At a time when war, terrorism and political scandal dominate the news, there remains appreciation for a story of human triumph.

That’s the conclusion from reaction to publication of “The Growing Season,” the 12-part Journal series on Zambarano Hospital patient Frank Beazley that began on Sept. 24 and concluded on Thursday.

As of midafternoon Friday, when this story was written, well over 200 readers had responded in telephone calls, e-mails, letters and postings to projo.com. Strangers had visited Zambarano to meet Frank and others made similar plans. Readers had phoned Frank and sent him cards and gifts, and more said they would.

“The Growing Season” is the story of Frank’s life. Abandoned by his family at birth, the 77-year-old man was raised in orphanages and by an abusive foster mother in Nova Scotia. Frank later moved to America, and was left a quadriplegic after falling down a flight of stairs almost 40 years ago. Despite these circumstances, he went on to become a celebrated poet, artist and advocate for those less fortunate.

Readers appreciated Frank’s philosophy of life, which values “beautiful days” and led Frank to a favorite saying: “Take what’s there for you, enjoy what you can.” Readers said that they admired his good cheer and compassion for others.

“This was a moving and inspiring piece,” Cranston’s Tara Zanni wrote in an e-mail. “I looked forward to reading this story every day. I would even go online late at night in the hopes that the next part was already available. When life frowns upon us, I hope those who read this will think back to Frank and his positive outlook. He saw the good in everything and everyone, regardless of what he was dealt.”

Sandy Greenwood, of Westerly, said in a call: “Every morning it was a fight over who got the paper first. We all have our ups and downs, but for him to have been through all that and to have that equanimity. …Thank you, thank you, thank you!” Sandy planned to visit Frank this week.

“Your positive outlook is a breath of fresh air in an otherwise very stale world,” someone posted to a projo.com Growing Season board. “I hope to grow up to be just like you someday.”

Wrote another poster: “Hello Frank, I just recently lost my Mom to cancer and have been feeling quite lost. I want to thank you for giving me such a warm and alive feeling again. You are a hero of life itself.”

The series drew in numerous out-of-state readers.

“Thank you for telling Frank’s story. I’m inspired by his kindness and goodwill,” wrote Dave Horsman, of Goodyear, Ariz.

“Hi Frank: Just wanted you to know how much I enjoyed the articles in The Journal,” a reader posted to a projo.com board. “You have a wonderful outlook on life, and I’m glad you had some wonderful friends to share your life. I’m here in Naples, FL but I’m originally from R.I. I wish you many more happy, healthy years!”

Some readers compared Frank’s story to sports writer Mitch Albom’s best-selling book about his former professor and mentor, Morrie Schwartz. “It is a truly inspiring and heart-warming story,” said Harriet Dias of Coventry, “and I just wish everyone would read it. All I could think of was Tuesdays With Morrie.”

An East Providence woman was among those who sent a card directly to Frank: “After reading your story, I was truly touched. You are an inspiration to all. I’ll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.”

And a Warwick resident wrote: “I just wanted to thank you from the depths of my heart for sharing your life with all of us in The Providence Journal. Your courage and perseverance have been an inspiration to me to be the very best I can be. …You are a beautiful gift to me even though we have never met.”

Frank was honored by the attention — but, typically, he was thinking of others. His only disappointment in the series was that it did not include the name of one of his good Zambarano friends, the late Terry Medberry. Like Frank, Terry was an artist and a champion for the disabled. “He was my buddy,” Frank said.

The series epilogue mentioned that after winning the long fight to bring cable TV to patients’ rooms at Zambarano, Frank hoped to get a larger set. Thursday afternoon, a reader drove to Zambarano and dropped a new one off. Others wrote that they would donate TVs, too. When he learned that, Frank said he would use them to benefit Patients for Progress, the advocacy group that he heads. Among other activities, the group raises money for projects that benefit all of Zambarano’s residents.

“If they send them in, we’ll do a raffle,” Frank said. “We’ll give the money to Patients for Progress.”

Frank spent Friday afternoon at Lincoln Park, betting on the greyhounds, one of his favorite pursuits.

“That’s the guy who’s in the paper,” whispered one man. “What a story!”

Others introduced themselves. “I just wanted to say hello,” said electrician Mario Medeiros of East Providence. “Very nice story. Very inspiring.”

Between bets, Frank said that his celebrity had not gone to his head.

“I’m still down-to-earth. I still behave myself!”

Responses to The Growing Season continued as this story was being written. Readers can still post greetings through the link at http://www.projo.com/extra/2006/beazley/part12