A retired professor sent me a letter. He told me that some of my stories were “too plain,” and “needed more work.” Then he went on to tell me many more unsavory things about myself. I was afraid he was going to grade my work and give me a C minus.
I’ve admitted this before, but I have a noted history of getting C’s. I once set a longstanding academic record for earning the most consecutive C’s in my weight division. The record was later broken, but my picture still hangs in the community college trophy case.
Although not all the messages I receive are bad. For example: This morning I got a message from a man in Tallapoosa County, Alabama. He started with the words, “I sincerely love you.”
It was Niagara Falls after that. I can’t think of a better way to start a day.
Then, the man went on to tell me about something that happened to him once.
Years ago, he was standing in a supermarket line. He was trying to pay for his groceries, but his card was declined. His bank account was in the red. A woman in line paid for his items. She was a complete stranger. He’s never told anyone about this.
“That woman probably didn’t know it,” he wrote, “but I was a single dad, at the time I was broke and we were going hungry. She put food in my kids’ mouths.”
Oh, and there’s the letter I got from the woman in Chattanooga.
She got pregnant when she was seventeen. Her family kicked her out of the house. She almost gave the child up for adoption because seventeen-year-olds can’t afford babies. She wanted her child to have a good life, even if this meant letting it go.
But then a neighbor woman stepped in. She invited the girl to live with her for as long as the girl needed. She offered to babysit her child, and to let her use her car. The woman’s only condition was that the girl stay in school.
That was ten years ago, today the girl has a nursing degree and a nine-year-old.
Here’s another. A man named Trevor, from Missouri, sent me a story about his dog that went missing a few years back. The animal was gone for a week. Trevor thought the animal was forever lost. He checked nearby shelters and neighborhoods. He even put up posters. Nothing.
One night, he got a call from a woman in Southeast Kansas. She had his dog. He broke down crying on the phone. The dog had traveled twenty-four miles across a state line and showed up on her farm. When the woman found the animal she dialed the number she found on the dog’s collar tags.
Trevor made friends with the woman. Today, he regularly brings his dog to her property to let the dog run free.
At Cracker Barrel last night, I watched an elderly woman in the busy dining room. The woman was eating alone. Have you ever watched an old woman eat alone at Cracker Barrel? It’ll bring a tear to your eye.
But then something marvelous happened. A waitress struck up a conversation with the woman. They laughed a lot. The server was in the weeds, but she never acted too busy for her elderly customer. The old woman seemed so grateful to have someone to talk to.
And when I saw the large tip the old woman left, I did the whole Niagara Falls thing again. It just makes you feel good to see something like that.
So anyway, I get a lot of letters telling me stories like these. Most messages I get are nice, but I also receive my share of nitpicks. Someone called me “a misguided Pollyanna.” Last week, one highly educated person called me “grammar slob.” I don’t even know what that means, but I ain’t too sure it’s good.
Another religious guy once told me I’m probably “going to hell.” Well, all I can say is, at least it’ll be more tolerable than the current heat index in Walton County, Florida.
The truth is, I don’t love negative emails, but everyone’s opinion means something to me, even the crummy opinions. In fact, that’s one of the things I love most about writing. I love seeing people’s feelings in print. And as it happens, I also have a few feelings to share. So here’s mine, if I may:
What I am about to say, I say to both friends and critics. I say this to the happy, and the disgruntled. The glass-half-full people, and the gloomy realists who think I’m a whack-job Pollyanna. I say this to the surly professors, and their C students.
I also say this to those who help teenage girls raise their babies, to sad elderly people at the Cracker Barrel, and to the waitresses who keep their wings hidden. To single fathers who can’t afford groceries, and to the strangers who make sure they can. I say this because it was recently said to me, and it meant a lot.
I sincerely love you.
119 comments
Donna Bell - July 26, 2021 6:31 am
I love you too Sean, sincerely!!!💜
W. Gary Smith - July 26, 2021 6:44 am
A+❤️👍🏻🎓
Meredith Smith - July 26, 2021 7:39 am
Sean, thank you for your remark. You have love in your heart. I cannot believe anyone would be so …. arrogant?….is that the right word? To feel they have the right to actually spend the time to write you a letter (or email, whatever it may be) to tell you off. I once read a quote: If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all. That is so very true. I think your writing is DELIGHTFUL just in case you were wondering. I might not comment everyday but I absolutely love each and every one of your columns. You bring joy to the beginning of my day each morning and I thank you for that. Keep on writing on. ❤️
drkidnurse - July 26, 2021 7:54 am
Hi Sean! I’m “highly educated” (PhD) and a professor. My comment? You do you – because you are the breath of fresh air so many of us need every day. Don’t let those other “highly educated” or professors get under your skin. Read the negatives, but please remember that people who disagree with you can easily scroll on by. It’s those that come back every day that you write for. And we sincerely love you, too! Huge hugs from NYC!
SeanAdmirer - July 26, 2021 11:40 pm
That is lovely. ❤️
Jerry McCloud - July 26, 2021 8:07 am
Yes you are loved by many…!!!
Lucretia Jones - July 26, 2021 8:18 am
Thank you, Sean, for sincerely loving me. I have been praying for a feeling of being held tight and flooded with feelings of love. Thank you for this peaceful gentle river flow. I’ve been riding the rapids for hours. I sincerely love you.
Hazel Barber - July 26, 2021 8:43 am
So much negativity in the world today but then there is Sean telling us feel-good stories, making us not only smile but laugh out loud. You are priceless! Don’t let the naysayers get to you but be a Teflon duck and watch the water roll off of you. Thank you for being a bright spot in my mornings. Come on, get out and shake hands with us, hug a few necks along the way as you tell stories that make us laugh and cry in the same sentence. You got a gift, man!! Use it!!!!
Donna Rotenberry - July 26, 2021 8:47 am
Your sincere stories are the first thing I do each morning. They are a positive, honest real life moment to begin my day. Please keep them coming. I personally need their honesty in this cruel, mixed up world.
cartynol8 - July 26, 2021 9:59 am
Dear Sean, I sincerely love you right back.
Valerie Proffitt - July 26, 2021 10:05 am
I came across this line the other day- “we’re all just walking each other home”. That’s how I feel after reading your stories which is pretty much the first thing I do in the morning after feeding the dogs and getting coffee. Thank you.
Pnk13 - July 26, 2021 10:30 am
You have saved my life, literally, lifted my spirits, made me laugh, and helped me to feel not so invisible. I truly love you, too. Yo have changed my life. And I am a college professor. Yo get an A in all the things that matter.
Pink13 - July 26, 2021 10:31 am
And I need a proofreader.
Ed (Bear) - July 26, 2021 10:35 am
I love you too Sean of the South!
Don’t sweat the “professors” too much. Most of them are too full of themselves to enjoy someone else’s high life point average (LPA) work.
Jeanne Connors - July 26, 2021 10:42 am
I am so happy I subscribed to getting your wonderful, uplifting, from the heart words every day. I share them with a couple other people I hold dear. We all comment to each other on your words each day and I assure you our comments are all positive! Sean, we appreciate you being the best you that you can be and you are! Don’t let anyone tell you your words don’t matter or the sentencing isn’t properly worded or a verb not properly conjugated or anything of the sort.I run an essential business with 38 good people I care about and worry about daily. I consider that I have 38 families that depend on me to make a good living and like you I do my darnedest daily for others. Keep up the good work Sean – we do love you too!
Susan - July 26, 2021 10:46 am
I look forward to reading your stories every morning! You make my day. I am currently reading one of your books for the second time! Thank you for being you!
Liz Shaw - July 26, 2021 10:47 am
So many of us love you too, SOTS! You keep on doing what you’re doing because you are uniquely you and your observations and experiences are always presented to us in such a kind and inspirational way it always reminds me that we are all more alike than we are different and we are all here as “brothers and sisters” just making our way back home. I’d venture to say that your “story” and your stories have made a bigger impact on a larger amount of people than any old grammatically perfect overworked offering. Who can relate to that? You’re the REAL DEAL….and I don’t write “COMMENTS.” Keep up the good work and you and your family keep sharing with us and have a safe and happy life. 😊
pyrthroes - July 26, 2021 10:52 am
Small –and not-so-small– kindnesses add up to Love, and Love is no small thing.
Gary - July 26, 2021 11:05 am
Back at ya, buddy. I’m a native of North Florida, but have been living in exile in North Carolina for 30 years. Every time I read one of your pieces it is like a quick visit home. Please don’t change that. (P.S., people with C-averages actually run the world – they just don’t brag about it.)
Sandi - July 26, 2021 11:14 am
Love your columns! I say poo poo on the people out there who criticize instead of just enjoy the messages you put out there. Their lives must not have much joy. But, hey, they’re still reading your columns and hopefully are getting something positive every now and then! Keep it up!
Lynn Schroeder - July 26, 2021 11:25 am
What “Huge Hugs From NYC” said. ◡̈
Lynn from STL, MO
Greyn - July 26, 2021 11:29 am
“Be various, ornamental, subtle and clever and do not listen to those critics ever whose crude provincial gullets crave in books plain cooking made plainer by plain cooks”.
W H. Auden
“Crude provincial gullets” abound in the ranks of college professors ( to which ranks I once belonged), though they would never think so. Head up fundament syndrome.
Barbara Poole Dawson - July 26, 2021 11:32 am
I love your writing … your mind … your compassion … your heart. I love you.
Barbara - July 26, 2021 11:33 am
Dear Polly, I love your perspective. Love your column. Love the laughs and tears which result from your stories. I love the omission of political pollution. Keep it going. Your writing is essential and so are you. Sincerely, Love you.
Jean - July 26, 2021 11:36 am
You know I don’t know why everybody in this day and time is a critic and they feel free to attack every person that they dont agree with. I think you are one great guy…a talented writer and I read your column every day. Gets my day started right…and Sean..I love you.
BJ - July 26, 2021 11:37 am
Jesus loves us! So I will love others… and myself! But I like that sincerely in there. We need to love sincerely and act it. That’s my goal. Enjoyed that, Sean!
Allison Gilmore - July 26, 2021 11:43 am
Sean, that retired professor apparently has entirely too much time on his hands and needs to adopt a good dog to help him feel better about himself. And I betcha that he’s just jealous because he sees how many people comment on your columns every day, while his “scholarly publications” as a professor were probably read only by a few other boring professors with equally low emotional intelligence. Your daily stories make me smile and laugh and cry, and they somehow always make me want to be a better person.
lynspirationgmailcom - July 26, 2021 11:44 am
Sean, thank you for being real. I’m a hospital chaplain who spends my days (and some nights) listening, comforting, and generally offering basic human compassion to people in all sorts of physical, emotional, mental, spiritual pain. Most folks don’t care how educated I am or how eloquently I can form a sentence. They want know that someone genuinely cares. That is your gift to us who read your stories! Your humanity is what makes it easy for us to sincerely love you as well. You are a blessing to me.
Karen - July 26, 2021 11:48 am
Love you too Sean. I start my day with you. You write about real life and people. Thank you.💖
Ronbo - July 26, 2021 11:50 am
Keep it up.👍 thanks Ronbo
Bob E - July 26, 2021 12:01 pm
I’d love to say that more people love you and your writings than the critics might have you think. My best guess would put it at 95% or higher.
Carry on – we love you and your keen mind.
Kyle Viertel - July 26, 2021 12:08 pm
I’m a retired band director/ elementary music teacher, rancher, worship leader and volleyball official.
Just letting you know that I look forward to your comments every day. I typically read your daily emails after my bible study. They bless me with a laugh and sometimes a tear. But they are REAL.
No matter what the CRITICS say, PRESS ON!
You’ve been blessed with a gift that lifts us. It helps me to open my eyes a notice what is going on around me.
So, I repeat: PRESS ON!
Kent - July 26, 2021 12:10 pm
Sean: Love your stuff. Keep it coming.
Joseph B Mizereck - July 26, 2021 12:10 pm
Back at ya Sean.
Bobby R - July 26, 2021 12:12 pm
Sean you are the real deal and all of us that love you read it in your words everyday. You are blessed with a C average because you are one of us and for that we’re thankful. Have a great day my friend. 😎
Edwin G Staples - July 26, 2021 12:14 pm
Dear Sean,
What ever you are, the world needs more people like you. Keep on doing what you’re doing.
Ann - July 26, 2021 12:16 pm
Well said…..we need more love ❤️
Gail Johnston Guinn - July 26, 2021 12:21 pm
Sean, I’m 82 and I look forward each morning to read your delightful articles. Some make me cry, laugh, get angry, reminisce, have joy – plainly, just enjoy. Thank you! God did a good thing when he created you!
Keep writing…Love and hugs.
jill - July 26, 2021 12:28 pm
In today’s world speaking and writing about everyday life and everyday simple words spoken while sitting on rocking chairs on the front porch, fanning with our trusty hand fan, sweat pouring down our face, enjoying the slow simple summer day. Seems like everyone wants small town life, but once they get there they find it hard to sit still long enough to enjoy it. I once had a professor who didn’t like how I painted what I saw in art class and tried to mold my painting to tried and true art. I feel sorry for those who cannot enjoy the simple life, simple words, simple truth, because to me that is what life is all about. The simple things, the everyday things, everyday thoughts and words. These things can still be found when we open our eyes to see past our nose. Thanks Sean. Your words bring back the simple things that are much needed.
Lisa - July 26, 2021 12:35 pm
You are in the lane you were meant to be in. Keep driving! ♥️♥️
Sarah - July 26, 2021 12:35 pm
Dear Sean, I think that letter-starting phrase “I sincerely love you” might ought to be the way we all greet each other. It’s so very positive and starts each interchange off just the right way! To hear someone say that at the beginning of a conversation is to start on a positive note that has a better chance of keeping the conversation in a happier place than a letter full of whiny criticism. Also, please never stop writing these wonderful stories of life — I’m in the same group as other readers who simply cannot begin a day without reading your column!!! I sincerely love you!!
Rick - July 26, 2021 12:35 pm
Sean, ignore the negative comments. You might ask them “how many people read and enjoy YOUR articles?”
Linda outten - July 26, 2021 12:38 pm
Excellent and so many enjoy you!!!
Deb - July 26, 2021 12:39 pm
You are awesome Sean. Loved this! Love doesn’t matter what grade it gets…..it is always the right answer!
Suzanne Jones - July 26, 2021 12:39 pm
For some reason or another people feel like they are entitled to share their negativity. I’m so glad you see the good. Don’t let the neanderthals get you down. Keep seeing the good!
Pondcrane - July 26, 2021 1:05 pm
I sincerely love you.
bubbastubbs - July 26, 2021 1:11 pm
And we love you, too, Sean! As a fellow NW Florida “panhandler”, I look so forward to reading your blog each morning. It ALWAYS sets the tone for my day!
Teri Easterling - July 26, 2021 1:13 pm
A C grade puts one in the middle, in the “average” group, where most folks are, most of the time, even if they excel in some aspects of life. While I aimed for As and Bs, there were classes I was glad to get out of with a C! I had passed! I remember when our summa cum laude high school grad was at college orientation. A speaker told parents that we should not be disappointed if our A/B students got Cs in college classes. They were all top of their high school classes, so the “average” amongst all that intelligence was still very high. So, no shame in C grades!
Being an “average guy” gives you a perspective nearly everyone (except nose-in-the-air, full-of-themselves people) can relate to. I wonder why the professor bothers to read your excellent life observations, if he doesn’t like them. His loss. Your stories speak to people at so many points, bring back sweet memories, give belly laughs, and some Niagara Falls moments. Keep up the great work! You are sincerely loved! 💝🙏🏻
beachdreamer1 - July 26, 2021 1:16 pm
This column inspired so many comments..I always read them all. I love what Valerie said, “we’re all just walking each other home’. What a wonderful thought! Sean, how blessed you are! So much love is generated from your words. Thank you again for being you, Sean Dietrich, writer extraordinaire ! Love you back ❤️
Suzanne Caplenor - July 26, 2021 1:18 pm
I love you, too, Sean, and I love this story! My husband loved to read your column everyday. I’m a new widow in Signal Mountain, TN. Keep writing and sharing the Good!
D Masmar - July 26, 2021 1:32 pm
As I sit by my window and read your inspiring message I am watching people walking by on their way to work on a humid and miserable Iowa morning but they are swinging their coffee jug and pacing briskly as if they are counting their many blessings!
Cynthia Russell - July 26, 2021 1:53 pm
Again, Thank You Sean… You are my Morning Sunshine!! & Man how I love you.. I share your columns with others who are struggling..
molly - July 26, 2021 1:57 pm
Sean, I love you sincerely! Thank you for reminding me that there is love in the world! I know love is out there, just need to see it in print!! Please keep on reminding me!
Norma Johnson - July 26, 2021 2:01 pm
Sean, many times I try to skip your writing for the day…I cannot! I just give in and read it all and it always makes my day and life better!!! You fare one of a kind whom God has made. I am grateful you are part of my life….
and here we go again…..I LOVE YOU! nj
Leigh Amiot - July 26, 2021 2:04 pm
There are gifts and talents aplenty out there, I believe they are bestowed by our Creator. When we are busy resenting another for their gifts and talents, we are neglecting and not nurturing our own.
Write on, Sean! In this time of rancorous online/media driven hate, political and racial division, your loving words are greatly needed! Never let the evil one, using the form of a fellow human, rob you of your gift to all of us who read and love your work.
Ann Moyers Syfert - July 26, 2021 6:19 pm
Perfectly said, Leigh! I thank everyone that commented for so beautifully expressing exactly how I feel about Sean and his “from the heart” writings.. I copy and paste every single one to Facebook because I want all of my friends to love him like I do. And I do SINCERELY love you, Sean!! And thank you for caring enough to do this every single day of the world. I’m very blessed that I can meet you here every morning.
Gayle Dodds - July 26, 2021 2:06 pm
Wonderful read great to start a Monday thanks
George - July 26, 2021 2:08 pm
Here’s an opinion: Hey retired professor, probably from a small community college, no one cares what you think or that you are plain and in need of work.
JonDragonfly - July 26, 2021 2:09 pm
He says your writing is “too plain”? That’s okay, ’cause we’re just plain folks!
Steve from Wyoming - July 26, 2021 2:15 pm
I am a cowboy from Wyoming with over active tear ducts and I thank God for your stories that clear them every day. And, the story today with the closing of ” I sincerely love you” cleared them again. C you tomorrow
Joy - July 26, 2021 2:21 pm
I sincerely love you, too, Sean.
Amanda - July 26, 2021 2:23 pm
Valerie – Please try to remember where you came across that line: “We’re all just walking each other home”. Need MORE of that writer!
For Sean – never get enough of YOUR writing! Thank you!!
Jeanne Monteau - July 28, 2021 1:03 am
“ We’re all just walking each other home” is by Ram Dass. I encourage you to look up his other quotes.
Kay Britton - July 26, 2021 2:24 pm
Yes, Sean, I read your email after my Bible reading. You never fail giving me a chuckle, a cackle, or a tear. I’m so thankful there are young people in this world who have things figured out so well. Your writings always give me more important things to think about than my own troubles. Don’t let the negatives bring you down. So glad there is a Sean in this world- especially in the south!
Sandra Nelsen - July 26, 2021 2:28 pm
I don’t think you can improve upon perfection, and that is how I see your writing. If it was his style, you’d never be able to touch as many hearts as you do. Most of us are just ordinary folk looking forward to our daily ‘Sean’ fix. I sincerely love reading your daily posts. Thank you.
Cheri Johnston - July 26, 2021 2:33 pm
I know I should be going to my Bible 1st but I always open your blog because it puts a smile on my face! Don’t let the Keyboard Karen’s get to you, I’m the elderly woman sitting alone & I love Cracker Barrel 😍😍
Robin Lazarus - July 26, 2021 2:34 pm
An acquaintance tuned me on to your stories. My husband is also from Brewton and I agree it is a place full of good people. Your story today is also filled with good people.
We need to hear the good deeds of others as my glass is overflowing every day and I love to learn that others glasses are also full.
Leland Locke - July 26, 2021 2:37 pm
Dear Mr. Sean:
My mother sent me print-outs of your writing while I was in a 30 day detox center in Youngstown, OH. I am an alcoholic; have been an alcoholic since I was 20 years old (I’m now 37.) Anyway, I have been writing since I was a teenager. My influences were Mailer, Hunter S. Thompson, Bukowski – all heavy-hitting drinkers, and I drank like I thought a writer should drink.
It was rare for me to read anything that was positive… that is until I started reading your work. Your messages of love and seeing the good in others has inspired me; you make me smile. And they comments from your readers are wonderful!
Don’t worry about any “Negative” comments. Keep doing what you are doing. Please.
I have been sober now almost 8 months. I’m looking to going back to school, as well. And, yes, it will be a community college.
Thank You.
Darlene - July 27, 2021 12:43 am
my husband was sober 31 years when he died… I am so happy for you that you’ve chosen the path of sobriety. You have the best of everything to look forward to. I’ll keep you in my prayers that easy goes ‘one day at a time’ for you.
Barbara L - July 26, 2021 2:48 pm
Sean, I find that most people who criticize others are either jealous of the person they are criticizing or they are miserable and want to bring others down to their level of misery. Your final line shows what a beautiful heart you have for everyone and keeps you on a higher level. God bless you and all the critics.
Patricia Schmaltz - July 26, 2021 3:02 pm
..maybe he was a statistics professor. Those folks have their own set of issues. Like water off a ducks back.. keep quacking. I love hearing your voice,
Patricia Schmaltz - July 26, 2021 3:02 pm
.. oh, and I am a professor.. and I give you an A+++
Helen Taylor Andrews - July 26, 2021 3:03 pm
I continue to be appalled at critics, college professors, or whoever who think it’s their place to put down others. Maybe they should quit reading your columns and move on. You write from the heart and the readers love you for that. Maybe instead of trying to put you down for your country spin on life, maybe they should turn a mirror around and ask themselves how many friends and followers they have. How many books they’ve published. How many folks they’ve spoken to, sung songs to, how many lives have been touched by them? I think that mirror is going to reflect more than just a tad of jealousy. If they knew you, were your friend, and loved you, maybe they’d see you as I know and see you…and millions of your readers. Hugs and love. HTA
Iris Hamlin - July 26, 2021 3:21 pm
I hope you feel all the love sent your way. I wish I had the words to say how much you mean to me and so many others. Don’t ever change.
Cele LeBlanc - July 26, 2021 3:44 pm
Sean, I receive a ton of emails daily. Many I delete, some I save for later to read if I have time, but I ALWAYS read your column. Anyone who can bring to light the emotions of humankind the way you do is a great, not just good, writer.
I sincerely love you also!
Linda Moon - July 26, 2021 4:24 pm
Did you pay for the professor’s instructions? I hope he doesn’t make extra money for his retirement by giving unwanted tutelage to folks who don’t need it. I’ll add to the Falls because I sincerely love you, too. And I know you love me and lots of other “me”s because love is in our inboxes every day from Sean of the South’s new post. This retired teacher (me) gives you an A+ for your writing and a Heart-Shaped sticker for your LOVE!
Stacey Wallace - July 26, 2021 4:28 pm
Sean, I sincerely love you, too. Ignore the naysayers. As I’ve said before, I taught English for 30 years, and I give you an A+. Some of the folks who are critical need a heart check. Thanks for making my heart happy every day.
Christina - July 26, 2021 4:37 pm
You are sincerely one of the best (kindest and funniest) writers and human beings!
Linda - July 26, 2021 4:52 pm
“C” = Caring! Courageous! Charming! Capable! Concerned! Comedian! Certainly worthy of a read!
Barbara Qualteria - July 26, 2021 5:09 pm
I sincerely love you. ❤️
Chris Vaughan - July 26, 2021 5:40 pm
Sean, I love you too! You make my day!
Laura, Finger Lakes Region, New York - July 26, 2021 5:50 pm
Thanks for regularly reminding us of the GOOD in the world so that we can continue to focus on our treasures and keep our hearts healthy. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21
Also loving your book, The Incredible Winston Browne!
Gloria Knight - July 26, 2021 5:51 pm
Don’t EVER stop writing!!!!! Some days, I laugh, some I cry and some I just appreciate your work.
Cathlyn J Unruh - July 26, 2021 5:55 pm
I sincerely love you!
Karen Snyder - July 26, 2021 6:09 pm
Unhappy, up tight people want everyone else to be miserable with them. Please keep on doing what you do best, Sean. This world needs every joy bringing, love spreading Pollyanna it can find. I think we were created to do just that, and I sincerely love you, too! 🧡
Suzanne Moore - July 26, 2021 6:16 pm
I sincerely love you right back. Your daily offerings and your excellent books mean more to me than I can adequately express. And I am a retired English teacher who taught people to write for years.
Vanessa - July 26, 2021 6:30 pm
I’m afraid the professor was not an encourager, as you are. And, I’m guessing that he dashed the dreams of many young students with his attitude. You, Sean, on the other hand, are an encourager. For over three years, I have read your writing first thing each morning. I marvel at the way you weave words (yes, I’m envious of your talent.). Often, I forward your words — sometimes the entire thing and sometimes just a sentence — to friends, who love your writing as well.
I sincerely love you! Please continue to share your incredible talent!
Cecelia Arnold - July 26, 2021 6:45 pm
Love you too!!!
Michele Tiller - July 26, 2021 6:49 pm
I sincerely love you. Thank you again.
Kelle - July 26, 2021 7:22 pm
You and your writings are amazing. I just started following you last week from a suggestion I saw in our neighborhood newspaper (small town, Ohio) and I have truly enjoyed every word. I find it so hard to believe that the haters in the world must let you know that they don’t agree with your thoughts… Guess what folks, unsubscribe. It’s THAT easy.
Mim - July 26, 2021 7:35 pm
Amazing and awesome. I like your writing style. Never change
AlaRedClayGirl - July 26, 2021 7:40 pm
Thank you for being you, Sean. You are a breath of fresh air on this crazy swirly blue marble we all call home. Don’t ever change to fit someone’s narrative of how you should be.
Dee F.Hoomes Wichman - July 26, 2021 7:49 pm
I sincerely love you too, Sean. Please don’t ever stop writing. You have more heart and kindness than any writer I know. Thank you for sharing.
Jackie Lavin - July 26, 2021 8:53 pm
Great. Now I’m crying too. And, I love you back… and Mother Mary& Jamie & the dogs !
Lois m hager - July 26, 2021 9:06 pm
I sincerely believe you. Your caring spirit is so much needed. Oh how I pray that people learn from you. What a simple CURE for almost all our problems.
You ar rewarding so many people. Keep up the good work.
Jim heywood - July 26, 2021 9:46 pm
Nothing wrong with the “gentleman’s”. C
elaine montgomery - July 26, 2021 10:19 pm
I look so forward to reading your short stories, uplifting and sometimes funny words. I always have a smile on my face and in my heart. I dont go out to eat often but will pay attention next time I do
Rochelle - July 26, 2021 10:24 pm
Love sincerely 😉
Frances Montgomery - July 26, 2021 11:06 pm
Oh!!! I sincerely love you too! What a pleasure everything you write is to me and I also love following you on Instagram!
CHARLA BIPPUS - July 26, 2021 11:22 pm
And I SOOOOO love YOU! My day would not be as sweet without you daily email & books!! Keep on keeping on! ❤️🇨🇱
Charla Bippus
Little Elm, Texas via Gulf Breeze, FL
Sharon - July 27, 2021 12:20 am
Sean you are REAL! I love you and your writing- don’t ever stop being YOU for some liberal so called professor 😤 My favorite saying “American by birth, SOUTHERN by the Grace of God”!!!! I so relate to your writing, and it brings back so many wonderful childhood memories. Your column is uplifting & “Niagara Falls” to me, and it always makes my day! Write on! ✍️
Pat Rieley - July 27, 2021 12:31 am
Beautiful, Sean! You handle your critics so well. It’sa damned shame we all ain’t perfect. Hang in there. 💕
David S Doom - July 27, 2021 1:06 am
It sounds like writers need a thick skin and a soft heart. Keep up the good work. I enjoy the reruns as much as the originals.
Martha K Yeakel - July 27, 2021 3:57 am
Frankly I don’t know how you can come up with a daily column. I write a weekly column for our local paper. Town Talk so you can guess what it is about. Goings on, happenings and things local people have done or what is going on in our schools. Not too tough and not that hard but, again, only once a week. Very rarely get any feedback but do get the occasional compliment. My brother, who passed away almost two years ago, wrote the column before me and our mother before that. My brother was clever and witty and funny. What I do hear the most is how much people miss him and his writing. Really, it’s not meant as a slam against me. I told everybody early on this would not be Kent’s column. I do have plans to put some of his columns and other things he wrote together in a book someday.
Debbie g - July 27, 2021 1:33 pm
I sincerely love you too Sean And will pass the love on….in your honor
Helen Watson - July 27, 2021 1:47 pm
I think your writing is wonderful!!! Keep up the great work! !!
Tammy S. - July 28, 2021 4:11 pm
We love you too, Sean Dietrich. Jamie too. 💙💗🙏🏼
Patricia Gibson - July 28, 2021 9:10 pm
I love you too!!
Merle - July 29, 2021 12:37 am
I felt a need to pray for that retired professor. Stop grading papers and look for the enjoyable views of life.
Linda Freeman - July 29, 2021 12:58 pm
Oh my do you bring back memories! Your story of field peas, the little girl who loved dirt and many others struck a delicious memory cord. Being from south Georgia, my mother always explained that the difference between hot and damn hot was 15 minutes. She understood life’s foundation and so do you.
CHARALEEN WRIGHT - July 30, 2021 3:15 pm
❤
Bill Harris - July 30, 2021 3:37 pm
Thank you Sean. I sincerely love your stories.
oldandblessed - July 31, 2021 11:32 am
GOOD! And I give you an A minus. 🤗
Jennifer - July 31, 2021 12:08 pm
I love you too, Sean of the South! ❤️❤️ You keep doing you, for you are truly down to earth, authentic and are just what people need in these unsettling times we live in right now.
Nancy Loftus - August 1, 2021 4:21 pm
Just when I am wallowing in all the awfulness in the world, you realistically remind me there’s goodness as well. That’s not Pollyannaism, it’s encouraging and uplifting. Which, for those who call you a Pollyanna, surely those are some terrible terms. Peace to all of you.
Anne M Silva - August 4, 2021 2:12 pm
Sean, Your writing brings me JOY on a daily basis.
You have a gift.
With Gratitude and love,
Anne
Donna M. Gulliver - August 15, 2021 10:12 pm
Sean, I have been reading all your columns ever since a friend forwarded me a column a couple of years ago. I look forward to them each day! I also have read your books. I love, not only your writing, but the fact that you tell encouraging stories and encourage others, and our world certainly needs more of that! Keep up the great work and know that you are appreciated and loved!
Gloria - August 16, 2021 8:48 pm
I love you too!
Gloria G.
Loris, South Carolina
40 people who mean the world to me – James D. Hogan - August 20, 2021 7:08 pm
[…] storyteller with a rich, southern voice. Sometimes he shares letters people write to him, and in one post, he shares a letter that began, “I sincerely love you.” And I thought, that’s […]