In a way this column is about a former Neighbourhood Hero, Bill Pineo, but mainly, it's about his great granddaughter, Darcie Pineo, who took the time to write the letter that fills most of this column.

I know Bill was deeply touched when he received this letter and it's my hope that, by printing it here, it just might motivate other young, and not so young, people to write a letter, or at least make a phone call, to tell special people in their lives how they feel about them.

I, for one, know how it feels to have regrets. I grew up in a family that was extremely loving in its actions but not in its words - We seldom, if ever, paid each other compliments because the person complimented would have felt embarrassed, we didn't hug one another ... and we definitely didn't say the "I love you" words.

It took my daughter to teach me how to do those things but it was too late for my parents. I never got to tell them how much I loved them and how I thought, and still think, they were the best parents ever.

Perhaps reading Darcie's letter can do for you what my daughter's influence did for me. Here's the letter.

"To the BEST great grandfather a girl could ever have!!!

Congratulations on your terrific award (Citizen of the Year 2001). It couldn't have gone to a more deserving person. I'm so happy that you got it and so proud of you. You do so much for others and you deserve everything you get even though I know you do what you do because you love it.

It must be such a great honor to receive something such as citizen of the year for all of Nanaimo. And I thought getting a silver medal for citizenship in grade 8 was good. But you, out of all of Nanaimo, got picked for this. That is so awesome.

I just wanted to tell you grandpa, how much you really mean to me and how I'm always so impressed with everything that you do. It amazes me how you can go to school and help all these children with their math when you never even finished school yourself. And to have all that patience for children who can't seem to understand it. It's hard to find teachers like that and I know you're one of them.

I can tell that you are so admired by all the kids you teach by everything they have given to you and all the stories you tell me of them. I really wish that we still lived in Campbell River so that we would be able to see you and grandma more often. I really enjoy spending time with you and listening to all that you have to say.

I love it when you tell me all your stories and when I get the chance to read the ones that you have written.

Someday, when my first book is published or I win my first (out of many) academy awards I am going to dedicate it to you. You really mean a lot to me and I know you do to so many other people as well. You've helped so many people along the way and even still you continue to do so.

I love you lots Grandpa, and I give you many congratulations on your award.

Love always, Darcie."

Note: Since being nominated as a Neighbourhood Hero, Bill Pineo was named Citizen of the Year 2001 along with Chuck Wong and Literacy Nanaimo recently nominated him for a nation-wide, Canada Post Award.