the letter I thought I was doing something nice for someone else. But, as I introduced myself, I began to realize that I wasn't doing James a favor--he was doing me one.
I realized that during a time of great uncertainty across the country and countless political problems, something as simple as writing a letter to someone could have a profound impact. I mean, don't we all need a friendly letter sometimes? James' request seemed like such a simple and innocent one. Could it really be that easy to make someone's day? The answer is, yes--because, at the very least it made mine.
James' newspaper ad reminded me that even the smallest act of kindness can make a difference. It's easy to get angry and upset with so many things happening in our World today. And, while we may not be able to change the World, we can change how we act in it.
If you'd like to send a letter to James, address it to;
James Wiitamaki
V.A. Medical Center, B51-2
4801 Veterans Drive
St. Cloud, MN 56303