READER REPORT: Service-call coincidence

That’s West Seattle artist Mindi Katzman with the AC/heating tech who came to her home last week. She explains why his visit was a full circle of sorts:

I am in the midst of a renovation at my house in the Morgan Junction.

When the contracting crew, BYD Construction, tore down the stairs, they found the most charming letter tucked away by a previous owner who was doing a little renovating in 1995. I have included the note [and pictures that accompanied it] below.

Flash forward to this past Thursday, when the AC/Heating guy [from Greenwood Heating & AC] showed up to fire up the new system.

It turns out he is the little boy in the picture all grown up, Kalin Helmbrecht, and he used to spend many weekends at the house as a child.

What were the chances of his being the one sent out to test the new system at his grandparents’ former house? They are still around and live in Beverly Park.

Thanks to Mindi for sharing the story! From breaking news to “found this in the attic,” that’s what has made WSB a community-collaborative news publication for 11 years now – here’s how to reach us any time.

28 Replies to "READER REPORT: Service-call coincidence"

  • T September 2, 2018 (4:10 pm)

    Very cool!

  • Alki Betty September 2, 2018 (5:19 pm)

    AMAZING!!! 

  • Sam-c September 2, 2018 (5:20 pm)

    That’s amazing! Thanks for sharing such a cool story.

  • DebbieA September 2, 2018 (5:33 pm)

    That is so crazy!   I love that Larry wrote the letter not knowing who might see it or when. 

  • Pamela Rogers September 2, 2018 (5:41 pm)

    What a great story!

  • Mike in Delridge September 2, 2018 (5:49 pm)

    this is an awesome story.

  • kerri September 2, 2018 (6:11 pm)

    Cool story. Thanks for sharing!

  • Railroaded September 2, 2018 (6:56 pm)

    Neat story. I recognize Larry from when I worked on the Sea-Tac Airport ramp back in 1996.

  • West Seattle since 1979 September 2, 2018 (8:08 pm)

    Very cool!

  • jissy September 2, 2018 (8:10 pm)

    I LOVE THIS!!!!

  • DRW September 2, 2018 (8:42 pm)

    Good News Today! Something we need more of these days!

  • slc September 2, 2018 (9:50 pm)

    I love this story!  Thank you for sharing!

  • AGI September 2, 2018 (9:57 pm)

    Great story. (Perhaps you could have deleted or blacked out their birthdates to protect their privacy?)

    • Lenita Lane September 5, 2018 (1:51 pm)

      Its all good….we are still having a great life!

  • ACG September 2, 2018 (10:02 pm)

    What a neat story!  Thanks for sharing!!

  • Toni Reineke September 2, 2018 (10:08 pm)

    Wonderful story, Mindi! 

  • JP September 2, 2018 (10:42 pm)

    Somebody should share this on the Liminal Seattle Map!

    • WSB September 2, 2018 (11:42 pm)

      Looked through that and it seems more supernatural than anything – but go right ahead!

  • MJ September 2, 2018 (10:45 pm)

    A nice uplifting story.

  • SE September 3, 2018 (12:21 am)

    I have been reading this Blog at least every other day since moving to SW Seattle 3 1/2 years ago. This is the best story I seen on it to date! Amazing heartfelt story, gives me a glimmer of hope for the future of our SW Seattle we all share. 

  • J. Lardizabal September 3, 2018 (3:14 am)

    What a lovely story, Mindy! Thanks for sending it out into the world!

  • Lori September 3, 2018 (9:07 am)

    Fun story! Curious to know though, did he realize it was his grandparents house?

  • Liza Phoenix September 3, 2018 (12:13 pm)

    no way! that gave me chills

  • Question Mark September 3, 2018 (5:33 pm)

    Sounds to me like the letter was delivered right on time! Great story!!

  • MrsShaw September 4, 2018 (11:50 am)

    I second the chills,  the super coolness, and THE BEST STORY vote. Mindi – I hope that your remodel comes out nicely and that you’ll reserve a spot for the “then and now” photos.  Thank you so much for sharing…Deb

  • carolei September 5, 2018 (9:53 am)

    I love this! Thank you WSB! 

  • Lenita Lane September 5, 2018 (1:46 pm)

    Hi, I’m the grandma holding my grandson.  My husband had told me years ago that he had put a note and pictures in the wall but I never knew what he wrote.  It was so awesome that it was found and our grandson a part of it.  Some of our happiest days were spent with Kalen in that house.  That you for sharing such great memories with us!

  • Mindi Katzman September 9, 2018 (10:11 am)

    Hi Lenita, Thanks for your comment. Greetings Lenita, Finding the note  was definitely one of the highlights of the project.   The crew was so excited.  Me too. But having Kalen show up was icing on the cake.  Please feel free to swing by after Oct. 31 (or before if you want to see it in progress.)Best wishes, Mindi

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