Sometimes something happens that seems to make the struggles worthwhile. While most of us will have to put up with irate customers from time to time, it is always much nicer to hear from a satisfied customer, especially one who uses and enjoys your product in a way you may not have imagined. With her permission, I am sharing a letter from one of our customers.

April 27, 1999
Dear Edd,
I was delighted to have a chance to speak with you this morning. I have always hoped I would get the opportunity to let someone at your company know how much I enjoy and appreciate your sun chimes! I am writing you using Windows 95 with a special screen reader called Window-Eyes. It speaks everything I need to hear when I use my computer.

I have known the person who gave me my chimes since she was a freshman in high school. She is my best friend's daughter and it has been a joy to share in her growing. Throughout the past twenty years, she has given me some very thoughtful gifts. But absolutely none of them could begin to compare to the sun chimes! I had no idea what they were and didn't believe that they would truly work. But sure enough the next morning I heard the day come awake.

I have always been totally blind -- never able to see colors or any light. Sometimes when friends come to visit they forget to turn off a light. If I forget to go around and check, I learn about it the next time someone comes over. The usual question is, "When was somebody over here last?" Then I know some light has been on.

There are probes available now to help. But I came up with a far less expensive way to do it. My mother bought me this Christmas mug which plays this diddly little jingle bell song whenever it encounters light. So now after company leaves, I walk around my house with the mug. If Jingle Bells begins to play, I check the light switches nearby.

I always thought it would be so nifty if someone would create some musical gadget needing solar energy which had real beauty and quality. Now I have my chimes sitting on the floor next to my patio door. Not only did you care enough to make a gentle sound, but it's a peaceful chord and in tune, too!

I received my undergraduate degree in piano. I have perfect pitch. So, many sets of wind chimes do not appeal to me because designers aren't careful about pitch or tonal quality. The sun chimes sound as peaceful and warm as the sun on my face makes me feel.

My best friend had to move about 300 miles away last summer. So, I knew that Christmas what I had to give her. I always have heard families and friends say to each other, "Remember, you'll see the same sun no matter where we are". Well, now, I was able to tell her that we could hear the same sun begin the days no matter that we were in different places.

I close my front drapes during the evening time, but just before I go to bed, I open them up. That way I hear the day come unless it's totally cloudy and gloomy. If the chimes get really sprightly, I know the sun must be out and very bright. If they just gently ring, I know it's not quite so bright.

My friends who are blind are all about as enchanted with the chimes as I am. Mine even has a butterfly on them instead of the metal ring. I also like that because people's description of butterflies makes them sound lovely. Now, a butterfly is what makes my chimes ring.

I'm sad to hear that you don't still make the chimes that hang from the ceiling. I had decided I was going to buy a set for my study this spring. It teaches one that you shouldn't wait if you see something you really like. I will call you back as soon as I know which model number my friends want. Thanks again for talking with me earlier today. And, more importantly, thank you for creating such a unique and beautiful product. I imagine you never thought it might be truly functional for some of us as well as bringing a gentle and peaceful sound to our days.

Take Care,
Linn