“How was it possible, I asked myself, to walk for an hour through the woods and see nothing worthy of note? I who cannot see find hundreds of things to interest me through mere touch. I feel the delicate symmetry of a leaf. I pass my hands lovingly about the smooth skin of a silver birch, or the rough, shaggy bark of a pine. In spring I touch the branches of trees hopefully in search of a bud, the first sign of awakening Nature after her winter’s sleep. I feel the delightful, velvety texture of a flower, and discover its remarkable convolutions; and something of the miracle of Nature is revealed to me. Occasionally, if I am very fortunate, I place my hand gently on a small tree and feel the happy quiver of a bird in full song. I am delighted to have the cool waters of a brook rush through my open fingers. To me a lush carpet of pine needles or spongy grass is more welcome than the most luxurious Persian rug. To me the pageant of seasons is a thrilling and unending drama, the action of which streams through my finger tips. At times my heart cries out with longing to see all these things. If I can get so much pleasure from mere touch, how much more beauty must be revealed by sight. Yet, those who have eyes apparently see little. The panorama of color and action which fills the world is taken for granted. It is human, perhaps, to appreciate little that which we have and to long for that which we have not, but it is a great pity that in the world of light the gift of sight is used only as a mere convenience rather than as a means of adding fullness to life.” — Helen Keller, Three Days to See
One evening I was going back from a supermarket. As I have approached my car, I noticed that some person came and stood beside me. He was the one that could be considered as a bum. It seemed that he had no car, no home and no job. I expected that he will ask me for money, but he did not do that, he only said: „Your car is very nice“.
After several moments of silence I have replied: „Thanks“, and then the inner voice told me: „Ask him if he needs help“. After a short hesitation I have asked him, if he needs any help. His respond was astonishing, I will never forget those simple three words that I heard from him: „Don‘t we all?”
It was a true discovery to me. I needed help. Although I had money and a place to sleep, but I recognized that I needed help too. Then I have opened my wallet and gave him enough money to get a meal and some shelter for a day.
Suddenly I understood that no matter how much money, achievements, luxury things do we have, we all need help. And on the other hand, no matter how poor you are, how many material problems you have, you still might offer your help to others, you still might be giving. Even it‘s just a nice word, you can give that and it can be priceless to other person.
Maybe that man was just a homeless stranger, but to me he was more than that. Maybe he was sent by the Highest Loving Power personally to me, to open my eyes, to show me that there is one thing, among all other values and achievements, which is very important and irreplaceable for each and every person. Actually, it is a true gift and it is called Giving.
Annette Hanshaw - We Just Couldn't Say Goodbye! (1933)
Video clip from "Captain Henry's Showboat" (1933) with Annette
Hanshaw singing "We Just Couldn't Say Goodbye!" This is Annette's only
appearance on film.
Catherine Annette Hanshaw was an American Jazz Age singer. She was
one of the most popular radio stars of the late 1920s and early 1930s,
with many of her most notable performances taking place on NBC's Maxwell
House Show Boat. Over four million of her records had been sold by
1934, following the peak of her popularity.
In her ten-year recording career, she recorded about 250 sides. In a
1934 poll conducted by Radio Stars magazine, she received the title of
best female popular singer. Second place went to Ethel Shutta, third
place went to Ruth Etting, and fourth place went to Kate Smith.
Born: October 18, 1901, Manhattan, New York, NY
Died: March 13, 1985 (age 83 years), New York, NY
Albums: Lovable & Sweet, She's Got It, The Twenties Sweetheart, AND MORE!
Genre: Jazz
Spouse(s): Herman "Wally" Rose (m. 1929–1954; his death); Herb Kurtin (m. 1974–1985; her death)
. 
