dispatches from the new world of work

More Charleston

Sorry about gushing on over Charleston; I did find it to be a marvelous city. On an early Friday morning walk, I observed/participated in one of the oldest rituals of the Deep South—in a good sized city, strangers saying good morning to one another. (Nice.) On a late-morning walk I discovered, among the numerous cultural artifacts, little St Michael's church—and in the courtyard, buried without ado, two signers of the Constitution, Charles Pinckney and John Rutledge. On the street I met—a first for me—two lovely older women, wearing appropriately garish headwear, who are members of the Red Hat Club! In a Walden Books I stood in line in front of a well-to-do (can you still use that term—my PC dictionary's been misplaced) woman who in conversation explained that she was from New Orleans, staying with her daughter's family in Charleston. The reason: She and her husband lost, in its entirety, their house of 35 years. I simply said that I had no idea what to say beyond, "I'm sorry." She replied that a simple "I'm sorry" was exactly right and exactly enough.

Tom Peters posted this on 10/01/05.

Comments

A wonderful yet tragic story Tom - you said the right thing. Less is more and simplicity is the key (of course) Well done, you probably made her day.

Posted by Trevor at October 1, 2005 3:41 PM

Tom - as a resident of greater Charleston...and a Tom Peters raving fan...thanks for the many compliments...we love our city...and we even still know how to be kind to strangers...come back soon! (and e-mail me and will tell you some places to eat you would never find)...

Posted by Shawn Wood at October 1, 2005 5:34 PM

Love the human connection story - now that I'm out of DC/NYC/Albuquerque metro areas - the people in smaller towns are so sweet to visit with - love it!

Posted by Sean at October 2, 2005 9:15 AM