Last night we opened up our "launching" of the book Beautiful Nate at an eclectic and quirky pre-loved book store owned by a dear friend of mine, Jem Wierenga.
It was an open house with some structure to it. I was honored to read a couple of segments from the book. My bride, Susan, spoke as did our daughter, Meg.
At the event were some wonderful friends - coming to show support for this rather large undertaking. It seemed so appropriate that beginning a big project starts with one small act of kindness or duty at a time. One small book signing....
My act of duty was to hold the event. Their acts of kindness involved attending the event.
One person in attendance was my friend, Dave Arthur, a longtime radio personality in the tri-state area of Washington, Oregon and Idaho. In Idaho, Dave is heard every morning on 89.5 fm KTSY.
Dave came and just sat - he came to encourage me, not to speak, not to be a "celebrity", just to be my friend. At one point I asked Dave to say a word and his voice was measured and conversational and no one there would have known that he was a powerhouse in radio. His voice was tender and "normal" if you know what I mean.
Dave and I have known each other for 22 years. We've both been "up" and we've both seen each other "down" - career, health, attitude (you fill in the blank). He is a friend, in deed. He knew Nate.
I spoke by phone with Dave just a little bit after Nate had passed away, four years ago. He drove many hours to be at my son's funeral.
And he made it to the book launch last night, though the trip as a re-acquaintd native to Idaho was much shorter this time.
I'm grateful for friends who care about helping people, like Dave Arthur does. He is an example to me because he helps people who can never help him back.
May my work through the book (or here on the blog and elsewhere) help you.
Den
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