In last Wednesday’s article, I wrote about a man I met in a treatment center who was from New York. In

a detailed description of my

encounter with him, it seemed to a couple of readers that I came across a little sarcastic, which I did. Years ago, my wife told me that I needed

to be careful the way I talked to people.

Over the 30+ years that I’ve been addressing groups, I’ve learned three valuable lessons.

First, that laughter is the best medicine and it refreshes the spirit. Second, that if you love people and are honest with them, you can tell them anything. And third, that people are so starved for attention, that if recognized, regardless of what you say, they feel special.

Last Saturday, I again visited the treatment center and gave the man from New York a copy of the article I had written. After reading it, he said, “Man, thanks! That’s the first time there’s been a write-up about me other than a police report.”

He shared that he had been in

jail most of his life and that the guys he grew up with were all in jail or dead. As we parted, he said, “I think I’ll retire from my life of crime.”

This week, I received the following letter from him that proves what I said about the lessons I’ve learned:

“March 3, 2011

Dear Mr. Keller,

Peace. I’m the Yankee from New York. I’d like to thank you for being a real man. I thought the way you handled me was just amazing. Not only did you carefully put me in my place, you dealt with the issue I placed before you with grace and a certain tact I haven’t seen in a long time.

I can find no fault in you. You are truly a man of honor. I am coming up on the end of my 28-day treatment, and my counselor suggests that you might be able to help me in my ‘retirement.’

I was wondering if you could help me find a halfway house where I can stay clean and find gainful employment. Hopefully, we can discuss this on Saturday when we meet again.

In closing, I’d just like to let you know that you’re a good man, and I’d like to meet more men like you.

Thank you, in advance, for any help you can offer in my personal situation. Looking forward to seeing you again soon,

Sincerely yours,

Name Withheld”

If you have any questions or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call (985) 652-8477, or e-mail: hkeller@comcast.net.