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Back on the interstate I realized that I had created a bit of a dilemma. My car didn't have an automatic transmission, which meant I needed one hand to shift and the other to drive. I set my coffee down on the center console until I could accelerate to a higher gear. What were the odds that the coffee would spill?

Pretty high odds, actually. Suddenly, a dark, hot stain spread over my right leg, from my knee to my hip. And I was wearing "light blue" jeans. At the airport I applied some jean first aid by squeegeeing my pants and using the rest-room hand dryer. But I still looked like a giant dork.

As soon as I checked into the Airport Marriott in Atlanta, I called housekeeping. "These coffee-stained jeans are the only pants I have to wear for my return trip home," I explained to the supervisor. "Is there any chance I can get them washed overnight?"

With a lot of sympathy in her voice, she informed me that not only was there no guest laundry, but the crew that washed linens had left for the day. But she said she would be glad to pick up my jeans, take them home, and wash and return them early the next morning.

Thankful for her kindness, I agreed to this plan.

The next morning this incredible woman delivered a clean pair of freshly washed and pressed jeans to my door.

I still regret that I didn't get her name (although I did write a glowing letter about her to the hotel). But even though I don't know her given name, I know what to call her: She's a Fred.

Ever since I met Fred the Postman, I've come to realize that Freds-- as well as potential Freds--are everywhere. And every one I meet convinces me that Freds are a lot less the exception to the rule than I once thought. Each one is truly an individual in his or her own way. Here are some Fred types I've encountered.

A FUNNY FRED

Passengers on the 6:15 a.m. flight from Denver to San Francisco are rarely at their perkiest. From experience I know the flight is usually uneventful, and all that is heard is an occasional snore. Of course, this can change depending on the flight attendant.

On one flight the passengers were treated to some unorthodox announcements from an unusually creative and witty flight attendant.

"If you are having a hard time getting your ears to pop, I suggest you yawn widely," she began. "And if you are having a hard time time yawning, ask me and I'll tell you about my love life."

"We are on final approach into San Francisco airport. If San Francisco is your final destination, I hope you'll have a safe drive home. There is some blockage on the northbound 101, and it appears there is a stalled car at the Market Street exit. But otherwise, traffic appears to be moving smoothly."

By now the usually sleepy passengers were waking up; laughter was heard throughout the airplane. After we touched down, the flight attendant was back for an encore.

"Unless the person next to you has beaten me to it, let me be the first to welcome you to San Francisco. You'll notice that the airport buildings are in the distance. We don't land at the terminal because it scares the heck out of the people inside. That's why we land way out here. That means we'll need to taxi, so please don't stand up until we are parked at the gate and the seat-belt sign has been turned off.

"For those of you who are 1Ks, Premiers, and frequent fliers--there are too many of you on board to mention by name, but you know who you are--we thank you for choosing United for your extensive travels. And if you'll leave me a recent picture as you deplane, I'll be glad to mail it to your loved ones so they remember what you look like.

"My final hope is that when you leave the airplane, you'll do so with a big smile on your face. That way the people outside will wonder just what it is we do up here in the friendly skies."

Here's what this Fred did: She took some risks and had some fun. As a result, the passengers--or rather her "customers"--had fun too.

AN ACCOUNTABLE FRED

Jack Foy works as a night auditor at Homewood Suites in Worthington, Ohio. One night, which happened to be Father's Day eve, a woman whose husband was staying at the property called with a special request. She told Jack that for Father's Day the man's daughter wanted to make sure her dad had his favorite breakfast of pancakes, eggs, and bacon.

The only problem was that Homewood Suites doesn't have a restaurant. So at 7:00 a.m. when Jack got off work, he drove to a nearby restaurant to pick up the special meal. He also bought a card and used a crayon to sign it "From Daddy's Little Girl." Then he drove back to the hotel and delivered the care package to one very astonished and grateful guest.

Oh, and by the way, as a result of Jack's act of service, the man he had taken such good care of gave Jack's hotel a substantial contract. Value-added accounting.

Now that's Fred power!

This sample ended on page 20 but the good feelings you get from reading this book just keep going until the very end. This is one you'll enjoy reading again and again.

Thanks for reading with me. It’s so good to read with friends.

 Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@emailbookclub.com