Act of kindness

The following was sent to Bermuda Memories shop owner Jill Amos Raine in praise of her young Bermudian summer assistant, Deborah Atwood.

Dear Jill Raine,

I purchased a watercolour in your shop and had the pleasure to meet one of your employees, Deborah Atwood. Not only did she take the time to assist me with making my selection but she actually listened to an unfortunate story.

I had purchased "Old Maid's Lane" at the street fair and you signed it for me. The next day, my bag was stolen which contained rolls of film that I had shot. My boyfriend and I were upset, but James took it extremely hard. I didn't want the unfortunate situation to prevail as the memory he took home from Bermuda, so I went to your shop to select a watercolour for him. It couldn't be just any print, it had to be one that reflected our mood prior to the bag being stolen. And it also had to reflect the beauty of Bermuda and the love we found while on the island.

Deborah was attentive, courteous and extremely kind. I believe she felt Jim's hurt and sadness. She also was keenly aware of my mission to turn a negative into a positive. And she did just that!

You see, Deborah handed me her photos that she had just developed and said, "I don't know if you will like these photos and they can't replace the ones you shot, but at least you will have photos. And I hope they will remind you of the good times in Bermuda."

Deborah's act of kindness and thoughtfulness is the most precious gift, I have brought home from Bermuda.

"Bermuda Memories" is truly what I have, you, your shop but most of all your #1 employee, Deborah will always have a special place in my heart.

DEBORAH ANN STASSI

Bedminster, New Jersey

Mrs. Amos Raine added: Unbeknown to this lady, Deborah had also gone out and taken photos of the places the lady had photographed and has since sent them to her. She had not received them at the time of her letter writing.