During my radio career, I met with many program directors. Almost all of them had suggestions on ways to make my radio show better. They were smart coaches who offered some great advice.

Tim Roberts, who currently programs a cluster of stations in Detroit, once offered some simple advice. In prepping each show, he advised me to find (1) a good local story, (2) a personal story,(3) a water cooler story (stories that might get swapped by coworkers at the water cooler), (4) an artist story, and (5) a “heart” story. These needed to be something that would connect with the listener. Examples of each:

(1) The construction is finally done on (local) road! (2) I couldn’t believe how difficult it was to put together my daughter’s dollhouse. (3) Can you believe (big Hollywood star) won a Golden Globe last night? (4) It looks like you’ll have a chance to see the Doobie Brothers on tour this year.

(5) A “Heart” Story

The “heart” story is one that brings about strong feelings. It can warm your heart, it can make you smile, or it can make you cry. The heart reacts to it. I say all of this to share a “heart” story I saw today with you.

Anonymous Christmas Note

Black Sheep Burgers & Shakes in Springfield, Missouri has a yearly tradition. It opens its doors to those in need of a free meal on Christmas Day. Last December 17th, they posted this on their Facebook page: “All we ask is that you bring your hearts so we can celebrate Christmas together.”

The tradition meant so much to one patron, that she left the staff a note. That note brought the staff to tears and now the author is being sought by the owner. The handwritten note begins:

“A very heartfelt thank you for the kindness of you all! It would have been a very boring Christmas for me as I have no family left. I never thought of this years ago, but being the youngest in my family, I have seen everyone leave this Earth before me.”

She goes on to say that she is living off Social Security and has had to downsize. She explained that she is currently renting a room in a shared house. It continues:

“A dear friend heard about the offer of the free meal and invited me out for ‘Christmas lunch.’ Great idea since I was down to $1!” she wrote. “The meal was wonderful as were the staff. Thank you again for making it a day to remember! Blessings.”

Mike Jalili, the owner of the restaurant, posted a copy of the letter on Facebook. He hopes that someone might have information about the author. The writer did not sign her name or include a return address. Along with the letter, Jalili posted, “I’m wanting to invite her to our house for holidays. This is the reason I’m trying to locate her.”

In an interview, he said, “Something about this letter has touched so many people. The whole community is now looking for her. She is welcome to come and eat a burger on us whenever she wants. I’m determined to find her.”

As of this writing, I do not see anything about the author being found. I truly hope that they find her. This story is a heartwarming example that there are still good people in the world.