Hi. We hardly know each other. And I know this won’t mean much coming from a stranger like me, but I have to say it:
I’m sorry.
I mean it. I am sorry. I’m sorry about the big and the little things that happen to you.
I’m sorry you didn’t sleep last night. I’m sorry your back hurts. And I’m sorry about the long-term repercussions of fiscal American inflation.
Also: I’m sorry you don’t laugh as often as you used to. I’m sorry money doesn’t grow in the backyard—God help me, I am.
I know what it means to work long hours and get nothing but a bloody lip in return.
I’m sorry your car won’t start. I’m sorry alternators cost more than booze-cruises to Barbados.
I’m sorry that every time you get some money saved, your roof begins leaking, your water-heater goes out, your toilet backs up, or you need a root canal.
I’m double-sorry about the root canal.
I’m sorry your dog died. And for the sour feelings you get when you see the empty food-bowl on your kitchen floor.
I miss every good dog I’ve ever owned.
I’m sorry your loved one died recently. I’m sorry grief has become a permanent part of you, and that your heart has been polished with a cheese grater.
I’m sorry the doctor said you need surgery. I’m sorry you’re diabetic. I’m sorry your entire world caved in when they said, “Ma’am, you have cancer.”
I’m sorry you have felt sick and rundown for so long that you don’t remember what the old you felt like.
I’m sorry life doesn’t go the way we want it. I’m sorry the clock runs out too quickly, and that our bodies don’t last longer.
I’m extra-sorry for anyone who feels unimportant.
I know what it’s like to lose your confidence. Confidence is a funny thing. Once you lose it, you can’t get it back.
Such losses cause you look carefully into mirrors. But, even though you stare long and hard, you don’t see what’s really there. Instead, you see a dumb face, a big nose, and two ugly eyes.
Then you walk through life, thinking of yourself as small.
Maybe you cry in the shower, so nobody hears you. Maybe you wear false smiles in public, so nobody sees you.
Maybe you can’t remember the last time anyone listened to you—and I mean, REALLY listened.
And all this makes you wonder. You wonder when things will get better. You wonder when someone will touch your shoulder and tell you they love you—with no strings attached.
Well, I’m a painfully mediocre man. I drive a rundown truck that leaks oil. I have no achievements, and no credibility to my hillbilly name. You don’t know me, and you have no reason to keep reading my ten-cent words.
But, there are a few things I believe:
I believe in good. I believe in you. I believe that you’re stronger than you think. And I believe that you are beautiful.
You are so beautiful, in fact, that a complete stranger stayed up very late tonight, writing what you just read.
Anyway.
I just wanted to tell you that I love you.
121 comments
Alice cooper - August 31, 2017 1:15 pm
Thank you for your inspiring words…I really needed them this morning!
Melanie Tighe - August 31, 2017 1:17 pm
Thank you Sean. (((Hugs)))
Jill - August 31, 2017 1:19 pm
As I read this morning, suddenly I felt as if a dam had opened allowing a flood of hurt to flow.
Cyndia - October 15, 2017 5:02 pm
Me too, Jill. It was my birthday Friday, and it kinda sucked. I’m just tired and hurting and sick of both
Shana - August 31, 2017 1:21 pm
Thank you. From me and everyone else that needs this today. You are truly gifted.
Jean - August 31, 2017 1:21 pm
And, we love you too!
Cynthia Willson - August 31, 2017 1:22 pm
Because of your story I will pause a few moments to listen to others today, and perhaps always. Thank you.
Janet Mary Lee - August 31, 2017 4:56 pm
Amen!!
Connie - August 31, 2017 1:23 pm
Love you back. It’s wonderful to read words from someone who actually sees other people. I have 4 of your books so far, and I am working on getting the rest. Keep it up. Love from Alabama.
Kathy Daum - August 31, 2017 1:24 pm
This reminds me to do this person to person every day.
Stephanie - August 31, 2017 1:25 pm
Love you too Sean! Your writings brighten my day! Love from Indiana.
Marty from Alabama - August 31, 2017 1:26 pm
I sure wish my son would/could read this. He doesn’t like to read.
TN Lizzie - September 1, 2017 2:31 am
Marty, I dare you to read this to your son. He might huff and roll his eyes. But he’ll love it! 😉 I’m a mama, and I love you for thinking of him when you read this!
Sherry - August 31, 2017 1:27 pm
We love you Sean and we love your words. Keep it up, please!
Catherine - August 31, 2017 1:27 pm
Thank you for that. I love you too, Sean. Sometimes that’s all we need to hear.
Rosie Murphey - August 31, 2017 1:32 pm
Thank you so much. I love you, too. I cannot tell you how much I enjoy reading your blogs every day.
Livy - August 31, 2017 1:28 pm
Beautiful and healing words. Thank you..everyday.
Shirley J Brown - August 31, 2017 1:32 pm
Sounds like you’ve known me all life. All I can say is if you know life so accurately, then we’ve definitely walked the same paths. You’ve reminded me to smile more than frown and thst I don’t laugh out loud nearly as much as I did once upon a time. All I can say is I’ll try harder and when I find myself faltering, I’ll re-read your blog. Thank you Sean.
Diane Pate - August 31, 2017 1:35 pm
Thanks. You make my day start with a happy and warm thought.
beth holifield - August 31, 2017 1:36 pm
Wow…that could have been written about me. I work 2 jobs, 10 year breast cancer survivor and every day I’m on the struggle bus. I love reading your blog…you put into words what I can’t. Thanks so much!
Gerald - October 15, 2017 11:56 am
Love your expression “struggle bus”. Never heard that before. Now it’s mine as well since you shared 🙂 . Hugs to you.
Newell - August 31, 2017 1:42 pm
I had not hear of you beore s friend in Georgia sent me one of you messages. It touched my heart and I read you every day love them. You shame me with your love and compassion. I am well educated, LLB, and able to practice law for 50 years but not able to write as you do..
please keep up the good work, you remind me of Will Rogers.
Give me an address and I will send you a gift card from Walmart so you can purchase a case of oil for your pick up.
Barbara Lester - August 31, 2017 1:45 pm
As a woman battling breast cancer for the last ten months I needed this today. I read this as I sit in my truck before going in to my daily appointment to be radiated. It is difficult to constantly battle this and remain positive. This helped!
I love your writings and look forward to them every day. Continue inspiring us!!
Pamela McEachern - September 1, 2017 12:53 am
God’s Speed for complete healing of this cruel disease. I will be saying prayers for you and no matter what remember you are beautiful.
Susan in Georgia - August 31, 2017 1:46 pm
Timely message ~ because of something that happened yesterday, I sure needed your words this morning. Thank you and I love you, too, Sean.
Shirley - August 31, 2017 1:46 pm
Thank you, Sean of the South. I needed your words this morning.
Joan Dake - August 31, 2017 1:50 pm
Thank you Sean….for looking at me, listening to me, and seeing inside. It really helps how I feel to know someone like you. I send you love. Jo
Billie - August 31, 2017 1:51 pm
Thank you, my day goes better EVERY TIME I connect with your writing. You are home folks to me though we have never met in person.
Summer - August 31, 2017 1:51 pm
Thanks for this, Sean, on behalf of myself and so many I know and love. I hardly know you either, but I love you back.
Cathi Russell - August 31, 2017 1:54 pm
Sean, you are much loved too! I took your first two volumes and your novel out to my mom, who’s end stage leukemia, and she laughed & cried and told me she’d LOVED THOSE BOOKS. You made a weary, sick woman very happy and the next series of books are coming soon! Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!
Trudy :) - August 31, 2017 1:57 pm
Hmmmm, I heard a rustling outside my window yesterday. I think it was you peeking in. Thank you for your kind words which will carry deep meaning to so many. I’m sure you realize to some extent how much your words are appreciated. Smiles and blessings to you, Sean, because you bring so many smiles and blessings to others.
Tina - August 31, 2017 2:11 pm
That was LOVELY! Love you too…Peace Be With You 🙂
Jen Alabama Girl in Florida World - August 31, 2017 2:13 pm
We love you too!!! Thank you for your words that soothe many a soul.
Becky Music - August 31, 2017 2:14 pm
Thank you for always reminding us of
all the good and fun things in this ride called life because it’s so easy to only focus on the bad. Thank you for always starting my days with a smile.
We need more Sean’s in this big old world!!
Thank you ❤
Becky Music (and yes that’s my real last name)
Nancy - August 31, 2017 2:14 pm
Love you Sean!
Jack Quanstrum - August 31, 2017 2:15 pm
Thank you Sean. And I love you to and Jamie. God bless you both for what you bring to this world! Shalom!
Edith - August 31, 2017 2:15 pm
Thank you. That message is a treasure.
No I don’t know you, but, I love your letters. I thank you that God gave you the grace to be able to write.
You are the joy I enjoy every day. Your letters may be free. But to me they are priceless.
I live in way ( and I do mean way ) south Texas where we are the arm pit of USA. most think we are a part of Mexico , including those who live south of me who do live in Mexico.
Your letters are a help for this displaced Alabamaian. I can enjoy it, red neck southerner I am.
God bless you greatly. Keep on writing. And I promise to keep on reading as long as I have eyes to read and breath to breathe.
Judy Miller - August 31, 2017 2:22 pm
Thank you. XX OO
Gloria - August 31, 2017 2:27 pm
Love you too, Sean.
Jody Herren - August 31, 2017 2:29 pm
Love you too Sean..
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way - August 31, 2017 2:43 pm
Thank you, Sean!! Back at you!! And your words are priceless. . . just remember that!! We wait daily to hear from you and we treasure each post. God bless you.
Shauna Williams - August 31, 2017 2:44 pm
I worked all night at the hospital. I am a nurse in the well baby nursery. It was a very long night. I was messaged by my husband at 1 am that our daughter was sick and throwing up. I’ve made it home to now, a sick husband and child. A nurses job is never done. This sweet post was just the beautiful encouragement I needed to push through today. You truly bless me daily with your writings and I just want you to know that. Thank you Sean.
Diane - August 31, 2017 2:49 pm
I’ve been reading your ‘letters’ for about a month, thanks to Connie Schultz posting one.
They ALL have touch my heart and made me try to rewire my brain and heart.
Today’s was like you have been with me for years. It’s sometimes hard to be critiqued, but you covered all my feelings and I do believe I’m the only one that can change what I didn’t like hearing! So, new friend, (and I can say that because you know me so well) I am changing my thoughts and actions.
Thank you so much. ❤️
JANE L HUMPHREY - August 31, 2017 2:55 pm
lOVE THIS!!!! YOU JUST SPOKE TO MY HEART….
Ellen Brooks - August 31, 2017 3:00 pm
Thank you Sean of the South- I love you too!!!
Debbie - August 31, 2017 3:00 pm
Ditto.
Cheryl Richardson - August 31, 2017 3:02 pm
Sean, you are a great writer and an inspiration to me!
Tamera Moody - August 31, 2017 3:12 pm
And I love you Sean. And your ten cent words. Believe me, they are worth much more, especially when you add them all together. Thank you for all your “sorrys” – most of them hit me right in the heart. And may I say that I am sorry, right back at ‘cha. But I’m also thankful that we both know a loving God. Blessings to ya from this ‘bama girl.
Buck Godwin - August 31, 2017 3:20 pm
Thanks Sean, I really needed that!
Connie - August 31, 2017 3:29 pm
Sean, you are so awesome!! Wish I could meet you someday, and just talk because I know you would listen! Going thru some tough days lately but every morning you make me know that life’s got a brighter side…thanks for caring for a stranger in Tennessee.
Joan - August 31, 2017 3:38 pm
Thank you so much for your kind words. A real pick me up to start another day. Off and running on a positive note thanks to you.
Sandra Swindall - August 31, 2017 3:38 pm
Back at ya! Lovely thoughts from the heart. Thanks.
Marilyn Cook - August 31, 2017 3:43 pm
OMGosh!!! Sean, you are an amazing man. Love you back!
Thanks.
Sandra - August 31, 2017 3:43 pm
Thanks. You have a heart of the most precious stuff, love.
Joyce - August 31, 2017 3:45 pm
I love you too, Sean. I really do.
JWH
Cynthia Perfater - August 31, 2017 3:45 pm
Thank you for your uplifting words to all. Wishing you the same Sean.
Linda - August 31, 2017 3:51 pm
Sean, you are such a dear man. We really love you, too. Your words linger in my heart and mind all day, every day.
Jen - August 31, 2017 3:52 pm
Sean, your words are incredibly encouraging. Life has been hard lately, and it’s nice to know someone else has been there. Thank you.
Phyllis Opel - August 31, 2017 4:01 pm
Thanks, I love you too!
Marsha - August 31, 2017 4:20 pm
Thank you. Tears are rolling. Thank you, just what I needed today.
Tracy - August 31, 2017 4:31 pm
THANK YOU! I love you too!
Janet Mary Lee - August 31, 2017 5:01 pm
Thanks for listening to all of us. I feel I know parts of you, though we have never broken bread together. And I love and appreciate the part I know! I will listen more, talk less, and when I do..may it be as meaningful as your words are. Love you and family right back. Kiss Ellie Mae, the world’s greatest listener! ( other than God and Jesus!!).
Lynne - August 31, 2017 5:13 pm
Thank you . . . your ten-cent words are priceless.
Pamela McEachern - August 31, 2017 5:52 pm
YOU make me feel it’s going to get better, it’s been so hard in so many of the ways you are sorry about. Just hearing somebody say it’s going to get better makes all the difference. So, I thank you Mr. Sean, you make me feel it’s going to get better and if it doesn’t, I know someone cares.
Samanthemofthesun - August 31, 2017 6:07 pm
Thank you. I love you too. And same goes.
Bobbie - August 31, 2017 6:26 pm
You always seem to sense just what we need…that’s why so
many of us love you too!
Jan - August 31, 2017 7:08 pm
Thank you! You are loved by many, Sean.
Mary Roten - August 31, 2017 7:40 pm
What a wonderful thing to write to so many people that are suffering these things. I count my blessings everyday that I don’t, but I really have compassion for those who do.
Linda Pogor - August 31, 2017 7:43 pm
Hi Sean, thank you so very much for staying up late to write what I needed to hear today.
Kathryn - August 31, 2017 7:47 pm
Love you too Sean! I’ve decided to share my new favorite saying:
“They tried to bury us.
They did not know we were seeds.”
Mary Howes - August 31, 2017 7:53 pm
I love you too Sean ! Keep writing.
Julie White - August 31, 2017 8:12 pm
You are one good man with the greatest gift…. WORDS! Thank you for making us remember the good in life, the extra good in people and the wisdom of “been there, done that”. Life is hard, but it is a life worth living. You’ve made an impact on me simply by writing about life. We all have a choice, and you have chosen to see the world and write about the little things that make this big thing called LIFE worth living. GOD bless you and keep up the good work!
Melodie - August 31, 2017 8:53 pm
Thank you and I love you, too!
From a stranger ♥
Linda Allen - August 31, 2017 9:13 pm
You are indeed a national treasure! Thank you for your kindness and love. ❤️
Jeannie - August 31, 2017 9:21 pm
Right back atcha . Thanks for reminding me that just because people are poor; really , really poor; or even just living paycheck to paycheck that they are not worthy, loving, people who want better for their families and need to know that people do care about them. You are the best!!
Mary - August 31, 2017 9:34 pm
Aww man you made me cry! And I never cry.
Ginger - August 31, 2017 9:35 pm
Thank you. You understand. Sending you bucket full of love in return.
Mary F Schooley - August 31, 2017 10:25 pm
Thanks Sean, needed that. Love you too
Jeff Corkran - August 31, 2017 10:42 pm
Thanks, Sean. I’m a fairly new subscriber, but really enjoy your blog. Bad and/or hateful words are easy to find these days, making your encouragement and comfort jut that much more welcome.
Pam - August 31, 2017 11:07 pm
Sean, thank you for your words. I love you too! You do so much to lift my spirit each day. I believe in good and I believe God works through you. You are special and you are beautiful.
Norma Williams - August 31, 2017 11:19 pm
And I love you Sean, your words soothe the hurts we all have from day to day. Don’t ever stop writing, God has truly blessed you with the ability to heal with your words. So many people in this world have no one to love them, you fill that void. I am blessed with a loving family who all live in the neighborhood, but I still love to have you love me also. I feel that I personally know everyone you write about, either them or someone just like them. I missed you when you recently visited our town, but that will not happen again. I look forward to sharing a cup of coffee and a large slice of cake when you are next in our neighborhood. Do you post a list of upcoming appearances, and where can I find it?
Jill Shaver - August 31, 2017 11:31 pm
We love you, too, and your caring spirit touches all of us. Jill
Lauree - August 31, 2017 11:32 pm
Sean, I needed this today. Your words are always spot on, but today especially. Thank you for reminding me when I feel like the chips are down, there is still good. Pet that sweet Ellie for me. I miss mine.
Nancy - August 31, 2017 11:59 pm
Thanks Sean. I really needed to hear your message today.
Wendy - September 1, 2017 12:00 am
I love you, Sean D. May I call you Sean D? Oh, I just did…twice!”
On this particularly tough day, I love you even more… from Auburn to Tuscaloosa (T-town) and back. Thank you for writing such a tender, sweet piece.
Wendy - September 1, 2017 12:03 am
I love you, Sean D. May I call you Sean D? Oh, I just did…twice!
On this particularly tough day, I love you even more… from Auburn to Tuscaloosa and back. Thank you for writing such a tender, sweet piece.
Wendy - September 1, 2017 12:18 am
It’s one minor thing to have the time wrong. Seriously it doesn’t bother me even tho’ I mentioned it. But why the quote marks I deleted before posting my little comment? I realize I’m persnickety, esp about grammar but I may never comment again. It’s making my BP jump too high. “Ain’t nobody got time for this.”
Still loving Sean & the rest of you. Prayers for Texas & Louisiana.
Ken Burton - September 1, 2017 12:34 am
So very good! Thank you so much.
Debbie Smith - September 1, 2017 12:46 am
You are gifted beyond words……
kathylee - September 1, 2017 5:51 am
Sean, you are a true treasure!!!! Love, love, love, to read your emails. Always brings a smile to my face. k
Sandra Marrar - September 1, 2017 6:49 am
You’re a good man. Thanks, I needed to hear that today. I love you, too!
Michael - September 1, 2017 10:34 am
Man, I was ok until the end. I began to cry, and then cry even harder as I read that you loved me. That you truly understand. That is what I have been missing. To be heard, understood, and loved.
Thank you stranger. Thank you
Michael
Ruth Story - September 1, 2017 1:39 pm
Beautiful! Don’t ever stop writing!
peggy hayes - September 1, 2017 3:09 pm
Thank you. I needed that.
Mary - September 1, 2017 4:53 pm
Thank you Sean! You say things that people need to hear. Love you back.
June - September 1, 2017 5:00 pm
Sean,I love you also.You make my world a better place.Times are hard for so many of us, but knowing we are loved makes it a much better place. Sending you and yours love and peace.June
Mary Anne - September 1, 2017 6:01 pm
Sean, you are a great writer and an inspiration to all your readers! Thank you for your kind heart and soft words. In this tough old world, your are a balm to the soul.
Debbie - September 1, 2017 6:20 pm
Dear Sean,
I love your kind, sensitive, loving heart.
I love your simple, profound words that touch something deep down inside me.
But mostly, I love you.
Thank you for sharing your love with all us strangers.
Debbie
Maxine Cockerill - September 1, 2017 10:36 pm
Sean,
I love your 10 cent words and the $ 1,000,000 heart felt thoughts you put out every day. Keep it all going because those words and thoughts keep most of us going.
We love you!
Terri Baker - September 2, 2017 12:03 am
I’m sorry you stayed up very late but I’m happy you did. Thank you
Cheryl McAlpin - September 2, 2017 3:01 am
I needed that Sean, I love you too.
Mary Crenshaw - September 2, 2017 9:15 am
WOW, i believe you really…i mean really…care about the people of this crazy world. Thank You.
handmade savvy Saturday - the handmade home - September 2, 2017 12:09 pm
[…] hi […]
Becca Allison - September 2, 2017 1:09 pm
Thank you for this. I lost my younger brother to glioblastoma, a brain cancer, a few weeks ago. He was a gifted writer of the kind of columns you write, and the cancer took his words. Your piece today helped me grieve a little more and cry for Kip. I love you, too.
Jan Chapman - September 2, 2017 3:35 pm
Wow. Thank you. I love you too.
Julie - September 3, 2017 1:04 am
🙂 thanks
Louise Taylor - September 5, 2017 1:55 am
Thank you.
LeeAnne Fontana Montes - October 15, 2017 8:58 am
Thank you. For putting into words what I sometimes have a hard time saying or forget to say in the moments it should be said.
Emily - October 15, 2017 11:17 am
Thank you Sean, for just the words I needed to hear this morning. You are an inspiration.
Betsy Childers - October 15, 2017 11:43 am
I wish you could have been the key note speaker at my high school graduation but you probably weren’t born yet or maybe you were just a young tyke or a preteen, I don’t know. But I do know your words are for all generations.
Sherry - October 15, 2017 12:10 pm
Bless you Sean – just about all the things you said you were sorry for are happening to me right now. I needed to hear thsee words today. Thanks!
Alice - October 15, 2017 12:27 pm
Thank you Sean and I love you too?
Donna McPherson - October 15, 2017 3:35 pm
Sean, you just don’t know. I battle depression; I have for a long time. It seems like almost nothing in my life works like it’s supposed to. And I’m talking about important things that I’ve given my whole life to. People who know me well enough to know what I’m talking about usually run from me like my life is contagious or something. It was nice to read this because,even if you don’t know me, you seem to get it.
Gus - October 16, 2017 2:19 pm
Ditto
Janie Fuller - October 16, 2017 11:46 pm
I love your writing. Last week on our way to church I read a few of your stories to my husband and we both cried. I love a good story that makes me feel honest emotion. You are gifted with the ability to describe people and events in a way that touches hearts. Please don’t ever stop. You are most definitely loved and appreciated!
Deb Batten Bettis - October 20, 2017 8:10 pm
Thank you, Sean. I have been feeling invisible lately. I won’t look at my reflection anymore, because I get disappointed when I do. I have lost so many faithful dogs, my heart is covered with cracks. I am missing those I have loved and lost, and I walk a lonely path. So your words resonated deep in my spirit…..thank you.
Marge - January 7, 2020 2:45 am
Dear Sean, How you know exactly what I need to hear/read each day is truly a wonder! Alone, invisible and almost never truly listened to….how did you know? I thank you for your love!
Martha - January 7, 2020 3:03 am
And I love you & your words mean so much.
Steve Winfield - January 7, 2020 3:54 am
So there you have it. Absolutely nothing more can be said. Except..
I love you too.
Carolyn Skelton - January 8, 2020 5:11 am
I love you, Sean Dietrich! 💖
Dan - January 9, 2020 2:09 am
Amen.