I have mixed feelings about posting this since I know Mrs. Asbell would probably not want the attention and I would hate for her generosity to be taken advantage of but after Terry's post earlier I felt compelled to share this.
Back in late summer of 2011, I ordered a pullover from Teresa. Because I wanted the fit to be just right I called her up and she asked me several questions and then offered to customize my pullover, XXL in the shoulders, XL in the waist. It fit PERFECTLY and I wore it every chance I got, which wasn't many here in GA.
Flash forward to the last day of the season in North GA and I got my first official trad kill, while wearing my pullover. As some may remember, in my excitement I left my backpack on the side of the road. Along with my Asbell pullover. An hour later when I returned to retrieve my forgotten gear I found that everything was gone.
About a month ago, I again called Teresa to inquire about a Sherpa Vest and a G. Fred's new book. We spoke at length and she asked how I liked the pullover during the season. Embarrased I told her the story of what happened and that I was planning to order a replacement when I placed the order for the vest and book. She told me to wait as she had the Silent Stalker pattern returning and she thought I might like that better than the Evening Stand Green. We discussed the Spring Fling event in AL, my daughter's love of archery and that I needed to join Compton's. I told her I would send her a few pictures of my daughter shooting and said goodbye.
A few days later I get a call from a number I did not recognize. When I answer I hear Mrs. Asbell's voice. She said she was calling to tell me my order was shipping the next day. I told her I appreciated her letting me know but she did not need to call me for this. I wasn't in a big hurry. She then says, "well, I also called because I want to send your daughter a haversack, but wanted to make sure it was ok with you first."
Well, I was speechless. I am sure I stuttered some type of thank you and that she did not have to do that. I seem to remember saying I was at a loss for words. We spoke a few more minutes and said goodbye.
A couple days later I get a suspiciously larger box than I expected from MI. I open it up looking for the haversack that my daughter has been anxiously awaiting and underneath that there is a new pullover in Silent Stalker. Sized XXL in the chest and XL in the waist. I just stood there, again speechless. I picked up the phone right away and made a call and with way more emotion that I care to admit thanked Mrs. Asbell for her kindness and tried futily to get her to let me pay for the pullover.
My daughter sat down immediately and crafted a hand written thank you letter to her which we mailed the next day.
This past weekend myself, wife and daughter head to the Pre-Spring Fling. From the onset my daughter is as much excited to meet her new hero as she is to attend the shoot. She wore her haversack everywhere and made sure she was showing it prominatly in photos. When I pointed Mrs. Asbell out to my daughter she practically ran up and hugged her. She was even more excited when she heard Teresa call her by her name. She even asked her to sign her haversack! We talked a bit and G. Fred walked by, she stopped him and said, this is Bella, the girl who wrote me the thank you letter. He said nice to meet you Bella, turned around and picked up a copy of "Instinctive Shooting", signed it and handed it to her and said thank you for sending the letter. Of course in her excitement my daughter said thank you and then asked Teresa if she would pose for a picture with her. As I said elsewhere, I hope G. Fred was not offended.
Since she would not allow me to pay her for the pullover, book or haversack, I am working with Teresa to put together some special items that I will be purchasing from her to auction for St. Judes in a few months. Just my way of paying her kindness forward. Sitting here typing this up I am still astounded by her generosity.
This Trad Community is truly a wonderful one!!!!
Thank you again Mrs. Asbell!
Topic: Thank you Mrs. Asbell, you are truly one of a kind!!! (Read 688 times)
