To the Editor:

I’d like to share a recent experience as we enter this season of gratitude:

Halloween night. No trick or treaters last year, not expecting any this year. Getting ready to go visit some friends, a little knock on the side door.

Open to two unknown youngsters, 6-8 years old, maybe brother and sister.

“Trick or Treat.”

Embarrassed and blushing, I tell them, “Sorry, I don’t have any treats.”

The young girl pauses for a moment, a quizzical look on her face, reaches into her bag saying, “Here, have one of mine.”

I stood speechless at the door, heart overflowing, as they disappeared into a dark and drizzly night. A pack of Little Monsters fruit snacks left as a reminder of a simple kindness that came knocking on my door.

Gratitude for the parents and family, teachers and clergy – for the Grant county village that raises our kids.

I love this place.

Kyle Cline

John Day