There are times when the world seems all right again with goodness and kindness serving as the dominating force.

Saturday morning at the Main Street Mercantile was a prime example of this as Tommy Miller, a resident of Bradford with special needs, walked into the antiques and variety shop where he was not only surprised with a 70th birthday party, but also received a gift he had long wanted — a Fender Stratocaster guitar and amp. Staff at the Mercantile as well as at the Tin Ceiling Gift Shoppe next door and others pitched in to buy the gifts. Also included with the party were cupcakes, Miller’s favorite apple pie and lasagna for his dinner later on.

As a regular shopper at the stores over the years, Miller has endeared himself to the staff and others who see him walking in downtown Bradford. On the day of his mother’s death in September he called staff at the Mercantile to share the sad news.

Miller is also well-known at Futures Rehabilitation Center where he was honored last week for his 50 years of work, and ambassadorship, for the sheltered work center.

Amber McAlpine, manager of the Mercantile, said she decided to help Miller obtain a new guitar after he told her he had lost his former Fender guitar during an unfortunate accident when his group home moved a couple of years ago to another residence.

“As he was telling me, I was typing it into the computer so (the staff who included Phyliss Ross, Sue McAlpine and Janet Carr) could go in on it together,” McAlpine said. Others who pitched in for the gifts were McAlpine’s parents, Miller’s cousin David Morris and Nancy and Mark Graham of the Tin Ceiling.

“We got him the whole kit and kaboodle — amp, guitar,” picks and shoulder strap, McAlpine shared prior to Miller’s arrival at the store Saturday with his cousin, as is his routine.

When Miller walked in with his cousin, he was definitely surprised by all the fanfare.

“Oh, boy — gee wiz,” Miller exclaimed when he saw the cupcakes, cards and a party hat on the counter.

When he was asked to look around the corner to see his gifts, he became excited as he ripped the wrapping paper off to reveal the guitar underneath.

“Oh, oh, oh, it’s a ga-ga-ga-guitar!,” he yelled before finding out the brand. “Holy Toledo, it’s beautiful … it’s a Fender Stratocaster!”

Miller continued to smile as he held up the guitar and looked it over.

“Now I can go play the Beatles … watch out Grant Orris!” he said in referring to the accomplished Bradford guitarist.