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.

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 to 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.

94 comments

  1. R. Howell - September 20, 2018 5:44 am

    Damn. … I thought only superman could see through walls.

    Reply
  2. Lois - September 20, 2018 5:59 am

    Sean, I have been a widow for 11 years. I am well taken care of and have few worries. I am very blessed. So, you might wonder why I look forward to hearing that you love me. Well, I love you, too. It may just be that our
    purpose in life stems from the teaching of Jesus, to love one another. What greater purpose?

    Reply
  3. Marylin Anderson - September 20, 2018 6:09 am

    I love your ten-cent words and you, Sean.

    Reply
  4. Gloria Bryan - September 20, 2018 6:46 am

    love you too, Sean !!!

    Reply
  5. Pippi - September 20, 2018 6:51 am

    Thank you for your words tonight, or I guess it is morning. My husband of 33 years took his life 6 months ago. He was a soldier a great one. He had a tender heart. Iraq and the military broke his heart. You have been a source of inspiration for me. Thank you, please keep writing. You touch the hearts of many people. I am originally from Alabama. I will be moving back down there next spring to be near my oldest daughter, I have 5, ?.
    God Bless.

    Reply
    • Alice Grimes - November 16, 2018 6:49 pm

      Pippi May God cradle you in his comfort.

      Reply
  6. Susan Self - September 20, 2018 6:54 am

    Straight to my heart. Thank you.

    Reply
  7. Mary Ellen Hall - September 20, 2018 7:12 am

    THANK YOU for this Sean!!
    You have NO IDEA how UNBELIEVABLY CLOSE this story of yours, HITS VERY CLOSE to my heart!!
    You also have NO IDEA how VERY MUCH I NEEDED to hear these things today!!
    THANK YOU MY FRIEND for ALWAYS knowing the right thing to say!!!
    GOD BLESS YOU, Sean!!!?

    Reply
  8. Steve B - September 20, 2018 7:17 am

    Thank you Sean! And you deserve so much more for taking the time to think of everyone else!

    Reply
  9. Cathi - September 20, 2018 7:23 am

    Sean, thank you. I needed to read that & let me assure you, there are a lot of us out here that love you too. I hope your day is filled to the rim with blessings.

    Reply
  10. Bonnie - September 20, 2018 7:56 am

    Sean we all love you too….Everyday I tell my 8 yr old great-granddaughter Kaylabug I love her and i am so so so sorry that she is terminally ill with Batten disease.

    Thanks for your inspiring columns….

    Reply
    • Dean - August 22, 2021 7:02 am

      Bonnie that is most important to know she is loved 🙏🙏🙏

      Reply
  11. Marilyn Ward Vance - September 20, 2018 8:25 am

    …..and I love you. I believe God guides your writing every single day! You touch so many with your “I love you”s, “I believe in you”s, “you are worth it”s……thank you!

    Reply
  12. Buck - September 20, 2018 8:32 am

    I love you to!!! I’m so grateful a friend turned me onto your posts and podcasts. You’ve changed my perspective on life. Thanks!!!

    Reply
  13. Lisa Snuggs - September 20, 2018 9:33 am

    I love you almost as much as I love my dogs!

    Reply
  14. Linda - September 20, 2018 9:36 am

    You, Sean Dietrich, make the world a better place. You are loved and appreciated. Thanks for writing for us all.

    Reply
  15. Steven P Bailey - September 20, 2018 9:40 am

    Beautiful…

    Reply
  16. Nancy - September 20, 2018 9:51 am

    I wonder if you realize how important your words are to so many people? You are a beautiful soul and I love you too!

    Reply
  17. Kelly - September 20, 2018 9:56 am

    Thank you so much for this. I absolutely believe God have you these words for me to read this morning. God bless you.

    Reply
  18. Jean - September 20, 2018 9:58 am

    Thank you! There is nothing mediocre about you….and P.S I love you too

    Reply
  19. Peggy Savage - September 20, 2018 11:07 am

    Thank you, Sean. The written word is so powerful, and you have positively empowered so many of us today. Thank you for your love and devotion. Love you right back….

    Reply
  20. Edith Clark - September 20, 2018 11:11 am

    You are loved too. Sometimes all the good I see is the words you have written. God bless you.

    Reply
  21. Jean - September 20, 2018 11:23 am

    And, I love you too!

    Reply
  22. Judith Pierce Croxton - September 20, 2018 11:26 am

    Precious words for all in need.

    Reply
  23. Trina V. - September 20, 2018 11:28 am

    I needed this today. I didn’t sleep worth anything last night.

    Reply
  24. Tim McMeans - September 20, 2018 11:52 am

    Amen my friend…..love your words

    Reply
  25. Barbara-Jean Gravlee - September 20, 2018 11:55 am

    Smiling now. Just wanted you to know.

    Reply
  26. Pamela Mills - September 20, 2018 12:09 pm

    Sean, you were firing on all cylinders today! You hit subjects that so many of us needed to hear! I read you every morning and you never disappoint! Thank you for your thoughts every morning!

    Reply
  27. Beau - September 20, 2018 12:12 pm

    Thank you Young Man! I needed to hear that.

    Reply
  28. lornabramley - September 20, 2018 12:16 pm

    Thank you so much for this today.After 22 yrs of Lyme Disease I really needed to read this.

    Reply
  29. Connie Havard Ryland - September 20, 2018 12:29 pm

    Love you back.

    Reply
  30. Diane - September 20, 2018 12:36 pm

    Thank you for these words. And thank you for your faithful sharing of your soul. I look forward to reading your writings each day. Several of my favorite people and I are going to the Hardin center in Gadsden Alabama January 18, 2019 for your “Evening of Songs and Stories”. And I was just wondering, do you ever give hugs to little old ladies who think you are amazing? If you do, can I please have one? God bless you!

    Reply
    • Karen Templet Irby - September 20, 2018 3:33 pm

      Miss Diane, you are in for a very special treat! I met Sean in Grove Hill, Alabama, and it was wonderful. And oh my goodness, he gives the best hugs ever-and he isn’t stingy about giving them! You’re guaranteed to have a great time. And give him a hug from me, ok? God bless!

      Reply
  31. Tracy - September 20, 2018 12:55 pm

    I feel like you wrote this to me this AM.
    After waking up at 3am because I was thinking about the career change I am making at 48yro and taking a 20% pay cut to do so. I am so on the fence about it and scared and lacking confidence and feeling old and ugly but after reading this I see I’m not alone.
    I feel like you wrote this directly to me and I thank you! I needed this glimmer of hope!
    A thousand thank yous!

    Reply
  32. Patricia A Schmaltz - September 20, 2018 12:56 pm

    Love you too! Laughing and tearing up at the same time. Nothing to be sorry for though!

    Reply
  33. Daviv dunn - September 20, 2018 12:59 pm

    I needed that. Thankyou,David

    Reply
  34. MermaidGrammy - September 20, 2018 1:00 pm

    I’m all those things – or I have been all those things. You can get your confidence back. Sometimes it takes a few pharmaceuticals (“vitamin x” we call in our family -and yes, most of us are on it!) usually it just takes some strong prayer and a ton of believing. Thank you and know that we ALL ❤️❤️❤️ you!

    Reply
  35. Carol - September 20, 2018 1:13 pm

    Thank you Sean , I so needed to hear this today, and especially you, because I believe you really mean it .
    I write you everyday like you write me ,so I know what a good loving person you are,
    I’m sick now and I’m fighting to get better I have COPD And my bronchitis kicked me in the butt!
    I wish my son was like you , he’s a good boy but not much time for me!
    If I call he’ll come but it’s hard to get him he’s always busy
    My daughter looks after me , but has some health issues with herself and her husband and it’s not right for me to bother her all the time!
    That’s it’ for family , got grandkids but they have kids and their not caring anymore or have time.
    Sorry for the pity party, but I just needed your shoulder and to hold your hand a few mins
    Thank you!
    Love ya!

    Reply
  36. Debra Crosby - September 20, 2018 1:14 pm

    Thank you. Many needed this today including me. You are loved and appreciated too.

    Reply
  37. William Prall - September 20, 2018 1:18 pm

    If I forget to read your words before my wife does she enjoys reading it to me. But she can never get to the end without sobbing. Then that brings the tears to my eyes. Today’s column is no exception. Some times I can feel the spirit of Will Rogers in your words and sometimes Mark Twain and occasional a touch of Jean Sheppard.
    (You have to have been a Yankee to know him)
    God bless you and I hope you have great day.

    Reply
  38. emmbeedee - September 20, 2018 1:38 pm

    Thank you for this. I wish I hadn’t read it at work though! I’ll have to pass the sniffling nose and watery eyes off as allergies! Love you right back!

    Reply
  39. Nancy Thomaston Rogers - September 20, 2018 1:55 pm

    I went to “Homecoming service” with the minister I grew up with over 50 years ago. He is 83 now. His sermon was on God’s “Unconditional Love.” He said his children tease him that “all his sermons” are on love, he said they wouldn’t be too far wrong. For as in his words, he has based his ministry on Corinthians I, verse 13: And now abides faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. Love is the greatest. Thank you for your daily dose of love Sean Dietrich.

    Reply
  40. Jane - September 20, 2018 2:06 pm

    Thank you for the words that brought me peace. You must be peeking in my window!

    Reply
  41. Connie - September 20, 2018 2:19 pm

    There are tons of people that love you each and every! Hope you feel it flowing right back! I would think you could be the reason that some are still alive (on the inside) and living for your words that help us make it through the day…I love your stories because they make me want to be a better person and give me a boost of understanding and compassion. Blessings!????

    Reply
  42. Dianne - September 20, 2018 2:31 pm

    You are loved, too, Sean. Very loved!!

    Reply
  43. Shelton Armour - September 20, 2018 2:39 pm

    Thanks, Sean. Love you, too, brother.

    Reply
  44. Jeri Blom - September 20, 2018 2:41 pm

    Dear Sean,
    I want you to read this post that you posted, and know that it is from ME to YOU!
    Thank you for you!

    Reply
  45. Angie - September 20, 2018 2:42 pm

    Thanks for being such an inspiration to me.

    Reply
  46. Lauren Weber - September 20, 2018 2:50 pm

    Thank you! I feel better just reading this and I want you to know you are awesome! I love reading your blogs and can’t wait to read your books! Have a wonderful day!

    Reply
  47. Joy - September 20, 2018 3:06 pm

    I am running late this morning….cleaning house….and praising God that I can still clean my own house! After reading your post this morning it is amazing just how many topics were right on target.

    Your writings always touch me and I am so thankful that someone told me about you and I got signed up to receive your posts. You make every day better! Thank you from the bottom of my heart! Please keep up the good works!

    Love you too, Sean!

    Reply
  48. Karen Templet Irby - September 20, 2018 3:24 pm

    Sean, you are my daily dose of JOY! I too believe that the good Lord uses you to love everybody, and I know he blesses you for it. I know that I would get in my car right now and go help you if you needed it, and I wouldn’t be alone! Love you, dear heart, and God bless!

    Reply
  49. Gwen Monroe - September 20, 2018 3:26 pm

    Thank you Sean. I read your writing to my husband every morning. Comforting, thoughtful, encouraging and funny. We love you too.

    Reply
  50. Cindy - September 20, 2018 3:37 pm

    I know you wrote this to me today. I have a disease that no one sees but I feel the pain daily. My daddy died unexpectedly three weeks ago. I drove half way across the country and back for his service using gas we couldn’t afford eating country cooking at Cracker Barrel that tasted good but cost more than my utilities a month. While in Tennessee for the service my momma had a fainting spell. We thought we might have two funerals in the same week but she was sick from too much nicotine and not enough liquids. My sister and I chipped in all we could scrape together for the arrangements and cremation (always practical daddy knew it would be cheaper). Drove back home over 800 miles and a few days later had my own fainting spell. Cracked my head open and after stitches and a CT I owe Doogie Houser 5000 dollars for those stitches. He said I had too much stress and not enough liquids. Turns out they cost 1000 a piece and I thought Cracker Barrel and gas was expensive. I didn’t mention it and maybe I shouldn’t but one of my sons was in jail during all this mess. We didn’tt bail him out. So thanks for writing this today. I looked in the mirror at my broken nose, black eyes and stitches. You care and I know others have stuff happen too. You have had a rusty, oil leaking pick up truck full of your own life journey junk. But all of us travel the road together and some how that lighten the load. Thanks keep writing. Cindy

    Reply
  51. Jan - September 20, 2018 3:47 pm

    Thank you, Sean. All do not apply, but enough do to be an encouragement to me. ❤️

    Reply
  52. Sharon allemang - September 20, 2018 3:50 pm

    Thanx for the encouragement today.. I needed it to continue this journey called life! So gloomy here with rain, dark skies & crickets chirping in my basement apartment!! Tomorrow will be better I know.. But today just sucks!!

    Reply
  53. Kathryn Arnold - September 20, 2018 4:02 pm

    Thank you. Sharing your work daily. Remember us when the Fame kicks in. God bless you with both the rewards and the trials you need to keep the narrow path.

    Reply
  54. Montana Mamma - September 20, 2018 4:09 pm

    I save all your writings in a special folder, and go to them when I feel the need for love, a good laugh, or tears – I read somewhere that tears are like the vent on a pressure cooker…they allow all the steam to escape, and Heaven knows I don’t cry enough. I was incredulous that you knew exactly when my birthday was, even though you were writing to your Dad – that was such a treat! YOU are a beautiful person and must possess large amounts of courage to put your feelings out there where everyone can see them – I envy you. Thank you for all the words you write solely for me, and for all the experiences you share that make a Montana Mamma like me feel right at home in your neighborhood! God Bless You and give you the Peace of Understanding, and the Warmth of knowing that you are surrounded by Love. Montana Mamma

    Reply
  55. Lana Haldeman - September 20, 2018 4:22 pm

    Sean you make me smile and you make me think about things you write it sticks with me and I never quite figure out if you are talking to me in someway or maybe it’s for someone else but it gets me thinking AGAIN. Sometimes i get in the mellow spot and i only think about myself and then you get me stirred up and thinking about other things. Thank you for your writing and making me smile at least once a day!! Your good Brother!!!

    Reply
  56. Suze - September 20, 2018 5:05 pm

    I love you too, Sean! I am really looking forward to seeing you tonight!

    Reply
  57. Wadena - September 20, 2018 5:08 pm

    You hit several nails on the head today. Thank You; you are a Godsend!

    Reply
  58. elainenkarrh - September 20, 2018 5:09 pm

    Thanks Sean..Right back atch ya!!

    Reply
  59. Janie's Jottings - September 20, 2018 5:16 pm

    Thank you!!!

    Reply
  60. Scott - September 20, 2018 5:34 pm

    THANK YOU!

    Reply
  61. Betty - September 20, 2018 6:05 pm

    Right back at you Sean. You are beautiful in so many ways & I love you.

    Reply
  62. Cindy - September 20, 2018 6:56 pm

    Thank you! You’re a very special person.

    Reply
  63. Brenda McLaine - September 20, 2018 7:41 pm

    Beautiful, uplifting words Sean. We love you too.

    Reply
  64. Connie Jones - September 20, 2018 8:39 pm

    Sean…you are ‘da bomb! You can always make me feel good when my spirits are dragging. Your wife and family are so lucky to have you, and I love you too.

    Reply
  65. E Hegwood - September 20, 2018 9:44 pm

    Surely you were window peeking when you wrote this The story of my current existence

    Reply
  66. Nix LaVerdi - September 20, 2018 10:31 pm

    You are a beautiful person, Sean.
    Thank you for living in this world.

    Sincerely,
    Nix

    Reply
  67. Caron Sellers Eiman - September 20, 2018 11:44 pm

    Thank you.

    Reply
  68. Debbie - September 21, 2018 12:53 am

    Thank you for the way you seem to speak to me and me alone. Some of the statements apply…well, most of them do…I thank you. I love you, dear friend. I know you’d be a great friend. Hugs to you!

    Reply
  69. Pamela McEachern - September 21, 2018 1:50 am

    Thank you Sean you are a beacon for so many and you make a difference in our lives.

    Peace and Love from Birmingham

    Reply
  70. Cindy Gallo - September 21, 2018 1:58 am

    You just surpassed Lewis Grizzard. (Remember me from Enterprise?). I needed this. Thank you so much …again. And Sean, you are not mediocre. You are mighty. God bless.

    Reply
  71. Nancy Knupp - September 21, 2018 2:52 am

    Love you back.

    Reply
  72. Ellen - September 21, 2018 3:25 am

    Sean, I love you for your comforting words! I look forward to reading them everyday! Thank you for loving us even though you don’t know us!

    Reply
  73. Sandi in FL. - September 21, 2018 5:24 am

    Your heart is an open book, Sean. Thank-you for allowing us to read the pages and soak in the details on a daily basis. We admire and love your down-home goodness and heartfelt sharings.

    Reply
  74. Sarah Hunt - September 21, 2018 5:25 am

    Winston Churchill said we will never Surrender! I love reading your posts Sir Sean. Some days they make me cry, some days make me laugh, some days oh well. Isnt that life? Oh and the ones about dogs well they dissolve me in a good way as I have a border collie that melts my heart with that cock of his head thing, so adorable. Not so much when attacking the mailman! The yin and yang of life which you so poignantly express. I live in the Great State of Texas, coast close to Corpus Christi. If you are ever in this area it would It be give me great pleasure to take you and your wife to lunch or dinner and or show you the sights. Keep writing Sir. You are a gift as are your stories. Sincerely, Sarah Hunt 361-960-7938. I am a realtor and have lived in this area my whole 63 years and could introduce you to some characters that would give you some great stories . Thank you again for your insights .

    Reply
  75. Julia - September 21, 2018 4:55 pm

    Thank you for your inspiration!!

    Reply
  76. Carole Lea - September 21, 2018 5:56 pm

    Beautiful! I love you too!

    Reply
  77. Pippi - September 22, 2018 8:16 am

    Thank you. Don’t stop writing.

    Reply
  78. Sherri - September 22, 2018 11:25 pm

    Sean, thank you for writing to me. I love you too.

    Reply
  79. angelseyes71 - September 26, 2018 1:26 pm

    Thanks Sean, we all love you back!!

    Reply
  80. Jo Wilhelm - September 26, 2018 5:55 pm

    Wow! I don’t know you either but so many of your points hit the nail on the head. I had tears in my eyes when I finished! I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kind words that felt like they came from a dear friend. We will be friends from now on, and I will continue to enjoy your beautiful writings.

    Reply
  81. Donna Johns - September 26, 2018 9:08 pm

    I just wanted you to know how you inspire me to be a better me!! I see myself in so many of your writings!! Just know that I love you too!!

    Reply
  82. Carolyn K - November 16, 2018 11:20 am

    ❤️ Love you 2, you are such an inspiration?

    Reply
  83. Steve Winfield - November 16, 2018 2:02 pm

    No way to top all these comments. Your email comes through around midnight each night. Many times I’m awake & read it then. I alway regret it the next morning because I don’t have a new one. Like so very many others, I’m hooked. I love you too sir & hope God blesses you big.

    Reply
  84. Val Cole - November 16, 2018 5:42 pm

    You do good work and it means so much. Thank you.

    Reply
  85. Sharon J - November 16, 2018 6:55 pm

    Love is the main thing! It shows just by the comments in this column. Thank you Sean – keep writing!!

    Reply
  86. Larry W. - November 16, 2018 11:45 pm

    Writing and publishing six books is a very nice achievement, not to mention having millions of people around the world who follow you and read your daily posts. We are all in awe of your many abilities and talents.

    Reply
  87. Robin Mitchelll - November 17, 2018 6:27 am

    Wow. I needed this. I love you. Seriously

    Reply
  88. kathy Jackson - August 22, 2021 3:40 am

    You should have said “Dear Kathy,”. This was too coincidental for my comfort zone. But, it made me wonder….does God send us messages like this every day? He loves us more than anyone else does. Even you. 😉. Thank you for hugging me today. And don’t discount your achievements. You just lifted up my very heavy heart.

    Reply
  89. Martha - August 22, 2021 10:56 am

    I needed to read this today!

    Reply
  90. Elizabeth Ladley - August 22, 2021 8:06 pm

    You, sir, voice the words we all need to hear. You might not be perfect but you are real. For that, many of us are forever grateful ❤️ Sometimes your words are what get me through the day. Keeping on….

    Reply
  91. Carol Vaught - August 27, 2021 3:30 pm

    You are truly gifted by the words you share! Thank you and God bless you and your family!

    Reply

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