The Spark of Generosity

I have a tale to tell. It's the story of a former player, his rookie card, 3 amazing bloggers and how acts of kindness not only spread joy but self-perpetuate to something larger than itself.

 

Our journey begins in Goodyear, AZ. Daniel (It's Like Having My Own Card Shop), who acquired two copies of Sparky Lyle's 1969 rookie card. Daniel generously decided to hold a contest and give one of those copies away. 

 

(Quick aside: Are you guys sick of me bringing up Sparky Lyle? This will be the 8th post since the beginning of July that I've mentioned Mr. Lyle/Daniel's contest. I'm not done either - I still have to show off the cards Daniel sent me. It just feels like I'm over-saturating things by invoking the "birthday cake prankster" so many times...)

Anyway, despite my best efforts, I did not win the rookie card. The card was sent to San Diego, home of frequent Time Travel Trading partner Brendan (The View From The Third Floor).  Brendan was at the time holding his own contest. I didn't win that one either, but I did come in 2nd! That was good enough for a prize, which I showed off last week. Brendan was kind enough to pass the Lyle rookie onto me.

 

 

A few days later, I received an envelope from Jon (The All-Time Portland Beavers Project). It was a response to a mailing I had sent to him. Inside was another 1969 Topps Sparky Lyle rookie card!

 

 

Like Daniel before me, I was now in possession of two copies of this card. Both cards here with me entirely because other people wanted to make my day a little brighter. I am blessed, but I can't help but feel that the world is telling me that the "7" Lyle was not meant for me. Despite traveling approximately 2,884 miles to get here, Waynesboro Virginia was not to be it's final resting place. The kindness shown to me must be passed on. Therefore, I have sent the marked card on to another blogger. (I won't say who - I'll let them reveal it if they desire.)

I've been a part of numerous groups in my life, but this little fraternity of card collecting bloggers is a unique one. I haven't met any of you in person. I don't know what any of your voices sounds like, and with few exceptions, couldn't even pick you out of a lineup. That's probably true for most of us. Yet, we're close, aren't we? Our love of this hobby has allowed us to be ourselves, and few groups I've been in have seen so many quick to send a little cardboard happiness to someone else, to share in the joy that each and every card brings to our fellow collector. Paying it forward isn't just something we do, it's practically our creed. I've been on the receiving end more times than I can count, and I aim to be on the giving end even more than that. 

In my letter to the recipient of Sparky's new home, I wrote that this card was the physical manifestation of the kindness we collectors regularly show each other. To remind myself of this, you'll find Sparky's image on my main blog page from now on. Keep the kindness flowing my friends!