Classic Ann Landers

Editor's Note: Hundreds of Ann Landers' loyal readers have requested that newspapers continue to publish her columns. These letters originally appeared in 1999.

Dear Ann Landers: I recently celebrated my 87th birthday, and my wife and I decided to have dinner at an upscale restaurant in Hollywood, Fla. The restaurant was carpeted and had stained glass windows. The effect was intimate and cozy, but it was rather dark inside. We were seated directly in front of a young couple. Our chairs were so close they touched.

While we were ordering, I felt something bounce against my chest. I knew immediately it was my hearing aid. I stood up and pushed my chair back to look for it. I apologized to the young man sitting behind me, since he had to stand up in order for me to get out. I told him what had happened, and he immediately got down on his hands and knees and started to search with me.

When neither of us could find my hearing aid, I said perhaps it was too dark to see and suggested we ask the waitress for a flashlight. We both sat down for a moment. Then, the young man tapped me on the shoulder and said, "Look in your shirt pocket." Sure enough, that is exactly where it had bounced.

I was elated, shook hands with the young man and his female companion, and told them they had made our day. Patrons at another table and the waitresses standing nearby applauded. I got up and shook hands all around. When I finally sat down, I turned to thank the helpful couple, but they had left the restaurant.

My wife and I finished our meal, and I asked for our check.

The waitress smiled and said, "No check. The meal was paid for by the young man who helped you find your hearing aid."

I have written this letter to you and your readers to prove that cynicism is not the order of the day. There are still good people everywhere. — C.W.L. in Cooper City, Fla.

Dear Cooper City: Your story made MY day. I hope that young man sees your letter and knows how much you appreciated his kindness.

Dear Ann: Here's one for your "stupid crooks" collection. It appeared in the Youngstown Vindicator. Keep up the good work. — Constant Reader in Youngstown, Ohio

Dear Youngstown: Thanks for sending it on. Here it is:

It didn't take long for police in Fort Smith, Ark., to figure out who their prime suspect was in the holdup at a local convenience store. The clerk remembered the pistol the suspect carried and the hard hat he wore. The name of the robber was printed in bold letters across the front of his hat.

Four hours after the holdup, the 37-year-old robber was in custody. An officer checking the route from the convenience store to the man's apartment found a plastic grocery bag in a trash bin, which contained the hard hat with the man's name on it. Police also found the tip of a toy pistol while searching the man's car.

Planning a wedding? What's right? What's wrong? "The Ann Landers Guide for Brides" will relieve your anxiety. Send a self-addressed, long, business-sized envelope and a check or money order for $3.75 (this includes postage and handling) to: Brides, c/o Ann Landers, c/o Creators Syndicate, 5777 W. Century Blvd., Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA 90045. To find out more about Ann Landers and read her past columns, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

ANN LANDERS (R)

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