Letter from Gerry Welch

Welch: ‘Just Pay It Forward’

I live on the lake and rent boats. My neighbor’s renter called me Saturday, August 5th and asked if I would help them retrieve the kayaks they left across the lake on Friday because of the thunderstorms. I said yes and later met them, and we proceeded across the lake.

The mother and her two young children made it across the lake when the storms hit. Terrified, they tied the kayaks up on the beach. Instead of going to the nearest camp for help, they climbed up the steepest bank on the entire east side of the lake. I said, “You did what?”

Why, I questioned, didn’t you go to the nearest cottage? Afraid, she replied. I then said even if the owners weren’t home you could access the main highway by using their driveway. Didn’t think of that, she stated. She did not bring her cell phone and the three of them walked to Cooperstown, a distance of six miles! Didn’t you wave for help from passing cars? Apparently she was fearful of being kidnapped.

We returned across the lake with the kayaks. The husband offered to pay me for my time. I said pay my kindness forward. He humbly bowed and thanked me. I asked them where they are from and they replied Buffalo.

Gerry Welch
Cooperstown