Appreciated Service

I figure that often enough, I use this forum to complain about what goes wrong. It's only fair I share a story about something gone right.

Yesterday, I found my grandfather's obituary in the online edition of Medford's newspaper, The Mail Tribune. Today, I called to see if I could have a print copy of the paper sent to me, so I could save the obituary.

The first lady who answered the phone said she'd be glad to, but suggested I first verify the obit was actually in the same day's print edition. So, she transferred me to the newsroom.

The lady there confimred the two editions were dated the same, but then went the next step: she asked if all I wanted was the obit, and if so, she would be glad to just mail me a "tear-sheet" of that page, no charge. She confirmed the name of the person I was looking for, took my name and address, and put it in the mail. Who knows, maybe it's a common practice. But to me, that was an unexpected — and very much appreciated — kindness.

For the curious, the obit reads as follows:

___, 86, of Medford, died Jan. 31, 2004. He is survived by wife, a son, two brothers, one sister, two daughters-in-law, three grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and many friends. At his request, there will be no viewing or service.