The good guys thread [Archive]

kuhio98

09-09-2012, 10:46 AM

Anchorage, Alaska had a huge windstorm on Tuesday, September 4th. Bobcat and I live on the east side of Anchorage and were without power until Friday night. We made it just fine -- though it was in the 40's at night. Thankfully, we have 2 fireplaces/woodstoves. We stayed warm and enjoyed cooking out on the grill until the power came back on.

Alaskans don't call 911 unless it is a "real" emergency. Power outages aren't an emergency. Earthquakes are not an emergency. They are just part of life.

Our local newspaper is publishing thank yous from locals to their neighbors for helping out and I thought I'd share them with you.

Windstorm Samaritans earn kudos
Readers say thanks to those who helped.
Anchorage Daily News / adn.com
Published: September 9th, 2012 06:25 AM

We asked readers to tell us about friends, neighbors or strangers who went out of their way to help during or after the big windstorm that hit Anchorage and the Mat-Su on Tuesday.
Here are some of their thank-you notes:

Thank you to Bob, an employee at a local gym, for the free shower!
-- Deb Prince
***
I woke up on the second day with no power, craving coffee. My neighbor, Jerry Linkovich, across the street had power with Chugach Electric but I was on (ML&P). I knew he wasn't awake yet so I carried my coffee pot across the street in my pajamas and robe. I set it on his driveway and plugged it into his outside outlet. In a few minutes I had a fresh pot of coffee to put in my thermos. Thanks, Jerry!
-- Jeri Beall
***
When I came home after working a 12-hour night shift, I found one of my large trees in front of my house had been uprooted and had fallen partially onto the street.
My neighbor Kathy was already out with her chain saw and had the part on the street cut back and was removing branches. When asked what she was doing her response was "just being neighborly"!
She went way above being "neighborly." She finished cutting up the tree that day and pulled the brush to the side of my house so wind wouldn't blow it all over. Kathy, you'll never know how much I appreciate you for doing that as I was scheduled to work that night and needed to sleep. Thanks again for "just being neighborly"!
-- Willie J. Johnson
***
I live in East Anchorage, one of the hardest-hit areas. The morning after the storm, I could see my backyard filled with tree limbs. I went out the front door to check my house and car. Both were fine, but there were huge tree limbs, mostly cottonwood, just piled up in my driveway, blocking my car. Some of the severed limbs were themselves as big as small trees. I realized I would probably have to hire someone to clear the debris, because I was just out of the hospital and recuperating from 2 major surgeries. I deided that I could at least pick up some of the smaller branches.
As I was starting about this task, a blue pickup truck with the license plate "AKGURL" pulled up. Out came a middle-aged man, and a young lady and young gentleman. "We'll get it; we'll get it" they said, and in a little more than 5 minutes they had cleared the limbs away so I would be able to drive out. I thanked them profusely, but didn't even get their names. They piled back into their truck after saying they were glad to help me out. So, I would publicly thank the crew of the AKGURL truck. I truly felt they were heaven-sent.
-- Marie Ward
***
My fiancé is with the Chugiak Fire Department. Him and his crew were out all night till after 5 a.m. clearing downed trees in the Chugiak Birchwood area, and marking off ones that were tied up with electrical cables. Ian Murphy -- you rock!
-- Misty Wright
***
We have been without power since Tuesday night. I posted sort of joking about it on Facebook. An ex-colleague, Marty Lemon, sent me a message saying he would be happy to loan me a generator. He and his wife came over late Friday night with the generator, fuel and extension cords and helped us set it up. I am very grateful to know such kind and generous people!
-- Diane Blakey
***
We live near the airport on Connors Trail Circle. We want to give a big thanks to our longtime neighbors and friends, Butch and Kay Hautanen, for storing our frozen fish in their generator-fired freezer. Our power was out for about 72 hours and if it were not for their willingness to help, our fish would have spoiled.
-- Steve and Weslei Horn
***
We have been without power since Tuesday at 10 p.m. It is now Saturday, 1:30 p.m. Our home is on the lower Hillside a block north of the zoo. Thank God for our incredible neighbor, Steve Flowers. He is truly a good Samaritan.
Knowing our power was off, he came driving up our driveway with a small trailer housing a 3,000-watt generator that he had rebuilt, a 5-gallon can of gasoline and a quart of oil to get us started.
He hooked it up for us and we have been able to have heat from the furnace and water pumped from the well, critical as we have a 29-year-old horse and a 22-year-old pony stabled here at our home. Not only did he provide help for us, but two other neighbors as well, providing them with generators.
He is one of the kindest, most generous men I have ever known.
-- Jane and Greg Tibbetts
***
Thanks to Flossie Davenport for bringing her chain saw to town all the way from Palmer to save us some time with our downed red willow tree in the backyard. Couldn't have asked for a better friend! Love you, Floss.
-- Beverly
***
During our 60 hours of the power outage, my neighbors went above and beyond to help me out while my husband was at training out of state.
The first morning, I went over to their house to see how things went for them and they offered me coffee made with their percolator. The second morning without power my neighbors brought me coffee at 6 a.m.
That day other neighbors were offering a generator for my freezer. I was so grateful to have thoughtful neighbors. It was clear that I needed to buy my own generator. While at Sportsman's Warehouse, they helped me choose which one to get, also taught me how to use it. My sincere appreciation to my neighbors, shout out to Ruthann, Dicky and Terry.
-- Roxana Kashatok
***
I want to thank my neighbor Denver Patterson and all his friends for clearing the street of the tree that had blocked it. They braved the storm to get the road cleared; they were out there until 3 a.m. getting it done. We are talking a young man in his early 20s and his buddies who are all between the ages of 16 and 18.
The next day be was out helping several other neighbors clearing trees off their trailers too. Once he went around to help them all out, he worked on the damage done to his trailer. So my husband and I went out and helped him for another four hours cleaning up. He is a true sweetheart!
-- <3 Sharae
***
I had just gone to Costco and I had three bags full of meats, cheeses and perishables. My friend from work took everything home to her freezer so it wouldn't be wasted. Another friend let me charge my phone, offered hot water. Lots of generous people around here!
-- Nena Robb
***
I'm not sure who it was but someone cut up the two trees that fell in our yard from the empty lot next door. They were careful to not make the broken fence worse. They also stacked all of the wood. It might have been Enstar or another group but it was a great surprise to come home to.
-- Sus Wilson Nesbitt
***
My wonderful neighbors Richard and Gayle Cederburg, and their son. Their son borrowed a generator and brought it over to the Cederburgs' home, and knocked on my door saying I was welcome to connect my freezer to it too. There is nothing like good neighbors!
-- Roberta Sanders
***
My cousins Daniel and Rodney who live in my neighborhood went out of their way to help me (I had no heat) even when they were stuck without electric and heat. I wish I could have thrown them an extension cord.
-- Carol Hull
***
Our neighbor loaned us a spare generator so that we could keep our freezer running!
-- Marcy Fandrich Adkins
***
I wanted to thank former Assembly member Mike Gutierrez. He came over to my house and cut up four big cottonwoods (50-plus feet) that had gone through my backyard as well as two of my neighbors' yards. Then he went so far as to stack all the wood neatly up for us so the pieces weren't all laying all over the yard so my dogs could use the yard. It was a very kind gesture, and to see that done for me after a long day at work, I was ecstatic. From now on Mike G will be known to me as Magic Mike!
-- Jacob Polzin
***
I was loading up the car ready to drive up to Chugiak to save the fish in my freezer. My neighbor who just picked up a generator gave me almost his entire deep freezer to store the fish. Then his wife and kids gave me tons of candles. Sadly I'm still using the candles and the generator is still running (Friday).
--Kristin Spack
***
I had my hands full of two kids freaking out about the exploding transformers. But all of us neighbors watched out for each other.
-- Susan Ellinger Clark
***
My coworker said her daughter's neighbor ran an extension cord across the street for her so she could plug in her freezer! One side of the street had power and the other didn't.
-- Jessica Borenin
***
Group of three or four walk back and forth on the street with flashlights checking on neighbors.
-- HÃ¢nh LiÃªn
***
My friends Marty Lemon and Debra Perala came to my assistance Wednesday afternoon to help me remove a tree from my roof. It was not an easy task, especially halfway into the effort that we spent working in the pouring rain and wind.
They are also storing frozen food for a friend. Last night they took a generator and set it up for some other friends of ours with two little kids that have been without power for over three days now.
-- Pamela Pope
***
Thank you to the board and neighbors in the Kempton Hills Homeowners Association for donating your time, skills and heavy equipment towards collecting all the fallen trees from the neighborhood. It's great to know that we can come together as a community and help take care of each other!
-- Joel Swanson
***
As always, neighbors united here to make sure all were well! Very fortunate to have the BEST of friends, and neighbors. To me that's what makes Anchorage unique.
-- Tom Bargelski

Read more here: http://www.adn.com/2012/09/08/2617039/up-to-1000-customers-remain-without.html

pomtzu

09-09-2012, 02:35 PM

I have a couple to get the ball rolling. Nothing tremendously heroic, but both are worth honorable mention.

The first one was actions taken by my son. He was stopped at a red light on a 6 lane divided highway, when out of the corner of his eye, he noticed movement. He glanced over at the car next to him, and a small kitten dropped out onto the road from the undercarriage - right by one of the tires. If the car moved, it would have been the end of kitty. Son jumped out of his car and started banging on the window of the other car, until the woman rolled the window down. In the meantime, the light turned green and other cars, not knowing what was going on, started honking their horns impatiently. Son is holding up his hands and waving them - getting people to calm down and not to move their cars. The woman in the other car got out, and between the 2 of them, they managed to rescue a very frightened kitten from the middle of a very busy highway - and from certain death. She had no idea where the cat came from - it wasn't hers - but living in the country, it could have come from just about anywhere. Another woman and her young son pulled off the highway to see what was happening, and she offered to give the kitty a home. A happy ending! :)

The second involved me and some total strangers. It was a cold day and a freezing drizzle was falling. I glanced out my front window and saw a car skid off the road and end up in the ditch across the street from my house. After not seeing any movement in the car, I decided to walk out to see if anyone needed help. I got almost to the road and stepped off of the grass (which wasn't slippery), onto the gravel driveway (which was slippery), and my feet went out from under me and I landed with a thud and couldn't get up. Cars are going by and either no one noticed me laying there, or just couldn't be bothered stopping to help. Finally a couple of guys in a pickup truck saw me and stopped, carried me almost 100' back to the house, got me inside and called for an ambulance, and then went to check out the car in the ditch - 2 teenage girls and they weren't hurt. As it was, I had a fractured femur which required surgery - almost a week in the hospital - then another 2 weeks in rehab - and several months of outpatient p.t. after that. I certainly wish I had gotten those guys names so I could at least have thanked them properly when I was able. And when I was in the hospital - in walks a nurse with her teenage daughter, with a big bouquet of flowers for me. Come to find out that it was the teen that was driving the car that I went out to check on, and she felt responsible for me ending up in the hospital and wanted to try to cheer me up. :)

kuhio98

09-09-2012, 09:15 PM

Thank you pomtzu. It is so nice to hear happy and inspirational stories.

Karen

09-09-2012, 09:17 PM

Here's a nice one, of humans helping a fellow primate!

Surgery allows blind Orangutan to see her babies! (http://news.yahoo.com/surgery-allows-blind-orangutan-see-her-babies-112308105.html)

sana

09-10-2012, 08:28 AM

Wow! Nice idea, Lisa :) I really like this thread :) Those stories were amazing!! :eek:
Loved your stories Pomtzu :D Wowie!! The second one was jaw-dropping!
What happy (and awesome) news, Karen :D Its sad that the Sumatran orangutans are endangered.. :(

Well, I'm not sure WHAT to share, so, not sure about what good news I can tell you all :P

Ooh! My aunt sent me a video. It was about a duck and her little ducklings. They were crossing a highway, and it was so terrifying! And in the end of the clip, it said, "#YouCanBreatheNow"
It did have a happy ending. Here's the video for those who haven't seen it :D

http://newspeak.cc/story/3b7ba0fa573488cdba0edb63512125e6

kuhio98

09-10-2012, 09:22 AM

Here's a nice one, of humans helping a fellow primate!

Surgery allows blind Orangutan to see her babies! (http://news.yahoo.com/surgery-allows-blind-orangutan-see-her-babies-112308105.html)

Awww. Humans made a difference in the quality of her life. I had no idea that Orangutans could get cataracts.
I wonder if all animals (if they have an injury or live long enough) can develop cataracts?

Taz_Zoee

09-10-2012, 09:59 AM

I have a couple of stories. One I believe I posted pictures here somewhere. But a mother duck and her 11 babies were in our court when the babies fell down into the (dry) drainage grate. The mother duck was so upset. I called AC and while waiting my neighbor came down to see what was going on. There were a couple of people with him. The woman said she had long arms and could probably reach them. She got more than half of them out and then used a pool net to get the rest. :D

This morning on the local radio station I listen to on my way to work, one of the guys told the story of how his mom was walking into a store and saw a little girl walking with a man and the little girl was very upset. For some reason the woman stopped and asked the little girl if she was okay and asked where her mom was. Apparently this man has just grabbed this girls hand and was planning on walking out the door with her. I guess while the woman was talking to the child the man just left. So she helped the girl find her mom. End of story. She just saved that little girl from being kidnapped!!!

kuhio98

09-10-2012, 05:13 PM

....
Ooh! My aunt sent me a video. It was about a duck and her little ducklings. They were crossing a highway, and it was so terrifying! And in the end of the clip, it said, "#YouCanBreatheNow"
It did have a happy ending. Here's the video for those who haven't seen it :D

http://newspeak.cc/story/3b7ba0fa573488cdba0edb63512125e6

Whew! My heart was in my chest. I'm so glad the family made it across.

Jessika

09-10-2012, 05:35 PM

Ooh! My aunt sent me a video. It was about a duck and her little ducklings. They were crossing a highway, and it was so terrifying! And in the end of the clip, it said, "#YouCanBreatheNow"
It did have a happy ending. Here's the video for those who haven't seen it :D

http://newspeak.cc/story/3b7ba0fa573488cdba0edb63512125e6
Talk about a real life Frogger!

Awww. Humans made a difference in the quality of her life. I had no idea that Orangutans could get cataracts.
I wonder if all animals (if they have an injury or live long enough) can develop cataracts?

I'm pretty sure any animal can develop cataracts, though it definitely has a lot to do with genetics.

Karen

09-10-2012, 05:44 PM

Awww. Humans made a difference in the quality of her life. I had no idea that Orangutans could get cataracts.
I wonder if all animals (if they have an injury or live long enough) can develop cataracts?

I believe any animal can, as I know humans and other primates can, dogs can, cats can, sea lions can, snakes can ... all very different animals, but that have eyes.

pomtzu

09-10-2012, 06:09 PM

I wonder if all animals (if they have an injury or live long enough) can develop cataracts?

I imagine most animals can if they live long enough. Myndi has one that is very visible in one of her eyes, and the other eye isn't quite as bad. One of my RB Lhasas also had cataracts and eventually went blind.

kuhio98

09-11-2012, 04:09 PM

THE NURSERY COORDINATORS

My husband and I were just 4 months into the waiting period for a domestic adoption when we got the call that changed our lives. We had been matched with a birth mother 800 miles away, and we had only 2 days to get on the road and get our baby! (We couldn't fly because she was a preemie.) We were totally unprepared. But when we finally came home with our newborn after 11 days out of state and a 14-hour car ride, we couldn't believe what we saw: Our extended family had decorated the nursery, loaded the closet with baby clothes and even installed a changing table with diapers, wipes and supplies. I was already in tears, but then I noticed a sign hanging on the nursery wall that read, "However motherhood comes, it's a miracle." We called every member of our family to thank them, and we all cried together.

Andrea Fox, Boston

kuhio98

09-11-2012, 07:25 PM

THE FLOOD FIXERS

After my husband, Sean, deployed with his National Guard troop in August, I immediately took my kids on vacation to Chicago so we wouldn't come home to a sad, empty house. While we were gone, our town flooded, leaving my basement under seven inches of water. I was expecting to return to a nightmare, but when we got home, some neighbors had pulled out all our sodden carpet and another neighbor left a note on my cupboard that said, "Welcome home! Supper is in the fridge." It was so nice, it still makes me cry.

Shannon Taylor, Ames, Iowa

kuhio98

09-12-2012, 11:24 AM

THE HOTEL BENEFACTOR

My daughter has a severe form of epilepsy. When she was 8 we had a once-in-a-lifetime chance to take her to see a European specialist who would be in Chicago for a conference. Getting there from Utah was a huge financial strain so we threw a yard sale to help pay for the trip. A man stopped by and asked why we were raising money. After we told him, he left, borrowed a neighbor's computer and then came back with a printout. It was a reservation for a Chicago hotel, paid in full for our entire trip! Seeing the specialist made a huge difference for my daughter, and though we never even learned the man's last name, his kindness truly changed our lives.

Kris Hansen, West Jordan, Utah

kuhio98

09-12-2012, 06:43 PM

THE LAWN AIDES

My dad, who's in his mid-80's and wheelchair-bound, still insists on doing his own yard work. One day last summer, he was outside cutting up a fallen tree limb when a woman driving past pulled over. She told my dad that she was amazed to see a man in a wheelchair using a chainsaw. The two of them spent a few minutes chatting before she left. Twenty minutes later she returned with her husband and teenage son in tow, all wearing work clothes. The family, whom my dad had never met, spent the next three hours helping him in the yard.

Andrea, New York City

kuhio98

09-13-2012, 10:11 AM

Pam Washek knows what it's like to need a little help.

In 2002, she was sidelined by the chemo and radiation she needed after being diagnosed with sarcoma (a type of soft tissue cancer). But the Wayland, Mass., married mom of three soon discovered "angels were fluttering into my house” to handle chores.

Without hesitation, family friends and neighbors had jumped in, raising their hands to cook, clean and shuttle kids to soccer practice.

"I was touched by how the community embraced us," says Washek, 47.

To pay their kindness forward, Washek teamed up with her friend Jean Seiden (who later died of cancer in 2006) to found what became the Neighbor Brigade, a volunteer network that started as a 40-person email chain.

Now 3,300 members strong in communities around the state, the group helps families in crisis, including Nick Panzeri, 39, of Billerica, Mass.

While recovering from brain tumor surgery, Panzeri accepted rides from dozens of strangers to his cognitive therapy sessions.

"I feel so much less alone," says his wife, Sara.

So does Brianna Anthony, whose family had meals delivered to them after losing their Natick, Mass., home in a fire. "These people," she says, "really care."

Washek recently worked through a brief course of treatment for a cancer recurrence, and the Neighbor Brigade helped her, providing her family with meals. And she's still working on her cause, fielding queries from people from Massachusetts, New England and beyond who want to launch their own Neighbor Brigades.

Says Washek, "People really want to get involved."

By Moira Bailey and Alexandra Zaslow

kuhio98

09-13-2012, 07:55 PM

Please share your stories. Remember the Glad Game from the movie Pollyanna?

"The very name “Pollyanna” has come to mean someone who is eternally upbeat and optimistic, who spreads positivity and
good will wherever she goes. Before you decide that such unremittingly cheerful behavior is truly nauseating and deserves
a good smack, think of this: people who take time every day to count their blessings are truly happier (and live longer) than
those who don’t.

So spread a little good cheer in the New Year with this great game that helps you to focus on the glad, not the bad. Your heart–and everyone who knows you–will be grateful. It only takes a minute.

You can play this game when you’re driving in your car, or taking a walk, or sitting at your computer–pretty much under any circumstances.

Start small: just think of ONE THING that you’re glad for. Maybe it’s the taste of the special coffee that Aunt Ruth from Winnetka sent you for Christmas. Maybe it’s the fact that the holidays are over. Perhaps you have a new love in your life, or an interesting new project to work on. Or you could be glad for your family, or your dog or cat. Really think about whatever it is for a moment. Allow yourself to smile over it. Feel your heart open and glow with gratitude for whatever it is.

That’s it. But tomorrow, try thinking of two things you’re really, truly glad for. Expand the field of your gratitude every day. Really take time to appreciate the many many blessings you enjoy. You’re alive: you have the capacity to be a beneficial and positive presence on the planet. You are needed–or you wouldn’t be here. Enjoy this life that you have been given! And be glad.

Inspired by the classic, Pollyanna, by Eleanor H. Porter."
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/the-glad-game.html

cassiesmom

09-13-2012, 08:34 PM

On the way back from my interview I went to Burger King for lunch. Decided to eat in the car and listen to the radio. As I'm sitting there with the window rolled down, I see a gull about six feet from the driver's door, standing on the pavement, looking intently at me. So I wait a moment to see what he's going to do. He keeps looking. I remember a thread I read on PT that says not to feed bread to birds because it can obstruct their airway. I decide I'll toss him some of the lettuce from my chicken sandwich. I toss a couple of bits of lettuce out the window and he darts up and grabs them! Fella wants to share my lunch! I toss out a couple more and he ignores them. Now I guess he is waiting for the good stuff, so I pull out some of the soft center of the bun, break it up into tiny bits and toss a few out the window. Stinker snarfs them up so fast! And then he waits. "Got any more, lady?" So I gave him just a few more tiny ones from the little bit of the bread I had left. He wanted to share my lunch. Oh, how I wish I'd had a camera.

sana

09-14-2012, 06:30 AM

Wow....awesome, Elyse! :D

Well, my happy story might be a bit baby-ish or.....silly, but, anyway, today, one of the amazingest things happened to me... :eek:

At recess, I saw a girl eating a shawarma and then I really felt like eating one.
This is what it looks like (Our school's don't look this amazing.. :P )
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dAXlSWN3O98/TyjVj96-kuI/AAAAAAAAAUE/91aSgGJ2tMk/s1600/chicken_shawarma_roll.gif

I went to the canteen and the line there was too long, so, I decided to come back later. After the juniors had left, I went back to the canteen. I asked the lady there if there was anything left other than chips and biscuits etc. and she said no. I kind of felt bad, but, I decided to buy a packet of Lays or something like that. I was about to ask her to give me some Lays, but, then the other canteen lady interrupted me. A shawarma had fallen on the ground (it didn't get dirty, it was wrapped up in wax paper :D ) and she asked the other lady to put it on the counter in case some student wanted to buy it. At first I thought I heard wrong. I thought she said something like some other student had to come and buy it. I asked the lady if I could buy it and she said something like of course and that'll be Rs.50. I counted the money in my hand and it was EXACTLY 50 ruppees. I didn't count my money before I left my house. I just grabbed all the small ruppee notes and turns out, I grabbed exactly 50 ruppees. I gave it to her and told her that that was what I had wanted to buy. The two ladies were pretty happy and said, "That's fate. Your name was written down on this shawarma." Meaning I was meant to buy it and eat it. And it tasted great!! :D

Anyway, I felt really really really happy after this. :) Felt like sharing it! :D

momcat

09-14-2012, 08:05 AM

A few summers ago, a dog in Philadelphia was severely abused and tortured. Fortunately help came and he was taken to the emergency vet for treatment but he was in pretty bad shape. Chase Utley plays with the Philadelphia Phillies baseball team. When Chase heard about this, he stepped up and paid all of the vet bills so the dog could get the medical care and treatment he needed to make a full recovery. Chase and his wife even went to visit the dog while he was in the veterinary hospital.

Thank you, Chase Utley!!!!!! While I'm not a Phillies fan, I'll proudly wear your shirt to show my appreciation for all you did to help this beautiful dog recover and have the life he deserves. Bless you, Mr. Utley!

kuhio98

09-14-2012, 11:10 AM

THE TIRE HERO

On my way to church for a meeting, my car started to rattle. At a light the driver in the next lane told me I had a flat tire. He said he worked for a tire store a few blocks away, but I was late and decided I'd just deal with it later. When I finally pulled into the parking lot, the same guy from the other lane pulled up. He had followed me to make sure I was okay. Then, in the super-hot sun, he changed my tired with my SUV's jack and spare. When I offered to pay him, he refused, saying that he hoped someone would do the same for his wife.

Susan, Bellaire, Texas

kuhio98

09-15-2012, 10:25 AM

THE RAIN LADY

While walking home from the library with two young daughters, it suddenly started pouring. Our clothes were drenched, the stroller was heavy and I felt like we'd never make it back. Then a stranger stopped her car and handed us her umbrella. I was so grateful. That umbrella now sits in my car waiting for me to return the favor to someone else.

Amy
Southport, North Carolina

kuhio98

09-15-2012, 07:17 PM

THE TICKET UNDERWRITER

For years my friends and I went on an annual 3-day bike ride in California. A few years ago I was going through a divorce and I just couldn't afford the trip. Then one day a plane ticket arrived in the mail. A friend had paid for my flight. He knew I needed to get away from it all and be with everyone for the ride.

Karen
Cortez, Colorado

carole

09-16-2012, 03:55 AM

Lisa i think YOU should consider yourself one of those good people, because i certainly do, you will always have a special place in my heart, and i am forever grateful to you.:):love:

kuhio98

09-16-2012, 09:29 AM

Lisa i think YOU should consider yourself one of those good people, because i certainly do, you will always have a special place in my heart, and i am forever grateful to you.:):love:

Awww, thank you Carole. There are far more good guys in the world than bad. For some reason the bad get the press.
I hope others will post their good stories. They don't have to be from your personal experience. But, when you read or see something good happen, I hope that people will be more inclined to post it or forward it to others.

kuhio98

09-17-2012, 11:17 AM

BECAUSE PETS NEED AID, TOO

After reading countless hearbreaking stories of "foreclosure pets" (animals whose families could not longer afford to take care of them). Laura Pople knew she had to help. She started Seer Farms, an animal sanctuary in Jackson, New Jersey, that provides a temporary home for pets when their owners experience an emergency, economic crisis or disaster.

kuhio98

09-18-2012, 09:22 AM

BECAUSE STRANGERS HELP WHEN IT COUNTS

I recently had to fly overseas with my 1-month-old twins. I was having a really hard time handling both of them, and they were crying like crazy. Then a woman sitting nearby came over and offered to help. She held my daughter for two hours! She fed her a bottle, burped her and once she was sleeping peacefully, returned her to me wiht a big smile. I was so touched.

Quarratulain, Jedda Saudi Arabia

kuhio98

09-19-2012, 09:21 AM

BECAUSE EVERYONE DESERVES A FRESH START

Women in the Nashville area who are transitioning from jail back to civic life have an easier adjustment thanks to Lea Robinson and her organization, Second Chance Reentry. She started the program five years ago to help female ex-cons find housing, jobs and rehabilitation -- even free haircuts.

RICHARD

09-19-2012, 09:24 PM

Alex Zanardi was a race car driver who lost his legs in a racing accident.
I was pleased to see that he is still alive, well and racing, again.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1206004/index.htm

To Alex Zanardi, there is no such thing as a gripping real-life story that can't be improved in the retelling. To wit: the daring, last-lap maneuver on a downhill curve with which the former open-wheel driver stole a CART race from rival Bryan Herta in 1996. The move instantly became the stuff of legend—racing fans still know it simply as The Pass. But the following winter Jimmy Vasser, a Champ Car teammate, noticed that Zanardi's banquet-circuit accounts took the moment to new dramatic heights. After hearing his friend describe Herta's eyes widening in disbelief as Zanardi zoomed by, Vasser produced a photo of Herta wearing a helmet that day with an impenetrable black visor. "C'mon, Jimmy," Zanardi said with a smile, "you know I like to tell stories."

Some tales, however, defy embellishment. Eleven years ago this week at the Lausitzring track in Germany, Zanardi lost both legs in a crash so violent that he was administered last rites. But there was Zanardi on Sept. 5, competing at Brands Hatch circuit in London, a course he first navigated as a promising Formula 3000 driver in 1991—only this time as a handcyclist at the Paralympic Games. Zanardi, 45, won two gold medals in London, in the 16K H4 time trial and the 64K H4 road race, the latter by just one second in a sprint finish. "To win in this way ... makes me really proud," says Zanardi, who also helped Italy take silver in the mixed relay. "It shows that I am a complete cyclist, even if I have no legs."On Sunday, Zanardi capped what he calls a "magical adventure" by bearing Italy's flag in the Paralympics' closing ceremony. "I found happiness the very first day of training," he says. "It would have been worth doing even if I had won nothing here."

Before his accident Zanardi was one of open-wheel racing's most charismatic stars: the CART Champ Car rookie of the year in 1996, the points champion in '97 and '98, and a strong competitor in more than 40 Formula One events. Fans loved the way he married skill with showmanship, punctuating victories with doughnut spins before that became a finish-line ritual. After his first Champ title he shared a Wheaties box with Vasser, his Ganassi Racing teammate and the 1996 champion.

Zanardi's passion for racing didn't diminish after his crash. Weeks after the accident, before he even got the hang of walking on prosthetic legs, Zanardi was behind the wheel in a hand-controlled car. In 2003 he began driving in the European Touring Car Championships, winning four times. "I didn't go into touring cars to prove anything," he says. "I started racing again because it makes me happy."

In 2006, Zanardi got into a dispute in Italy with another driver over a handicapped parking spot. Seeing a wheeled contraption on the roof of the other man's car, Zanardi defused the tension by asking, "What's that?" It was a handcycle, and a year later Zanardi called the man, future Paralympic relaymate Vittorio Podesta, and asked where he could get one to train for the New York City Marathon. With just a few weeks' practice, Zanardi finished fourth in the handcycling division. After training full time for two years, he won in New York last fall.

The occasional parking-spot spat aside, Zanardi has embraced life as a double amputee with grace and good humor. "It's like his disability isn't even an issue," says his former race-team boss Chip Ganassi, who has seen Zanardi pop off a prosthetic, turn it upside down and set a bowl of peanuts on the foot just to make a crowd of old friends and new acquaintances feel at ease.

Zanardi prefers the term diverse ability to disability, and he's already thinking of ways to further diversify. He's toying with the idea of skiing in the Winter Paralympics. Driving in the Indianapolis 500—Vasser, who now co-owns an IndyCar team, promised to set up Zanardi with a car if he won gold in London—is another possibility, though Zanardi, who lives with his wife and 14-year-old son in Padua, Italy, admits that it's a faint one. "Right now I have a very happy life," he says. "I don't need to shoot off fireworks every day." But if the right opportunity came along? "You might see me shooting off more fireworks. Who knows?"

kuhio98

09-20-2012, 09:13 AM

BECAUSE REAL WINDFALLS DO HAPPEN

"I was out running errands," reports Linda Joslin, of Northville, Michigan, "and had placed a large check endorsed to me for cash in my car's visor until I got to the bank. I had the windows down and a gust of wind sent the check sailing right out my car window. It was gone. I was convinced that someone would cash it. Then, two weeks later, the dirty, torn check arrived in the mail with an anonymous note that jut said 'This is too important not to return.' Amazing."

kuhio98

09-22-2012, 12:17 PM

BECAUSE DOGS CAN BE HEROES, TOO

When 3-year old Victoria Bensch was rescued after being lost for 15 hours in the mountains near her Arizona home, rescuers also found an unexpected protector: Victoria's dog, Blue. The family's Queensland Heeler probably saved Victoria's life by keeping her warm and alert during the 30 degree F night.

cassiesmom

09-22-2012, 09:44 PM

There's been a lot of violence in Chicago this year. Fr. Pfleger from Saint Sabina parish does a lot of work to help improve things. If anybody could work out a one-day truce, it's him. This is from NBC Chicago.

------

Four rival gangs, community and church leaders, and NBA superstars all joined together Saturday afternoon in a gym for a basketball tournament geared towards ending violence in Chicago.

“You walk in that gym and you see the passion, the excitement, you see the smiles on the kids’ faces, you see kids who used to shoot each other playing ball with each other, You see D-Rose and Joakim Noah,” said St. Sabina’s Father Michael Pfleger, who organized the event “Balling for Peace” and asked the NBA stars to get involved. “You tell me anything is wrong with this? I’m in heaven right now.”

Pfleger organized the monumental, one day gang truce in the city, which included 28 kids playing from different gangs in neighborhoods hit hard by violence and crime.

The event gained some NBA star power assists from Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson on the Chicago Bulls along with other Chicago NBA stars Antoine Walker, Quentin Richardson and the legendary Isaiah Thomas. All of the NBA players who showed up on Saturday coached the teams, spoke at the event and encouraged the young people playing in the Peace Basketball Tournament.

“I have been begging athletes to get involved and when they say yes, I’m grateful,” said Pfleger, who lost his adopted son Jarvis Franklin to gang violence in 1998.

No matter who wins the tournament, every player will get a job. St. Sabina has partnered with businesses in the community to make sure that players are rewarded with employment for their peace pledge.

Some community leaders who watched gang members trade their guns for basketballs on Saturday hope it sends a message to other gangs in the city.

“There’s life after basketball, but there is no life after discharging a weapon and taking someone else’s life,” said community activist Andrew Holmes, who was at the tournament to support the players.

Pfleger said he also working with players on the Chicago Bears to get them involved and host more events in the community.

kuhio98

09-23-2012, 10:51 AM

Rose Astorina was 35 years old and had a 2-year old son when she was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, in 2007. She had to undergo 6 rounds of chemotherapy, 18 rounds of radiation and many side effects -- but today she's cancer-free. Astorina is so thankful that she's made finding a cure her personal mission and has raised more than $17,000 for the American Cancer Society. She also joined Imerman Angels, a group of volunteers who provide support to others who are undergoing treatment.

kuhio98

09-23-2012, 10:55 AM

To the world you might just be one person, but to one person, you might just be the world.

Go out and make a difference today. You never know what seemingly small gesture or deed can change a life -- human or animal.

kuhio98

09-26-2012, 10:43 AM

Beverly Evens of Anderson, California, recently won $2 million on a scratch-off lottery ticket. Instead of splurging on herself, she's using a portion of the cash to fund her do-good mission: rescuing goats. Evens nursed her first goat, Bucky, back to health nine years ago and has since saved more than 40 abused or malnourished goats. She plans to build a better home for the animals and expand her rescue work.

kuhio98

09-27-2012, 11:38 AM

A KIND GESTURE CAN MEAN SO MUCH

I fell in love with a beautiful dress when I was out shopping one day. I wanted it badly, but it was much too expensive. The clerk whom I knew from church, suggested I put it on layaway just in case. Then a few weeks later my husband was diagnosed with lung cancer; he died within a few short months. I had obviously forgotten all about the dress during such a devasating time. Out of the blue a few weeks after he passed away, the store clerk stopped by my house with a gift box, inside was the dress, which she had paid for herself. I will always remember her kindness.

Juanita, Oxford, Alabama

cassiesmom

09-27-2012, 10:58 PM

And now, a brief chuckle for your day: The Chicago Cubs are on track to lose one hundred games this season for the first time since 1966.

kuhio98

09-28-2012, 12:21 PM

kuhio98

09-29-2012, 06:45 PM

There’s nothing unusual about someone saving a friend by using the Heimlich maneuver. You wrap your arms around a choking victim's waist, grasps one fist with the other hand and presses into the upper abdomen with a quick upward thrust. Most people have no formal training, just a general sense on how it's done. Maybe they picked it up from watching TV like Elspeth "Beanie" Mar did.

Last week her friend, Aniyah Rigmaiden, started choking on a piece of food, Beanie immediately performed the technique and out popped a piece of apple. Then they sat down like it was no big deal and finished eating their lunch.

At the Caroline Wenzel Elementary School in Sacramento, CA.

Beanie is six years old and 38 pounds soaking wet.

Where'd she learn to do that? "From 'A.N.T. Farm,'" she says, on the Disney Channel. It's a show about a musical prodigy.

School principal Judy Montgomery said she was more "blown away at how a first-grader could handle something like that so seamlessly. Usually, I would expect them to yell, 'Hey, help! Someone's choking!'"
Instead, a third classmate, Anthony Roy Jr., noticed the friend choking and Beanie jumped to the rescue. The school later honored Beanie and Anthony with an impromptu "Heroes of the Day" ceremony.

A proud mother later celebrated with Beanie with ice cream. Lots of ice cream.

Karen

09-29-2012, 06:56 PM

Because Experts Were No Match for a Duck

Doctors told Becci Lomax that her son, Finlay, who has cerebral palsy, would never walk. But then Becci rescued a lame duckling she named Ming-Ming. When a vet showed her exercises to rehabilitate the duck, Finlay started copying. One day Ming-Ming finally took a few steps on his own and so did Finlay. "I walk like the duck, Mommy," he said. His mobility is still improving.

I have a friend Larry who is 70-something, and has cerebral palsy. When he was a baby, his parents were told he would never walk, never talk, and would be retarded. His parents refused to follow that advice, and raised him at home. He walks, talks, and does everything the doctors said he would never do. When he grew up, he moved here to the Boston area for better public transportation and handicapped access than was available in rural northern Maine, and lives independently. He can still walk, albeit haltingly, but only started using a walker a few months ago, as arthritis is kicking in a little. He can speak, and while one has to listen carefully to understand him, he is intelligent, well-read, and works as a counselor for United Cerebral Palsy. I have no doubt part of his job is simply being there to prove doctors can be just plain wrong!

kuhio98

09-30-2012, 12:23 PM

Because Good Samaritans Still Exist

"Last summer I was at the pharmacy when I realized I couldn't pay for both of my prescriptions and had to cancel one. As I was walking out, there was an intercom message asking me to return. At the pharmacy window they told me that my second prescription had been paid for by an anonymous customer. For the next five months there was a gift card in my name waiting for me. I still don't know who it was, but I'll always be thankful!"
-- Al Robbins, Chandler, Arizona

kuhio98

10-01-2012, 03:27 PM

"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." -- Winston Churchill

kuhio98

10-02-2012, 11:59 AM

Lost and Found

Recently I received a call from a Toyota dealer asking if I'd lost my car keys. I didn't think I had, but when I checked my purse, sure enough, they were missing. A deliveryman found them outside my office building, and when he noticed a Toyota rewards card on the key ring, he took them to the nearest dealership. A guy in customer service traced the rewards-card number, called, and offered to bring me the keys in person, which he did. Pretty amazing, don't you think?
-- Leslie Resnik, Orange, Ohio

kuhio98

10-03-2012, 11:29 AM

Rush-Hour Rescue

I was driving at the height of rush hour on the first really cold day of winter. Some sort of construction bolt was sticking up in the street, and I heard my front tire rupture. I had no idea what to do. At the next stoplight a young man knocked on my window to say that if I pulled over, he would change my flat tire for me. And he did, despite the bitter cold and risk of getting tire grime all over his clothing. We exchanged business cards, and I sent him a Starbucks gift card and a thank-you note. He then e-mailed me to thank me for thanking him!
-- Laura Kotelman, Chicago, Illinois

Taz_Zoee

10-04-2012, 09:58 AM

This is actually a story about myself (I usually don't toot my own horn, but who will?)
I started going to the gym this week and my trainer kicked my butt on legs Tuesday night. So last night my legs were screaming!! On my way to the gym, just as I was coming out of my court, I saw a dog running around in front yards dragging a leash. I stopped and looked for a person. Around the corner came an older gentleman with another dog on a leash. I rolled down my window and asked if the dog was his. I don't think he heard me, but I heard him calling to the dog.
I jumped out of my car, leaving the engine running and my door open, and started calling to the dog as she ran my direction. She was a young Pointer pup and FULL of energy! I chased her through bushes while the owner rested in one of the driveway's with the other dog. Finally I went to the man and he told me to start petting the dog he had control of (because the loose dog gets jealous). I did that and Stella (the Pointer pup) came up behind me. I quickly grabbed her leash.
I was so glad I was able to help this man. We live very close to a very busy street and she ran that direction a couple of times. I was so scared!
He was beside himself with this puppy. He said "I don't know what I'm going to do with this dog." But she is still a puppy. Oh, and as a side note, the other dog was a beautiful Aussie mix! :D
Anyway, I didn't even notice my sore legs while I was trying to save this dog. But when I got to the gym I had already got my heart rate elevated for the night. :)
And of course, after the fact, I thought of all the things I could have told the man. Like to get one of those leash splitters so he'd only have to hang on to one leash, or to take them to a dog park so Stella could run freely to release some of that energy. Maybe if I see him again I will do that.

kuhio98

10-04-2012, 11:22 AM

This is actually a story about myself (I usually don't toot my own horn, but who will?)

Great job ~ Toot away! :D

kuhio98

10-04-2012, 12:50 PM

A Meaningful Pet Project

After a weeklong business trip, I was wheeling my bag through the Boston airport at midnight when a young woman approached me. "Excuse me," she said with a French accent. "I have missed my flight home to Paris, and I have here my cat, and do you know where I can go?" She couldn't find a hotel that would take her cat, and her new flight didn't leave until 6 p.m. the next day. As she spoke I sized her up, trying to decide whether this could be a con. Before I knew it I was inviting her to spend the night at my house. (How could I not help a fellow cat person?) She looked surprised but said, "Okay, why not?" I put her and her cat in my spare bedroom, fashioning a litter box out of a file-box lid and mulch from my garden. I lent her a pair of pajamas -- the airline wouldn't release her luggage -- and gave her a short tour of Boston on the way to the airport. A few weeks later she sent me a beautiful linen tablecloth as a thank-you gift. I like to think I left her with a good impression of America and repaid some of the hospitality I'd enjoyed on my many trips abroad.
-- Anne McCrory, Boston, Massachusetts

robinh

10-04-2012, 06:07 PM

Love these stories - they make me smile!

kuhio98

10-05-2012, 11:38 AM

And They Call It Puppy Love

One night in Seattle my girlfriend, Sadie, and I saw a homeless man tie his puppy to a parking meter and head into a supermarket. Unhappy about being left outside, the puppy started barking. The man turned around, shouted "Shut up!" and kicked this poor little dog so hard it lifted off the ground. Sadie, who is allergic to dogs, marched into the store and offered the man $50 for the puppy. He accepted and she took the puppy home, made a few phone calls and within hours found him a home with a couple who live in a farmhouse.
-- Francis Holland, Brooklyn, New York

Karen

10-05-2012, 08:48 PM

kuhio98

10-06-2012, 09:25 AM

Room to Spare

Last year my 23-year-old daughter, Shannon, was diagnosed with a rare aggressive cancer. When I asked her what she wanted for Christmas, Shannon said she'd like to take a trip with our extended family of 15. I began researching vacation homes online to find something financially feasible. I came across a property in the Bahamas and e-mailed the owner, Ann, describing the nature of our visit. She responded by offering us her house at no charge. What's more, she contacted her friends who own vacation homes and explained our situation so that we'd have other options in case we needed to be close to U.S. medical facilities. Ann's friends offered us houses and condos all over America. Some volunteered frequent-flier miles and spending money for the trip! We wound up staying at Ann's house, but I can't even begin to express how it felt to receive so much love and generosity from total strangers during such a difficult time.
-- Joanne Yoder, Royersford, Pennsylvania

kuhio98

10-07-2012, 01:26 PM

The Harvest

Once Celebration Assembly was cooking meals for the homeless. They had green beans, hamburger, cheese, and tomato sauce. The Deacon was wondering what we could cook with just those ingredients. The budget was in the red, so there was no money to buy more food. The pastor said we are going to pray. The Pastor and the Deacon went over to the truck stop to get some coffee and to pray. They noticed a trucker outside that seemed upset. So the Pastor went outside and said to the trucker "Is there any way we can help? We know a mechanic if that is what you need." He said "No, the problem is that my truck is 300 lbs overweight." "What are you transporting?" The pastor asked. "Potatoes!" was the reply. The pastor thanked God and gladly loaded up the trucker's extra potatoes and took them back to the church to cook. Needless to say they feed many!!

kuhio98

10-08-2012, 10:03 AM

Sister to Sister

Years ago I was helping my older sister pack for a move. I was a typical self-centered teen, yet I surprised myself by slipping the jacket I was wearing, which she had admired many times, into one of the boxes so she'd get a surprise gift from me when she unpacked. Not long after that my sister was killed in a car accident. That simple gesture took on a lot of significance. I never got to say good-bye to her, so I'm grateful I had a chance to express my love in even that small way.
-- Shannon Holman, Brooklyn, New York

kuhio98

10-09-2012, 10:14 AM

Stuck at Waffle House

On our way home, we decided to stop in for a late night snack at Waffle House near the airport. A couple came in shortly after us and sat in the next booth. We overheard that they were stuck at the airport & had a food voucher from American Airlines, but Waffle House didn't accept their voucher. So we anonymously paid their bill along with our own.

kuhio98

10-10-2012, 09:12 AM

Lunch

About three weeks ago my best friend in the whole world died. I was in my car today and ordered fast food at taco bell. I didn't care what i ate because i was missing my friend, so i ordered the same thing as the car in front of me. When i pulled up to pay, the cashier told me the lady in front of me paid for my lunch!!! I was so touched! I bought lunch for the man in the car behind me. Even though his lunch was twice as much as mine, I thought what the heck, I could die today at least i made someone happy. Thanks Lady in the white SUV you made my day!!!

kuhio98

10-11-2012, 11:24 AM

Because Hearing a Parent's Voice Is Priceless

Operation Record a Story lets kids hear their deployed military parent read them a bedtime story. Publications International is donating 5,000 books (which capture the soldier's voice reading the story out loud) to the USO and United Through Reading, two organizations that will help servicemen and servicewomen record and then send the books to their children.

kuhio98

10-12-2012, 04:16 PM

A Cold Winter Night

One cold winter night in Ottawa (-35 degrees) I was waiting at a bus stop to catch the bus home. I had only moved to the City a couple of weeks before. An Out-of-Service bus stopped and the driver informed me I had missed the last bus of the night. He then drove me to the nearest active bus stop and gave me the correct directions to get home. He probably broke the OCTranspo rules to do it, but I greatly appreciated his act of kindness.

kuhio98

10-13-2012, 10:07 AM

If the Shoe Fits

After working the evening shift as a doorman at a resort in Chicago, my husband, Ben, arrived home in his stocking feet. Apparently a hotel guest had checked in that night facing an early-morning job interview. He discovered that he'd forgotten to pack his dress shoes and it was too late to shop for a new pair, so Ben lent him the dress shoes off his own feet. Fortunately for the man, he wore the exact same shoe size as my husband.
-- Deborah J. Rebolloso, Santee, California

kuhio98

10-14-2012, 09:22 AM

The Sick Basset Hound

After volunteering at the humane association for a couple of months, I noticed that one dog, an 8 year old basset hound, was one of the only ones that had been there the whole time I worked there. I had taken to walking her every visit, as no one else ever walked her. I asked one of the employees why she hadn't been adopted, and they said she was twice and abandoned, but got sent back because she was too old, so she was depressed. She also told me that there wasn't enough room to keep her for much longer, so they would have to euthanize her. It was about my birthday time, and my mom knew how much I loved her, so my parents got her for me as my gift! My dad showed up when I was at a friends house and suprised me by taking me to get her. However, once we filed for adoption, we learned she had lyme's disease and had a bad heart. We got her anyway! A few days later, she was super excited and was running around with our other dog when she fell over. She started convulsing and slamming her head against the ground while crying; we had no idea what was wrong with her, or what to do. We took her to the vet, where they did an exam and took x-rays of her heart. It turns out her heart was not only "bad," but was enlarged to a point where it was pushing against her spine. She also had a heart murmur, which caused her lungs to fill with fluid-causing her to faint if she got too excited. My parents had to buy a few hundred dollars worth of pills, where at one point, she was taking 18 pills a day. Because of these problems, she was estimated to have to be euthanized within little time. I knew that it would be unbearable when that moment came, but I would give her a happy ending. It is now almost a year and a half later, and she is still fighting the odds by enjoying her life!

phesina

10-14-2012, 10:11 AM

God bless you and your dear basset hound. :love::love::love::love::love::love::love::love:

kuhio98

10-15-2012, 09:23 AM

Put change in someone's meter
Ever walk by a car about to get a parking ticket? Go to a local parking garage with a roll of quarters and watch people smile when they come back to their car!

Cataholic

10-15-2012, 10:29 AM

Put change in someone's meter
Ever walk by a car about to get a parking ticket? Go to a local parking garage with a roll of quarters and watch people smile when they come back to their car!

Where I live, this is illegal. Seriously. :(

kuhio98

10-15-2012, 11:38 AM

Where I live, this is illegal. Seriously. :(

What a ridiculous law. I can't imagine paying taxes to enforce such a law.

Anyone have a happy story to share?

Karen

10-15-2012, 11:43 AM

I don't know whether it is illegal where I live, but I have put extra change in someone's meter from time to time. If I get a metered parking spot, I often leave extra time on the meter for the next person intentionally, particularly if it is in one of the busy spots around town, and I know someone will be pulling in as soon as I leave.

cassiesmom

10-15-2012, 11:50 AM

I bought the November issue of "Real Simple". The editor writes in her column of her family going to the beach and about to get in line for a parking pass. A man came up to them and offered to give them his, because he was planning to stay at the beach for the entire day but had to leave unexpectedly.

One more. I have a friend who sings in a professional Chicago chorus. She and her daughter went to her husband's workplace to take him out to dinner for his birthday -- he sometimes works alternate hours. At the restaurant she sang him a full-out opera style Happy Birthday, of course -- her daughter, who's in middle school, was thoroughly embarrassed! :eek:

Cataholic

10-15-2012, 01:29 PM

Bonny

10-15-2012, 02:11 PM

In the 46 years I have been driving I have never received a speeding ticket. I was 12 miles over the limit last Friday & was in the process of slowing down & had even thought of before that about 3 miles up the road to put the car on cruise at 60 in a 55 mph zone.

I met an officer of the law in a white car & his lights came on. I knew right away to pull over as quick as possible. He stopped behind me & I dug out my license & handed it to him. He asked me where I was going in such a hurry & I said to work. He asked me where I worked & I told him.

I figured I was 10 miles over the limit but he said I was 12. He asked me the last time I got a speeding ticket & I said never. He told me to stay in my car for safety. (I was thinking about the old lady a couple weeks back & the officer that had to rough her up because she wouldn't get out of her car.) I thought it was nice of him to think of my safety.

It took awhile before he came back to my car. He said you know it can cost you $167.00 for your speeding over the limit & I should think of the number of days it would take to pay for that speeding ticket. (He didn't mention my insurance going up.) I said WOW!. He said I am going to let you go today without giving you a ticket but am giving you a warning to slow down for your own safety & the safety of others. He handed me my license back. I didn't argue with him any & figured he did me a service & was doing his job.

If he would of given me the ticket I would of still felt the same. ;)

Karen

10-15-2012, 03:46 PM

I wasn't trying to be a downer...just pointing out that most metered parking is with a maximum limit, 2 hours, 1 hour, 4 hours, whatever. So, by re-feeding the meter, you are defeating the purpose of the meter. Do people do it? I am sure. Would I actively encourage people to do it? No. It is a law, one that I might not agree with...but the law is the law.

Google, "refeeding the meter" and you may find that it is illegal in many, many places.

It varies street to street in in this area whether there is a limit or not on the meters. If there is, any extra coins you put in past that amount do not count. So if you get delayed for something beyond your control, you can get a ticket if your errand takes 2 minutes over the 1-hour limit, for example. There are other meters that allow up to 6 or 12 hours, and cost different amounts, it really depends on how close one is to public transportation, retail stores, etc. And there are also streets with no meters, that require permits, and those with no requirements whatsoever. It's a mixed bag, and imagine can be confusing for visitors.

kuhio98

10-15-2012, 04:06 PM

Sorry about that. I should have separated my response to it being illegal and requests for happy stories.
I sincerely, didn't mean it the way it came out. I can see how it could be interpreted that way. Please accept my apology.

I wasn't trying to be a downer...just pointing out that most metered parking is with a maximum limit, 2 hours, 1 hour, 4 hours, whatever. So, by re-feeding the meter, you are defeating the purpose of the meter. Do people do it? I am sure. Would I actively encourage people to do it? No. It is a law, one that I might not agree with...but the law is the law.

Google, "refeeding the meter" and you may find that it is illegal in many, many places.

Cataholic

10-15-2012, 04:23 PM

It varies street to street in in this area whether there is a limit or not on the meters. If there is, any extra coins you put in past that amount do not count. So if you get delayed for something beyond your control, you can get a ticket if your errand takes 2 minutes over the 1-hour limit, for example. There are other meters that allow up to 6 or 12 hours, and cost different amounts, it really depends on how close one is to public transportation, retail stores, etc. And there are also streets with no meters, that require permits, and those with no requirements whatsoever. It's a mixed bag, and imagine can be confusing for visitors.

Karen- I am not familiar to a parking meter not having a limit. Can you explain how that might work? I do know that re-feeding the meter in the city of Boston is illegal. That was about a two second google search. I forget where you two moved to, but was pretty sure you didn't live in Boston.

I am thinking all the parking meters in the US but the ones you are mentioning are the kind that have limits, and the limits are to limit the time a person parks in one spot without moving one's vehicle. That is the purpose behind the meter (in addition to raising money for the municipality). So, if there is a meter in place, and you refeed it, it is illegal.

Cataholic

10-15-2012, 04:24 PM

Sorry about that. I should have separated my response to it being illegal and requests for happy stories.
I sincerely, didn't mean it the way it came out. I can see how it could be interpreted that way. Please accept my apology.

No worries here. I just get kind of crazy when I see people on the verge of breaking laws. :) We had a HUGE re-feeding the meter story here years ago. It was huge...and while I always knew refeeding the meter was illegal, I never knew it could get as ugly as it did here.

Karen

10-15-2012, 05:05 PM

I do not live in Boston itself. I lived for many years in Newton, and now am in Waltham. The meters that don't have any stated limit I am sure fill up after a while, but usually one can put hours on them. Like I said, it varies street to street, spot to spot ...

kuhio98

10-16-2012, 10:08 AM

Beautiful Music

I've been in the Cardiac Care Unit for a week today. It's been exceedingly boring and tedious. This morning as I struggled with the futility of trying to find something less than inane to watch on the television, I heard beautiful music coming from the hallway. Thinking it was playing from overhead speakers, I went to investigate and found a kind woman playing beautiful live music for us on a harp. What a much needed act of kindness to receive!

kuhio98

10-17-2012, 12:49 PM

Sharing a story that touched my heart.

One Smile at a Time
I am a firm believer in doing all that I can to make someone who's feeling down, smile. After all, smiles can change the world with a simple act of random kindness. Today on the bus, I was sitting in the seat with my back to the window and in the corner of my eye, I saw a larger man who looked incredibly sad. Upon glancing again I soon realised he was crying. I saw his lips moving and he was telling himself very negative things over and over and he continued to cry. After watching numerous people get onto the bus and sit in every seat around him but the one next to him, he started to get more upset. I was feeling very sad just looking at his misery when the bus stopped at a high school. A bunch of rude teenage girls got on and the only seat open was the one next to him. One girl told the other to sit next to him. She said (very loudly) "eww I'm not sitting there. He's fat!" I got up and stood in front of her and said "but he's got 4 times the decency than you do" and walked over to his seat, smiled and asked if the seat was taken. He never said anything. Just smiled. He smiled the rest of the bus ride home. We didn't speak a word the whole ride. But we both knew the impact I made on him. As I neared my stop, I looked at him and said "you have a wonderful day, and hopefully I see you again in the future." I have never seen a smile as hopeful as this man's. Maybe I saved his life with just a smile, maybe I saved someone else's. But either way, I'm changing the world. One smile at a time.

kuhio98

10-18-2012, 11:18 AM

Duke ~ The Hero Dog

A Connecticut shelter dog is being credited with saving the life of an infant who had stopped breathing. The dog, named Duke, alerted the baby's parents that something was amiss by jumping into their bed in the middle of the night. The dog was shaking uncontrollably. "He's insanely obedient so this was extremely bizarre," Jenna Brousseau, speaking in an interview with WFSB-TV, said of Duke's Oct. 7 behavior. She and her husband decided to check on their daughter, 9-week-old Harper. They found that she wasn't breathing. "My husband called 911 and the ambulance came here and it was because of our Dukie dog, who alerted us," Brousseau of Portland, Conn., said, according to WFSB-TV. "If Duke hadn't, you know, been so scared, then we would have just gone to sleep." Doctors aren't sure what caused Harper to stop breathing, but have said it could possibly have been because of acid reflux. The Brousseaus adopted Duke from a shelter six years ago. "He's the perfect dog," Brousseau said. "He was meant to be ours, and meant to be hers." Harper is apparently doing well now.

kuhio98

10-19-2012, 11:38 AM

Because Strangers Can Save the Day

"Last year we had to put almost all of our belongings into storage," says Julie Godwin, of Miller Place, New York. "Then my husband and I both lost our jobs and couldn't pay for the unit anymore. The company was going to auction it off -- with all of our possessions in it! And then these strangers saved us. They heard our story at the auction and felt so bad that they bought our unit and gave it to us. We got everything back!"

kuhio98

10-20-2012, 11:03 AM

Because You'll Never Regret Being Nice

When we heard about Melissa Morris Ivone's organization, Operation Nice, we fell in love with the concept. Morris Ivone started the project to encourage others to pay it forward with acts of kindness, and through her website she has grown the project into a full-blown movement. Share your story and get ideas at operationnice.com.

cassiesmom

10-21-2012, 01:17 AM

I hope you can see this slide show. I heard on our local news that Bentley was certified as the tallest therapy dog. He is 4'2" when standing on all four paws, but when he is standing up on his back legs he is over seven feet. Bentley, I love Great Danes so you can visit me any time!

http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/Great-Dane-Visits-Hospital-Patients-166163296.html

Karen

10-21-2012, 08:23 AM

The slide show worked fine for me!

kuhio98

10-21-2012, 11:15 AM

The slide show worked fine for me!
Me too. Great photos of sweet Bentley.

kuhio98

10-22-2012, 12:09 PM

Pass It On

I was at Wal-Mart with my family and there was this older lady with a couple of kids. She had not been able to pay for all of her groceries. She was only behind by $10. When I saw that she couldn't afford her stuff I got out my wallet and gave her $10 for her to pay for herself and the kids. She began to tear up and she thanked me. Later, my grandmother went to the same place and she had her last $10 paid off, because the person that had already bought her groceries paid for it in advance.

kuhio98

10-22-2012, 09:15 PM

These photos make me smile. What a patient pup! Somehow I don't think my kitties would be so accomodating. :)
http://img2.etsystatic.com/000/0/6206486/il_570xN.304514810.jpghttp://img3.etsystatic.com/000/0/6206486/il_570xN.282262151.jpghttp://img2.etsystatic.com/000/0/6206486/il_570xN.308965958.jpghttp://img0.etsystatic.com/000/0/6206486/il_570xN.345641960.jpghttp://img0.etsystatic.com/000/0/6206486/il_570xN.253712588.jpg

snakemama

10-23-2012, 01:30 AM

A well-known and loved member of the reptile community fell over the 4th of July this year and is now paralyzed from the waist down. In an effort to help his family defray the massive costs of his initial and ongoing care, the entire reptile community banded together and raised thousands of dollars to help him out. Many breeders auctioned off valuable animals and donated the proceeds to his family. He's doing quite well, in large part thanks to all of the donatoins (and his incredibly supportive lady!)

Catty1

10-23-2012, 10:40 AM

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/good-news/pour-forward-stories-kindness-canadian-streets-204758922.html

‘Pour it forward’ stories of kindness from Canadian streets

Have you ever had a total stranger pay for your purchase before walking away? Turns out, many people placing orders across Canada have experienced this kind gesture. On Saturday, we ran a Maclean's (http://ca.news.yahoo.com/pour-it-forward.html) story of drive through goers dabbling in the art of pouring it forward at Tim Hortons: Winnipeg motorists paying for lunch and coffee orders of the strangers lined up behind them. It may be spreading through the city now, but the tradition of "paying it forward" has been around for a while — for centuries, according to Maclean's.
One Yahoo! Canada News reader explains the practice was popular at the Golden Gate Bridge (http://ca.news.yahoo.com/pour-it-forward.html#ugccmt-container) toll booth in the '70s. And based on other responses, this trend's been rolling through our country for a while, too.

[ More Good News: Scott Sowle provides footwear for the homeless (http://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/good-news/good-sole-scott-sowle-provides-footwear-homeless-145400035.html) ]
Suzzanne McDonald, from Guelph, Ont., wrote that she saw quite a few customers do so during her five-year stint at Tim Hortons.
For the past eight Decembers, Ryan Berry's coworkers have been getting gift cards and using them to pay it forward for other people's orders at a coffee shop.
"One of the best team building things we do in a year," he wrote on our Yahoo! Canada News Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/yahoocanadanews?ref=ts&fref=ts).
It's refreshing to hear of such kindness, as news of online bullying and violence continues to spread. And some take this beyond paying for your donuts and bagels.
"Doesn't only have to be Tim's. I've done it at the grocery store. The gesture makes you feel emotionally rich," posted Rosie on Yahoo! Canada News.
"The first time it happened to me I was floored," stated Jeremy, who now returns the favour whenever he has spare change. He enjoys seeing the treated drivers of the cars behind him as they try to chase him down to see who he was.

Garry B had experienced this firsthand in a Toronto airport three weeks ago, when a woman grabbed his shirt and said: "I'll buy."
"At first I thought it might be some trick to talk about my insurance needs," he wrote. "[But] It was just indeed a kind stranger."
But the most touching story we've seen so far came from a man who had an oyster dinner with his wife to mark their fifth anniversary. When the couple asked for the bill, the two were told that a stranger sitting beside them paid it all, almost $300.
"He had paid and left without saying a word," the commenter wrote.
"Come to think of it, I've never returned that favor to anyone. I will very shortly."

kuhio98

10-23-2012, 11:19 AM

Lost Backpack

About six months ago I found a backpack/work bag in my front yard, thought it belonged to my son and just took it inside. Decided to take a look inside and found a wallet with over $700 in it! Plenty of ID but from another state, but then I found a mobile phone and search through until I found 'Mother' and then rang that number. Lady said her 26 yr old son had been in my suburb the night before and left his bag on the roof of his car when he drove home so it must have fallen off at the corner near my house. She was shocked when she picked it up to find all the money still in it. They had recently moved here and knew nobody so she was very happy to find someone honest. I kept thinking "of course the money would still be there, he earned it not me!" :)

Taz_Zoee

10-23-2012, 11:56 AM

When I was a little girl we had gone to the grocery store. When we went out to our car we noticed someone had left their purse in a cart in the parking lot. My dad found the woman's ID and we took her purse to her house. She also had a lot of money in it. The woman was sooo happy she wanted to give my dad some of the money. He refused.

Also, my parents owned a Drycleaners for over 40 years. Our policy was to return any money found in pockets that was over $5. I think the largest amount we found was a few thousand dollars. I always think "how could you misplace that much money!?"

Oh, and the next time I go to Starbucks I am going to pay for the person behind me. My only problem with that is I have personalized plates on my car. :o

kuhio98

10-24-2012, 10:01 AM

Stephanie Klinzing, the mayor of Elk River, Minnesota, challenged the people in her town to perform 1,000 acts of kindness in a month. Elk River's 24,000 residents answered the call, with good deeds like giving out cookies, paying for other people's groceries, and babysitting for free. After a month the people of Elk River had surpassed their goal with 1,400 good deeds -- and they don't plan to stop anytime soon.
The owners of Blue Marble ice cream shops, in Brooklyn, New York, are expanding their business to Butare, Rwanda. Alexis Miesen and Jennie Dundas are building their first store there, which will be run (and co-owned) by Rwandan women.

kuhio98

10-25-2012, 12:52 PM

Laura Miller’s first act of anonymous kindness was placing a single lavender hydrangea bloom on the windshield of a stranger’s car in July 2009. Ever since, Miller has left a trail of small favors for unsuspecting residents of Pittsburgh. Nothing expensive, but delightful nonetheless: Starbucks gift certificates, uplifting messages, rolls of quarters, and other treats. “If I had the money, I would do it every single day,” says Miller, who recently revealed her identity at a fund-raising party, helping to attract other well-wishers to the effort. She now counts more than 1,600 people across the world in her cause for kindness. “It sounds dramatic, but I wish for a world where we all take care of each other,” says Miller.

kuhio98

10-26-2012, 04:10 PM

Because Teachers Do More Than Help Kids Learn Their ABC's

When Jennifer Marciano, a school counselor in Nashville, donated 10 inches of her hair to make wigs for cancer patients, her students asked how they could help. They now hold regular hair-donation drives for Locks of Love and raise money for patients at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

kuhio98

10-26-2012, 04:16 PM

1,000-Lb. Pig Rescues Cat After Fire

Three days after a fire blazed through a New Hampshire farm on Sept. 6, the only thing more devastating than the physical damage was the presumed death toll: 14 horses and three cats.
But if there was someone who hadn't lost hope, it was Colby, the farm's 1,000-lb. pig.
After breakfast, the Bedford, N.H., Perry Hill Farm mascot, characteristically slow and sluggish, started wandering into the woods nearby.
"She was on a mission," her caregiver and farm owner Harriet Finks, who followed the pig, tells ABCnews.com. "For her, it was quite a distance."
The 9-year-old pig, sniffing around the woods, led her caregivers to Gumbo, one of the cats they never found after the fire.
"He would have died out there," Finks said. "Now we have him back."
Gumbo's ears, tail, back and one side of his body were charred from the fire, and the burns on his feet prevented him from walking. His whiskers were gone.
But he's now home with Colby after spending a month in a veterinarian's care – and he's spending time with his sister Gidget, who found her way back to the farm two weeks after the fire. She, too, had been presumed dead. (Seven other cats, seven ponies, two goats and a miniature horse also survived.)

"We're thankful for Miss Colby," added Finks. "We're thankful for everyone."

http://img2-3.timeinc.net/people/i/2012/pets/news/121105/hero-pig-600.jpg

kuhio98

10-27-2012, 12:23 PM

A Mystery Hero in Water Rescue by Vera H-C Chan

A slip, a scary splash, then a scream. It took just seconds for a two-year-old girl to fall 20 feet into New York's East River waters. Many reacted quickly to rescue 2-year-old Bridgette Sheriden, but two men reacted even faster: Bridgette's father David Anderson and a still unknown French tourist who, after helping in the rescue, walked way and took a cab to destinations unknown.

kuhio98

10-28-2012, 11:42 AM

They won the lottery - and gave the money away

Allen and Violet Large, a loving elderly couple from Nova Scotia, Canada, won $11.2 million in the lottery. But instead of living happily ever after in luxury, they decided to give their winnings away.
Worried about scam artists and content with their average, peaceful lifestyle, they decided that the money would bring them unnecessary stress. They helped their family with some of the money and then divided the rest of the money between churches, organizations fighting cancer, Alzheimer's and diabetes, the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, cemeteries, hospitals, also their local fire department.
The couple has no regrets. "What you've never had, you never miss", Violet said. They are happy just to have each other.

Catty1

10-28-2012, 01:32 PM

Many years ago I was on my way from Vancouver to the Shuswap area of British Columbia to visit my parents and sister. The Greyhound bus was full - we were all getting comfy and soon the bus was lumbering on its way.

Across the aisle and just one row up a man was battling a cough. It wasn't all that loud, but it was quite constant and we all sensed that this would be one of those things we would put up with during the trip. I put my hands in my coat pockets and found about a half-dozen wrapped hard candies. I had forgotten they were there and didn't want them so I reached across to the man and offered them, saying it might help his cough.

I will always remember the look of relief and gratitude on his face, as well as the silent but huge sigh of relief from all others aboard.

We completed our various journeys in comfortable quiet.

kuhio98

10-29-2012, 01:56 PM

Out of the Mouth of Babes.

I received a call from my daughter she said, She was shopping with her son Dionte 5 years old at a Wal-mart store when he yelled out to her with excitement saying. Mom, Mom look a Super Hero. She turned to look at said son I don’t see any Super Hero. Once again he said mom look while pointing to a woman wearing military fatigues. Mom it’s a Super Hero. A passerby heard what had been said and turned to Dionte and said you are so right. She is our SUPER HERO. Thanks for Serving.
William and Digna Suarez of Colorado Springs. CO

cassiesmom

10-30-2012, 05:54 AM

Undefeated Arizona high school football team lends bullied special-needs teen girl some tactical defense

A group of kindhearted seniors on Arizona’s Queen Creek High School football team have helped Chy Johnson, 16, fight bullies. She has a brain disorder that once made her an easy target for some peers.

By Charlie Wells / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

A harassed special-needs student, Chy Johnson, 16, got some special help from her schools’s undefeated football team.

They’re an undefeated team used to throwing touchdowns, and now they’re making high school better for a girl used to bullies throwing trash at her.

A group of kindhearted seniors on Arizona’s Queen Creek High School football team have lent Chy Johnson some tactical defense, helping a girl whose brain disorder once made her an easy target for bullies.

The new friendship started when Elizabeth Johnson, whose daughter said girls threw trash on her at school, contacted starting quarterback Carson Jones.

Chy Johnson, 16, suffers from a brain disorder that made her an easy target for peers.

“I emailed Carson, told him that Chy was having some issues, was just wanting some names,” she told a local television station.

“He took it a step further and went and gathered Chy up at lunch and she’s been eating lunch with them ever since,” Johnson said.

Jones, fellow teammate Tucker Workman and many other Queen Creek Bulldogs have also started looking after Chy throughout the day, a move that has stopped people from bothering her.

“I guess they’ve seen her with us or something,” Jones said.

Carson Jones and teammate Tucker Workman have undertaken to look after Chy throughout the day, a move that has stopped people from bothering her.

Teammate Workman said it feels good to know that the players are helping someone who needs a little help.

“We’re doing good and everything for us is going well but someone else needs to feel good, too,” he said.

This is a big change for Chy, who suffers from a brain disorder called microcephaly. It’s a condition which makes her head smaller than normal and usually renders life expectancy down to only 25 or 30 years.

But for now, the 16-year-old sophomore calls the players “her team.”

The Queen Creek High School Bulldogs have been nominated for the Americas Team award for their big-hearted actions.

“They save me because I won’t get hurt again,” she said. “They’re not mean to me because all my boys love me,” she said, just recently named a Queen Creek High School “Fan of the Week.”

As for the Bulldogs, they have been nominated for the Americas Team award for their big-hearted actions.

They also won their football game Friday night, 49-6.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/high-school-footballers-aid-bullied-teen-girl-article-1.1193769#ixzz2AmKCmrwY

kuhio98

10-30-2012, 03:39 PM

Ian’s story:

My event took place two weeks ago at the Eagle River Carrs (A grocery store here in Alaska). My daughter and I were standing in line to purchase some items for dinner that night. As my daughter and I were talking and waiting I would periodically look up to see where we were in the check-out process. As the last item was rung up for the woman in front of me, she reached into her wallet to pull out her payment method and realized her bank cards were left at home and the $7 she had on her wouldn't cover the cost of her groceries.
As tears began to well up in her eyes and her child screamed out from impatience I told the cashier that her items were part of my daughter and my own bundle of items. She looked at me with confusion and I leaned over and told her not to say anything but if she ever got the chance to return the favor for a random family in the future, that she take the opportunity. She smiled, had her items loaded into her cart, then went on her way. I never got her name but as she walked away I looked down at my daughter and the smile on her face let me know she learned a valuable lesson. And that is all the payment I need.

momcat

10-30-2012, 08:54 PM

Elyse,
Thank you so very much for sharing this wonderful story! There are good kids out there and this proves it. All of these team members deserve all the credit they can receive for stepping up to help and protect this young girl from further abuse. How great that they had such a decisive victory! This story belongs on the front page of every newspaper everywhere! May this wonderful team enjoy many many more victories for the good they're doing!

kuhio98

10-31-2012, 12:19 PM

Free Gas
I was pumping gas on a day when I had only $10 until payday. When I went inside to pay, the pump had been pre-paid with a twenty dollar bill by a stranger! The clerk said the person's instructions were simply, when the next person who comes in to pay with cash, surprise them with free gas. I was so surprised and have repeated the act of kindness twice since. The clerk has fun too!

kuhio98

11-01-2012, 12:01 PM

When Allison Winn was eight and her family adopted a dog named Coco, they had no idea how much the little bichon frise would change her life. “Coco helped me feel better,” says Allison, who was recuperating from 14 months of treatment for a brain tumor at the time. “She would cuddle with me when I didn’t want to play.” Allison loved Coco so much that she told her parents she wanted to help other sick kids find the same kind of comfort.
She started small, raising money by selling lemonade and homemade dog biscuits in front of her house. Her first customer was the mailman. By the end of that summer, she had raised nearly $1,000, enough to adopt, train, and spay or neuter two dogs and give them to children with cancer. Now, a little more than two years later, corporate groups and civic organizations gather to make dog treats at a Denver kitchen for Allison’s cause.
Her organization, the Stink Bug Project, named after a picture she drew commemorating the end of her chemotherapy, is run and managed in partnership with the Morgan Adams Foundation. Stink Bug helps families adopt pets from the Colorado Correctional Industries Prison Trained K9 Companion Program, where inmates teach commands to rescued dogs. To date, the program has raised $33,000 and facilitated the adoption of ten dogs, paying for the $450 adoption fee plus a starter kit of a dog bed and crate, food, toys, a leash, and a collar, which gets embroidered with the pet’s name and phone number. “We ask the kids their favorite color,” Allison says, so she can coordinate ribbons for the dogs.
With the leftover funds, Allison’s mother, Dianna Litvak, who helps run Stink Bug, hopes to extend the pet-adoption program statewide and continue donating some of the proceeds to help fund pediatric cancer research.
Her daughter is just as ambitious. “I wanted to do a million adoptions, but my mom made me lower it,” says Allison. Still, she’d eventually like to get dogs to sick kids in other states.
“Allison has figured out how to help—in a way that no one else has,” Litvak says proudly. “We involve her younger sister, Emily, her friends, the adopting families, and the women at the prison. It took the love of a little girl to wrap all that together into one amazing package.”
Go to stinkbugproject.org to donate or to buy Allison’s dog biscuits.

kuhio98

11-02-2012, 10:28 AM

Thankful for Safety
I live in the midwest where we get a lot of snow. One night I got off work late and it was nearly a white out with all the driving snow. I caught up to a county snow plow and followed him the next 20 miles to my home town. We were the only two vehicles on the road. He pulled into the same gas station I did to fuel up. When I went inside to pay I picked out a big chocolate chip cookie and told the clerk to give it to the plow truck driver when he came in to pay. I appreciated that he was out working late in terrible conditions so that I could make it home safely!

kuhio98

11-03-2012, 11:47 AM

Nancy Lawlor collects bouquets—flowers from hotels and weddings and corporate events, in cities like New York and Los Angeles. Then she gives them away to people in need, often breaking down larger bouquets so there’s more to go around.

Lawlor was inspired to start her nonprofit organization, FlowerPower, eight years ago. Sitting in the lobby of the Waldorf Astoria, she was riveted by its towering floral displays. Where did they go at the end of the day? After getting her answer — a Dumpster — Lawlor volunteered to take them away instead. Once the hotel agreed, Lawlor delivered $2,000 worth of large pink bouquets to a New York City hospital. “It all started with one person saying yes,” she says.

To date, FlowerPower has distributed more than $2.5 million worth of flowers to hospitals, rape crisis centers, and rehabilitation clinics. The bouquets last several days, giving patients a healthy dose of good cheer. “I’ve seen thousands of people transformed,” she says, “all over a simple bouquet of flowers that originally would’ve been thrown away.” Now, that’s a beautiful arrangement.

kuhio98

11-04-2012, 10:06 AM

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/kuhio98/shoes.jpg

pomtzu

11-04-2012, 10:29 AM

kuhio98

11-04-2012, 12:04 PM

Lisa - thank you for your dedication to this thread, and thank you to others that have posted stories too. We read of so much bad in the world today, that it is refreshing to read of the good all around us that would otherwise go unnoticed and unacknowledged.

It's heartening to hear that people are reading and enjoying. I love hearing stories from others and am enjoying searching for more stories.
I set a personal goal this year to not forward on any of those sad, awful e-mails we get daily. I found myself getting so depressed reading sad stories about man's inhumanity to man and animals. Who does it help to spread that sick news around the globe? I've found that I'm happier these days since I've been concentrating on sharing stories about people and animals who help make the world a kinder, nicer place to be.

kuhio98

11-05-2012, 09:29 AM

The world seems to have its values skewed sometimes. Like, people will buy a celebrity a round of drinks or comp them dinner. The celebrity could probably buy everyone’s dinner and not miss the money. Heck, they could probably buy the restaurant itself with just their pocket change. But, people will give a rich person something “on the house” instead of giving it to the homeless person who might not have eaten for a while. So, I’ve always wondered about this and one day found myself in a sorta similar situation.

No, I’m not rich and I’m not a celebrity, but whenever I got my hair colored and cut, my hairdresser would load me down with a bag of free products and samples that she wanted me to try. Sure, she was hoping I would fall in love with some of them and become a repeat customer, but I’m not a girly-girl and ended up just throwing them in my car trunk and forgetting about them. I could well afford these products but because we are friends, she gave me lots of freebies. I didn’t want to hurt her feelings by turning them down.

After my hair appointment, I go next door and pick up a pizza for dinner. Bobcat loves their pizza but it is on the far south of town where we hardly ever go, but that’s where my hairdresser is so we have a monthly routine of hair and pizza.

A young lady with thin, limp, lifeless hair scraped back and secured with a rubber band started waiting on me. She is a single mother and can’t afford all the pricey products they sell next door. So, after I ordered my pizza, I asked her if she wanted to try some of the samples. She jumped at the chance. Now, each month I give her the bag of freebies and we visit for a few minutes while I wait for the pizza. She tells me about her little girl and her life. Between working full time and going to school part time, she is a very busy lady and can’t afford the little things that make life a little nicer. Her hair looks so much better these days. :) Still haven’t told my hairdresser that I give the products away to someone who can really appreciate them. I about fell over when she told me her name – Cat. It’s not short for anything. Her name is actually Cat! And you know how much I love cats. :)
Lisa Tennison ~ Anchorage, AK

carole

11-05-2012, 11:13 AM

Aww Lisa what a heart warming story ,isn't it wonderful how people come in to our lives,through different circumstances,and how they can enrich our lives and vice versa,you are always a very caring and giving person ,and it is so lovely you can bring some joy in to cat"s life,how gorgeous her name being that.

kuhio98

11-06-2012, 09:58 AM

When I arrived in Sydney Australia two years ago from Brazil to study, I struggled to find work to support myself. My savings soon became dangerously low and I was distressed that I might have to give up my overseas dream.
One day, I was at the park, worrying about the future and arguing with my own thoughts. A lady sitting next to me noticed the concerned expression on my face and gave me a sincere smile. She asked if I was OK, if something bad had happened and if I needed any help. I did not want to bother someone I had just met with my problems, and so pretended that everything was fine. But we ended up chatting for nearly two hours about life in Brazil and what I thought about Australia. This woman gave me lots of tips about places to visit.
Before we knew it, it was almost five o’clock. She said she had to get to work and unexpectedly invited me to accompany her. Why not? I thought.
We arrived at a restaurant and the most amazing thing happened. She said that she owned the place and needed some help in the kitchen. She asked if I wanted to work for her. I accepted, of course, and started the next day.
I spent almost a year working there, improving my English, developing my skills, and, most importantly, building a good relationship with my boss. Even now, living in different cities, we are still close friends and enjoy sharing long chats about life.

kuhio98

11-07-2012, 10:00 AM

Because Help Comes in Many Forms
When my 2-year-old son, Ben, died from a genetic disorder, I couldn't bear the thought of cleaning out his room. So I gratefully accepted when Ben's physical, speech, and occupational therapists offered to do it for us during his funeral. After we got home we found that not only had they packed away his clothes and toys and removed the medical equipment but they also cleaned the rest of our house, left gifts for our older child, and stocked our cabinets with supplies. There was even a bouquet of flowers on the table. They went above and beyond to make our tough day a little more bearable.
-- Jamie Fields, Malvern, Arkansas

kuhio98

11-08-2012, 09:23 AM

Corrections
I have been a Corrections Officer in Ohio for a little while now and as most people can imagine, you see a little bit of everything. Whenever someone new comes in to serve their jail sentence, I have to book them into the jail where I also talk to them and get a sense of their personality. This particular man told me of his massive run of bad luck which eventually ended with him in this position. He got into a fight with his wife that will most likely end in a divorce and drove off angrily into the night. Unfortunately, he drank literally one too many before he left and he totaled his car in a ditch which resulted in his arrest. Now, I must have heard a MILLION sob stories from people who got busted, but for some reason… I felt really bad for this guy. During the booking the man unexpectedly began to cry so naturally, I asked him what he was crying about. He told me that his wife was going to leave him because of his drinking problem and that he said some things to her that he believed he couldn’t take back. I said, “You’re not a bad man, you just made a mistake. I’m not here to judge you for anything that you’ve done. We all make mistakes and we’ve all said something in anger that we later regretted. In a couple days when you get out of here, apologize to your wife and work it out. I can’t guarantee she’ll forgive you, but I will guarantee that an apology will make a huge difference to her. The man looked up at me in shock and said, “You’re the first person I’ve met in law enforcement who cares about my side of the story. All they see is a miserable drunk.” When the man was released a few days later, I noticed him walking out the door as my shift was ending and I remembered that he totaled his car. His house was at least 10 miles away from my facility and he just started walking. I hopped in my car, still in uniform, and pulled up next to him. I said, “You want a ride?” He hopped in and nearly cried with relief. When I dropped him off I shook his hand and wished him good luck. To my surprise, he shook my hand and hugged me with the other, then said, “Thank you… thank you for your kindness. I wish there were more officers out there like you.” I drove home knowing that I helped that man with his personal problem and I restored some of his faith in law enforcement.

kuhio98

11-09-2012, 01:22 PM

Bright sun
I was driving along a country road on a lovely sunny day when I saw an elderly gentleman walking on the footpath in the opposite direction. He was holding his hand above his eyes to shield them from the very bright sun. We were at least a mile from the nearest house so he was quite clearly going to be struggling to see for some distance ...... so I did 2 U turns to bring myself back to him and stopped alongside him and gave him my baseball cap. He was amazed that I would do something so kind. He was really grateful and offered to pay for the cap, but I said no and told him it was a gift. As we parted I saw him walking off with a smile and a renewed vitality.

kuhio98

11-10-2012, 09:22 AM

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/kuhio98/check.jpg

kuhio98

11-11-2012, 10:19 AM

“Am feeling both good and a little stupid.” This is the comment Carolee Hazard posted on Facebook after a woman ahead of her in the grocery line said she’d lost her wallet. The woman was so upset that Hazard paid her $207 grocery bill “and just asked her to send me a check,” Hazard says. She figured now the money was as good as gone.
But a day later, a check arrived in the mail for $300, along with profound thanks from Jenni Ware, 45. Ware suggested that Hazard use the extra $93 for a nice massage.
Instead, Hazard went back online and asked her friends to recommend a better use for the money. Times are tough, one friend wrote back, and suggested a donation to Second Harvest, a Bay Area food bank.

Hazard agreed and then matched Ware’s original $93 with her own. Word spread. A little kid gave 93 cents. A single mother donated $9.30 from the last $25 in her monthly budget. By the end of its first year, the newly christened 93 Dollar Club had bequeathed $100,000 to Second Harvest.
But the story doesn’t end there. “We want to raise $200,000 this year,” says Hazard. And they just might. The 93 Dollar Club recently received a second donation of $9,300—its largest yet.

kuhio98

11-12-2012, 10:38 AM

A Cup of Kindness
In college I had a job as a counter person. Every morning the same people lined up for their coffee. Eventually, whenever I saw a regular customer, I'd just hand over "the usual." On my last day at the job I mentioned to a couple of my regulars that I was leaving. They came back at lunchtime with a bouquet of flowers. That gesture made me feel as though I mattered, that I wasn't just another nameless, faceless service provider.
-- Sabrina Regan, Rosedale, New York

kuhio98

11-13-2012, 10:17 AM

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/kuhio98/note.jpg

kuhio98

11-14-2012, 09:21 AM

Four years ago, after hearing about a boy with a program to give away backpacks, Jacob Rice decided to do something similar for disadvantaged kids in East Tampa. A local social services agency tipped him off that kids’ shoes were needed, and Rice had found his cause. At his first event, a back-to-school night, 72 kids signed up for shoes.

Rice found a local store that agreed to provide him with shoes at a bargain price. It took private donors and a foundation to help, but eight months later, Rice was able to deliver every last one of the 72 pairs of shoes. Now Rice’s nonprofit charity, Shoe Giver of Tampa, works with Soles4Souls of Nashville, Tennessee, a group that collects and distributes shoes worldwide. Every few months, Rice measures dozens of kids’ feet and sends the sizes to Soles4Souls founder Wayne Elsey, who finds the shoes and has them delivered to Rice. Then Rice distributes them to the youngsters. To date, Rice has handed over more than 1,300 pairs of shoes, not only in East Tampa but also in the Dominican Republic and Liberia.
His current goal: to donate 10,000 pairs of shoes. “I’ve learned how important it is to help your community,” says Rice. “When you’re in a position to help, you have an obligation to do it.”

kuhio98

11-15-2012, 10:12 AM

James’s story:
Several years ago we packed all we had into a storage unit back in the lower forty-eight and hopped a red eye flight to get to Valdez, Alaska – where we were headed. When we landed in Anchorage, we had no money and no way of getting the rest of the way to Valdez. We were hungry and didn't know what to do. Kindly, a stranger bought us pizza and sodas while we were stuck at the airport for nearly two days, until we were able to locate a friend living in Valdez. Despite being very sick with the flu, she drove for nearly seven hours through bad March weather to pick us up in Anchorage, then turned around and drove us all the way back to Valdez. She is a true friend and that has to be an act of kindness.

kuhio98

11-19-2012, 03:36 PM

Frank Made My Friday

And I became a believer in the existence of random acts of kindness. I was sitting in my local Japanese restaurant waiting for my take-out order, passing the time playing a game on my iPhone, when a young man standing next to me struck up a conversation. I put down my phone and we spoke briefly about our lives, our jobs and when both of our orders were finished, he picked up my check and said, "I'm paying your bill." I was shocked and said, "WHAT!! Oh, no!" He said, "Oh, yes!" I sat at the table for a few moments completely dumbfounded, went up to him at the register and said, I don't even know your name. He responded, "Frank, and have a great weekend." In that moment, through that random act, a cynic became a believer.

kuhio98

11-20-2012, 04:27 PM

Spring Training
Every year I go down to Spring Training in Clearwater, Florida to see the Philadelphia Phillies play. Every game we go early to catch and get some baseballs during hitting practice. My brother and I get so many baseballs we don't have enough room for them. One time, a ball went over my head. I ran over and picked it up, there was a disabled kid and his two parents a couple feet away from me. I walked over to them and gave the boy my ball. His parents insisted I keep it, but I told them I had plenty. His mom started to cry, they were all so happy. Then, they all started crying tears of joy. The boy was so happy he got a baseball, it made his day and it made me feel happy.

kuhio98

11-21-2012, 04:27 PM

Jason Kroft: Heart Attack Victim Searches for Savior
Have you seen a 40-year-old red-haired hero in dark blue blazer and dress pants on the streets of New York City? If so, two children want to thank him for saving their dad's life. On October 5, Toronto-native Jason Kroft, his wife, Marci, and their two kids, Harper, nine, and Sloan, seven, were strolling though Midtown Manhattan to get a tour of 30 Rockefeller Plaza from brother-in-law, Andrew Zeller. Kroft, 40, who had no history of heart disease, suffered cardiac arrest and collapsed to the sidewalk. His wife screamed for help as he stopped breathing. Suddenly, a stranger appeared and placed his briefcase under Kroft's head, tore open his shirt, and began performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). While Kroft sustained a couple of broken ribs during CPR, Zeller tells Shine, "If he hadn't done CPR compression between cardiac arrest and the time the ambulance arrived, Jason would have severe brain damage." In the commotion after the paramedics arrived, the man disappeared into the crowd before the family could discover his identity. Kroft is recovering at St. Luke's Hospital on the Upper West Side and will eventually be moved back to Toronto for rehabilitation. Over the weekend, Zeller put up about 20 signs around Midtown and Times Square hoping the Good Samaritan would step forward. "We want to thank him," he says. "He's a hero." When doctors began operating on Kroft, they discovered he had suffered two aneurisms caused by a rare congenital condition. After triple bypass surgery, the medical team had to cool his body to 30 degrees Celsius for 24 hours to prevent brain damage. Despite the harrowing treatment, Zeller reports his brother-in-law is "doing really well, It's amazing." He adds, "He is weak, but he's the same old Jason. He has a long road to recovery, but he'll be okay."

cassiesmom

11-21-2012, 07:53 PM

I heard about this on the radio and it gave me a smile!

Thanks,
Elyse

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'Turkey Fairy' leaves warm clothes

LYNDHURST, Ohio (CNN/WJW) - A good Samaritan in Ohio is getting a head start on the season of giving.

Someone has been leaving blankets, hats and gloves at a bus stop outside of Cleveland, Ohio. The anonymous donors also leaves a quick note signed "The Turkey Fairy."

Workers at the nearby Family Urgent Care Center discovered the anonymous donation.

"They just want people to recognize what they are doing to help other people and not focus on the person themselves. So I think that's really good. And it's kind of fun to figure out who may be doing it!" said Katie Trolio.

"There are so many negative stories on the news right now and around the world. And it makes me feel good to know that there are people who put it all aside and care about other people," said Nancy Greff.

Workers at the urgent care center believe "The Turkey Fairy" comes overnight. The donations are usually at the bus stop before the center opens at six in the morning.

carole

11-22-2012, 02:08 PM

just had to post these, this had me in tears, so moving so many of these enjoy.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/expresident/pictures-that-will-restore-your-faith-in-humanity

kuhio98

11-22-2012, 02:50 PM

Wounded soldier works to help military families have a merry Christmas

Rich and Tonya Watson are looking for a few good gifts. The couple's non-profit enterprise, Christmas for Heroes, is collecting Christmas presents for wounded soldiers and their families attached to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (in Anchorage, Alaska). The holidays can be particularly difficult for injured military personnel, the Watsons say -- and they speak from experience. Rich, a 1993 graduate of Service High School in Anchorage, was seriously wounded in Iraq in 2007." A grenade launcher blew up behind me in a crossfire," he said. He suffered traumatic brain injuries and was sent back to Fort Lewis, Wash., the home base of his outfit, the 2nd Infantry Division, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team. Tonya, who had been working as a substitute teacher and nurse's assistant, quit work to take care of him. "Most of his appointments were at the Seattle Veterans Administration Hospital because the military hospital on base was overloaded with other wounded," she said. The cost of driving him back and forth to Seattle three or four times a week, the loss of her paycheck and the end of the additional pay he received while in a combat zone combined to create what Tonya described as "a financial disaster. "It looked like the Watsons and their three children would miss out on Christmas. "We didn't have anything," Rich said. "We didn't have a tree. We were thinking of skipping a car payment to buy a few presents. "Then a Seattle law firm stepped in to help. "To this day we still don't know the name of the firm," said Tonya. "But they gave us the Christmas we would have been missing if not for them. "Other groups helped the Watsons buy food and pay bills. "After that, we wanted to find a way to show our gratitude and pay it forward," she said. The couple formed their own nonprofit organization, the OIF/OEF Aid Group, of which Christmas for Heroes is a spin-off. The initials stand for Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Last year they set up donation centers around town to collect donations for two families of wounded soldiers with the Warriors Transition Battalion at JBER, one couple with five children and a single mom. "Christmas often gets overlooked when a soldier is wounded," said Tonya. "It's just the reality. Dad or Mom are hurt and there are a lot of needs that go unmet in order to take care of them. "The 2011 drive went well enough that this year they upped the ante. "We've adopted 22 families and have been told that the number could grow due to the high number of inured soldiers who just returned from Afghanistan," Tonya said. The Watsons have posted a "wish list" of items on their website, christmas4heroes.org.Families on the list are designated by number to protect their privacy. They range from households with several children (ages are given) to couples, single parents, and single male and female soldiers. Family 8 has three girls who all want "princess stuff" -- and one boy, age 5, more interested in "The Avengers" characters. Family 16 is a husband and wife both looking for fishing gear. Family 15 is a single male who would like books and an electronic book reader. The husband in Family 6 is hoping for service dog training. The 22 families represent less than a quarter of the Wounded Warrior Battalion at JBER, Air Force and Army personnel who have been wounded but remain on duty or in the National Guard. All presents will be given to the recipients at a holiday party on Dec. 12.The couple met online while he was on deployment in 2003. When he returned to the states, he offered to fly her to Seattle. He met her at the airport and proposed on the spot, Tonya said. "And we've been together ever since. "But it hasn't been easy. They originally moved to her hometown, Gun Barrel City, Texas, so that they could call on her parents in the case of an emergency while, they hoped, Richard's condition improved. Instead, it got worse. Mini-strokes, degenerative brain disease, sleep problems, early onset Parkinson's Disease and inexplicable maladies piled up. Two years ago he received a terminal diagnosis. "The doctor told me I had four years to go before I became a complete vegetable," he said. They decided to move to his home town, Anchorage. "I wanted to be here in Alaska and let my kids experience it," Rich said. Meanwhile, he's pushing himself to stay active and keep his mind in shape. He just completed a course in grant writing at Alaska Pacific University. "We want to keep this going, even when we're not in town any more," he said. That will be soon. Shortly after the party for this year's families, the Watsons will move back to Seattle where Tonya is due to receive a kidney transplant. "Medical reasons are forcing us to leave again," she said, "for my benefit this time. "If all goes well, Rich expects to be back in Alaska next summer, looking into building a house on land the family owns on the Kenai Peninsula among other things. He's also looking into ways to take the charity national. "I've always been a volunteer," he said. "I volunteered for service and paid a heavy price. I was deployed twice in Iraq and once in Kosovo and got hurt each time. But others paid the ultimate price. "His old unit is in Afghanistan right now and has taken serious casualties, he said. "I owe it to them."

Wish List and other information online at: christmas4heroes.org

kuhio98

11-23-2012, 01:59 PM

Because Friends Know Just What to Do

Two years ago my husband spent the week before Christmas in the hospital with a serious gallbladder condition. He almost died. I was a wreck, worrying about his health and our medical bills. I couldn't do any of the normal Christmas stuff with my kids, including shopping. My 8-year-old son, Reese, was particularly distraught: He had been determined to get me a pair of sparkly earrings. When my friend April heard how upset he was, she took Reese to Target to pick out a few gifts. She even helped him pay for them and wrap them. April gave my son some normalcy -- and even joy -- in an otherwise-awful time for our family. It may not have been a big deal to her, but it was huge for us.
-Adrienne Penrod, Orem, Utah

kuhio98

11-24-2012, 01:30 PM

Playground Surprise!
Bury some coins under the sand or loose dirt at the bottom of slides and under swings in playgrounds. Children get sooo excited to find them!

Bobcat told me a story of when he was a young father working 2 jobs and barely making ends meet with 3 little ones at home. He would take the kids to the park in the Spring as the snow was beginning to melt. He and the kids would "dig for treasure" and find lots of coins by the swings. All the money that fell out of kids pockets during the winter came in handy making it to the next paycheck.

cassiesmom

11-24-2012, 08:20 PM

If you watch the NBC News you might know Lester Holt. He's from Chicago. He used to be an anchor on channel 2 (CBS) before he moved to the national news. His son Stefan Holt is a news anchor on channel 5, which is NBC in Chicago. They co-hosted the noon news on Friday on channel 5, and they were terrific! Channel 5 showed cute pictures of little Stefan with his dad at the anchor's desk. Their voices sound a lot alike but they don't have exactly the same mannerisms. It was fun to watch them together.

----

Father and son duo Lester Holt and Stefan Holt made history Friday on NBC 5, when they teamed up for a special post-Thanksgiving newscast … together!

“I’m a little nervous to be honest,” longtime newsman Lester Holt said earlier this week. “I have to be on my A-Game. He’s pretty good. I’ve been watching him.”

Stefan Holt, 25, joined NBC 5 as a morning show anchor in 2011, and he’s been building his family in Chicago ever since. Stefan was married to his college sweetheart, Morgan, in July, and the newlyweds invited Lester and wife Carol to fly in from New York City and spend Thanksgiving in Chicago.

"It's the first time we're doing Thanksgiving dinner," Stefan said of he and wife Morgan. "We're going to give it a try."

While Lester and Stefan were deciding on the menu -- turkey, cornbread, mom's cranberry chutney -- Lester had an idea.

“I asked him: You’re not working on Thanksgiving are you?” Lester said. “He said, ‘Actually I am. I said, if you guys are short, if Daniella Guzman wants the day off, I can fill in.’”

Lester said he was joking, but Stefan suggested that maybe his dad could help out on the noon show the day after.

“He's the hardest working man in television and he was looking for an excuse to work,” Stefan said.

Lester Holt, of course, made his own anchor mark here in Chicago when he owned the desk at WBBM-TV for 14 years. In 2000, Lester joined MSNBC and in 2003 he began hosting the Weekend Today Show. He also anchors the Weekend Nightly News for NBC, as well as leading the news magazine program Dateline.

Somehow, Lester knew that Stefan would someday follow in his footsteps.

“I have a picture of Stefan sitting at the desk at WBBM from right around the time I started as an anchor there,” he said in his familiar baritone. “Stefan was up there, with his arms crossed, ready to go. At 2 ½ years old he already had the look.”

Lester has been following with great interest how Stefan’s career in Chicago developed. He uses a device called Slingbox that allows him to record Stefan’s morning show broadcasts and watch them on his computer or smart phone at 30 Rock.

“I’m actually very proud,” he said.

The Friday midday broadcast marked the first time the tandem has anchored together on the same set. The whole station was buzzing.

“We are excited to pair Lester and Stefan together!” said Vice President of News and Station Manager Frank Whittaker. “Lester spent many years here in Chicago, and is well-known to Chicago viewers. It’s a real treat to bring him back to co-anchor with Stefan.“

Lester, always a good sport, did have one request from NBC. Considering he worked on his day off.

"I’m asking for that one vacation day back," he said.

Source: http://www.nbcchicago.com/on-air/as-seen-on/Lester-and-Stefan-Holt-to-Co-Anchor-NBC-5-News-179957061.html#ixzz2DCGEuHkB

kuhio98

11-26-2012, 03:10 PM

Rosary Story
Recently a young man came into my home to do some fix-up work. He noticed, I think, my collection of nun dolls and asked me if I was Catholic. I told him he was correct and we had a beautiful conversation. He is a part-time preacher who wants to go to divinity school. He asked me questions about my faith and some of our practices including the use of the rosary. I explained as best I could and we shared our commonalities of faith. When he left I gave him a rosary for a remembrance. Well, a couple of months later he came again to do more work. This time he had a gift for me. He had MADE me a rosary. I was just overwhelmed by his kindness and goodness. What a blessing this will be for me for the rest of my life. All because we took time to talk with one another.

kuhio98

11-28-2012, 07:13 PM

Little Red Wagon Foundation

While many young people were enjoying the final weeks of summer vacation, Zachary Bonner was working his hardest. According to the St. Petersburg Times, Zach started walking from Valrico, Florida, his hometown, on Christmas, 2009, and stepped over the Los Angeles city line nine months later in September, racking up a total of 2,478 miles and raising close to $120,000 for kids in need. Along the way, Zach attended school online, thanks to his mother, Laurie Bonner, and brother and sister, who alternated walking and driving alongside him. Among Zach’s sponsors: AOL, McDonald’s, and the Office Depot Foundation.

Despite his age, Zach has a long history of helping others. When Hurricane Charley hit town in 2004, Zach, then six, pulled a wagon through his neighborhood collecting food for storm victims. Since then, he has raised some $400,000 for his tax-exempt Little Red Wagon Foundation, which gives money to projects aiding homeless and troubled children. In 2007, Zach began walking to support a children’s charity in Tampa, Florida, finishing his journey 23 days later, 280 miles away in Tallahassee. Then in the summer of 2009, he trekked about 670 miles from Atlanta to Washington, D.C., in just two months. “What really keeps me going [is] these kids,” Zach has said. “They don’t get to say, ‘I’m tired of being homeless.’ So why should I get to quit?”

cassiesmom

11-29-2012, 07:42 AM

Here's some local good news...

Dance to benefit Red Cross' hurricane Sandy relief efforts
By Annemarie Mannion, Chicago Tribune reporter

They may be more accustomed to mixing it up on the sports fields and courts, but for one night, at least, students from 15 west suburban schools will let their rivalries rest, and mix it up on the dance floor to benefit hurricane Sandy relief efforts.

Addison Trail High School is working with BOOM Entertainment, a company that specializes in event production, to host a mega dance to raise funds to go to the American Red Cross.

The school's 200-member student council has invited students from 14 other schools in the West Suburban Athletic Conference and from its two feeder middle schools to the Dec. 1 event.

"As soon as the hurricane hit we knew we wanted to do something," said Sheri D'Ambrose, a physical education teacher and student council sponsor.

The council tossed around ideas, including the standard candy sale, but those didn't seem good enough, she said.

"With all the sweets that float around the school it's kind of annoying for a PE. teacher to think about doing that. And when kids sell something, parents end up buying it," said D'Ambrose. "I knew we could do something better."

Deciding upon a dance, the school reached out to BOOM Entertainment which had recently put on its homecoming dance. The company agreed to donate its services.

"We're bringing our full-on production - sound, lighting, DJs - over $20,000 (in services)," said Zach Moss, vice president of marketing and new media.

He said his business wants to have an impact on the schools it serves.

With BOOM on board, the idea expanded from a single-school event to one that would involve students from throughout the area. Student council member Chandlyr Kulpa, a senior, said she's looking forward to the event that she hopes will bring in a good attendance and a good sum -- $30,000 is the goal – in a matter of a few hours..

"Some people thought it wouldn't be a good idea because the dance would be a happy event when the hurricane was tragic," she said. "But it's the easiest way to raise money."

She said she is sure students will be able to put their school rivalries aside to help people still hurting from the hurricane.

"People (affected by Sandy) are still having a lot of issues out there," Kulpa said. "Any little bit will help."

The cost per ticket is $10. Middle school students are invited to attend from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday; high school students will dance from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday at Addison Trail High School, 213 N. Lombard Rd.

The West Suburban Athletic Conference also includes Downers Grove North and South, Glenbard West, Hinsdale Central and South, Lyons Township. Leyden, Morton, Oak Park and River Forest, Proviso East and West, Willowbrook and York high schools.

kuhio98

11-29-2012, 12:10 PM

NYPD officer photographed giving boots to barefoot homeless man melts icy hearts online

A photo of a New York City police officer kneeling down to give a barefoot homeless man in Times Square a pair of boots on a cold November night is melting even the iciest New Yorkers' hearts online.

On Nov. 14, NYPD officer Lawrence DePrimo, who was on counterterrorism duty in Times Square, saw the older homeless man without shoes sitting on 42nd Street. DePrimo, 25, left and then returned with a pair of $100 boots he bought at a nearby Skechers store.

"It was freezing out, and you could see the blisters on the man's feet," DePrimo, a three-year veteran of the department who lives with his parents on Long Island, told the New York Times. "I had two pairs of socks, and I was still cold."

The random act of kindness was captured by Jennifer Foster, a tourist from Florence, Ariz., who was visiting the city. Foster, communications director for the Pinal County Sheriff's Office in Arizona, emailed the photo to the NYPD with a note commending DePrimo.

"The officer said, 'I have these size 12 boots for you, they are all-weather. Let's put them on and take care of you,'" Foster wrote. "The officer squatted down on the ground and proceeded to put socks and the new boots on this man.

"I have been in law enforcement for 17 years," she continued. "I was never so impressed in my life. ... It is important, I think, for all of us to remember the real reason we are in this line of work. The reminder this officer gave to our profession in his presentation of human kindness has not been lost."
Foster's photo was posted on the NYPD's Facebook page on Tuesday, where it received more than 320,000 "likes," 77,000 "shares" and 20,000 comments—most of them praising DePrimo, who seems to have restored Facebook's faith in humanity.

"This is one hell of a police officer," Desiree Wright-Borden wrote.

"Wow," Jack Horton wrote. "It's nice to know there are still good people out there."

"Angels truly do walk on earth!!!" Charlene Hoffman-Pestell wrote.

Some commenters, though, were skeptical, saying the photo could have been staged.

"Clever stunt!" Louis Zehmke wrote. "The hobo is 'parked' at the entrance of a shoe shop."

But Foster claims DePrimo had no idea he was being photographed: "The officer expected NOTHING in return and did not know I was watching."

...
http://news.yahoo.com/video/nypd-officer-gives-boots-homeless-155857510.html

kuhio98

11-30-2012, 10:40 AM

momcat

11-30-2012, 12:29 PM

There's a great story going around here about one of New York's Finest. It got pretty cold here over the last few days. While on foot patrol, a police officer saw a homeless man barefoot without socks or shoes. The officer asked the man about where his foot wear was but he replied he didn't have any. The officer went into the shoe store at the site and with his own money bought the homeless man some warm socks and a pair of waterproof boots. As he was helping the man to put them on, a tourist from Arizona saw the officer giving the man the boots and socks then took a picture. The tourist and police officer were interviewed on this morning's news. Both said when the man was given the items, his face lit up like a Christmas tree and looked as if he was just given $1 million. The police officer only wanted to do the right thing by helping someone in need, not the publicity that came as a result of it.

Thank you for your extraordinary act of kindness, Officer! You have shown the NYPD at its best and we can all learn from your random act of kindness.

cassiesmom

11-30-2012, 01:07 PM

A plane crashed in Chicago this morning on 29th and King Drive ... oh, wait -- it's only a television shoot ... but it looked pretty realistic! (Why, oh, why would they decide to shoot it during a Friday morning rush hour? King Drive is a busy north-south route.

http://www.mediabistro.com/tvspy/wgn-reports-chicago-plane-crash-staged-for-tv-show-shoot-as-breaking-news_b71495

kuhio98

12-01-2012, 09:28 AM

Miles of Smiles
I was at my job as a massage therapist in Knoxville when my best friend called from Denver to tell me that her husband had been killed in a car accident. She begged me to fly out immediately to be with her. My next client, a salesperson who flies constantly on business, overheard me comforting my friend and saying I'd try to get a flight to Denver the next day. While I went off to wash my hands, she called the VIP number at American Airlines, arranged a flight for me, and paid for it with frequent-flier miles. I protested, but she said she'd never be able to use all her miles and that my friend needed me. I still marvel at her amazing generosity.
-- Sue Painter, Knoxville, Tennessee

kuhio98

12-02-2012, 10:14 AM

Cooking for free for the kids

Bruno Serato moved from Italy to USA in 1980 as a poor immigrant who didn't speak a word of English. He began his career working as a dishwasher. Working hard, he dreamed of owning his own restaurant. He achieved his dream with hard work and dedication. He now serves Italian food in his own restaurant called the White House in Anaheim. Celebrities and politicians have eaten at his restaurant. But his favorite customers are the ones that he feeds for free - the so-called "motel children" of Orange County. They are the children whose parents are too poor to afford them decent, regular meals.

The story began on April 18th, 2005. Bruno's mother came to visit him from Italy. As part of her tour of California, they visited the Boys & Girls Club charity in Anaheim. There, they saw a little boy eating potato chips. The director told them that those chips were all he had for dinner - his family was too poor to afford him a full meal. His mother then came up with the idea that started it all - to give the children who need it food from Bruno's restaurant. Bruno, inspired by her idea, then decided to start his own charity that offers free meals to children in need. He called it Caterina's Club, after his mother.

Every night, the White House makes a meal of fresh pasta and sauce and sends it to the kids at the Boys & Girls Club in a van. Bruno has given away hundreds of thousands of meals so far. Some nights his restaurant struggled, having more children to feed than paying customers. But Bruno kept going and says he will never stop giving to the children, as it is his passion in life.

kuhio98

12-03-2012, 09:17 AM

Clearing Snow for Neighbours
Whether they are young or old, able or not, just do it if it is needed please. The benefits are many to both parties involved but most important of all, they appreciate it. (Plus, upon reflection, you'll like yourself that little bit more for doing so.) By all means, prioritize what gets cleared first according to each individual's needs. But don't wait to be asked as their paths are full of snow and they cannot get to your door to do so. Just go grab some shovels and get to work!

kuhio98

12-04-2012, 09:46 AM

Layaway Line
I like to help out folks that work hard but have a difficult time during the holidays. So I just go to a local store that offers layaway like Kmart. I get in line and then when the person goes up to pay I step in and ask if I could please pay the balance for them so they can take the gifts home and not have to worry about it any longer. It is easy and you get to see a smiling face and a huge hug. I don't tell them who I am and just ask them to pass it on when they can.

kuhio98

12-05-2012, 09:13 AM

Christmas kindness
One year when my 4 children were young ranging from about 5 to 15, I had been unemployed for over a year and there were no prospects. It was approaching Christmas and we had talked to the kids telling them that this year there would be no gifts to share with each other. They were great about it and they all accepted it without complaint. I have always felt that no matter what your religion Christmas is a magical time of year and should be about love and kindness but this year I was really down. I had always enjoyed Christmas as a child and my parents had never failed to provide a wonderful Christmas for me so I was really feeling down that I was not going to be able to do that for my children this year. One night about 3 weeks before Christmas we were sitting at home not doing much and the doorbell rang. We went to answer it only to find no one there but a white envelope lying on the doorstep. We opened it and inside were $750 dollars cash with a note that said "Merry Christmas from someone who loves you." We never did find out who did that for us but it was one of the best Christmas we ever had. To repay that act of kindness for us the next year I was working and we knew of a family in our neighborhood who was in similar circumstances. We were still catching up from being unemployed for so long so we could not afford much but we scraped together $400 dollars and did the same for that family. This world is filled with so much anger and hatred and saddens me that we can't all accept one another as fellow human beings without having to display so much anger and hatred and judgment towards others. Random acts of kindness as appear here give me hope in our race as human beings.

kuhio98

12-06-2012, 09:29 AM

My Neighbor Norman
My dear neighbor Norman is always so kind with his words. He is a true gentleman from the South. My husband and I noticed that he can't move around much anymore. On the weekends we shop for him and I always cook more to share with him. We noticed that he had a small TV and I don't use the one in my room so a few weeks ago we brought him ours. He can't stop thanking us. Now he can watch all the MGM in stereo. On Valentine Day I brought him a bunch of flowers. My dear husband noticed that his rug was torn and went to Home Depot and replaced it with tile. It is such a pleasure being with Norman. This all started 3 years ago when I noticed his traditional Christmas wreath was not on his door. We went out and bought one for him and one for us. He always makes my day.

kuhio98

12-07-2012, 09:17 AM

Because One Family Pitched In When It Counted

"Last year, after months of pain and fatigue, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia," says Kathy Beezley, of Fenton, Missouri. "I had barely been able to work, let alone clean and decorate for the holidays. So my sister Diane told me a few 'elves' were coming over to help. Imagine my surprise when 15 people showed up! My aunts, cousins, sisters, nieces, and mom came in a whirlwind of buckets, brooms, and cleaning supplies. What a wonderful Christmas gift."

kuhio98

12-08-2012, 09:07 AM

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/marine-returning-home-greeted-6-old-son-learned-130055137.html

Marine returning home greeted by 6-year-old son who learned to walk while his dad was gone
In a heartwarming video that will soon be flooding email inboxes, Facebook walls and Twitter feeds, a U.S. marine returning home from Afghanistan is greeted by his 6-year-old son at a ceremony inside a school gymnasium. The boy, who had cerebral palsy, was unable to walk when his father, Staff Sgt. Jeremy Cooney, was deployed.
"While daddy was away, he learned to walk," Melissa Cooney, the boy's mother, explained on the WelcomeHomeBlog.com. "For his homecoming, we set it up for Michael to walk to his daddy for the first time ever! We kept the fact that he could walk a secret the whole time his dad was gone!"
"Your children are so very proud of you," an announcer tells Cooney, a father of six, over the gym's loudspeaker.

kuhio98

12-09-2012, 10:03 AM

Love to Tip this Way

We were vacationing in Hilton Head, SC with our two youngest daughters (10 and 14) over the Christmas/New Year holiday. We had gotten a refund from our mortgage escrow of $500, totally unexpected money, and decided each of us would have $100 to give to whoever/whatever organization we wanted to. So we're having a great lunch and are being served by the nicest pregnant lady, who looks like she could have her baby at any moment. She had to have been exhausted, but was so sweet, great with the girls and just happy. So my husband said he was going to give his $100 to our waitress, just because here she was working RIGHT up to her due date, literally, and was still so genuinely nice and gracious. So we waited to pay the bill and left the $100 with a note saying how nice she had been and that we hoped she enjoyed being parents as much as we do. And then left really quickly so she wouldn't have the chance to return it. And the rule is we can't tell ANYONE about it because it's not about getting credit for you kindness. But since this is anonymous, I figured it didn't count. :)

cassiesmom

12-09-2012, 11:22 AM

I won't paste the whole article here because of its length. But it is an article about a soldier stationed in Japan. He inherited a Japanese flag from his grandfather, who served in World War II. THe story explains where the flag might have come from and what the soldier hopes to do with it.

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-12-07/news/ct-met-japanese-flag-20121207_1_war-memento-hickam-field-scott-bailey

kuhio98

12-10-2012, 09:25 AM

Package for a Preemie
My daughter was born 6 weeks premature and had to be admitted to the NICU due to several complications. My wife and I spent day after day not knowing what to expect and felt utterly alone. We would spend every minute we could sitting next to our daughter's incubator only leaving late at night to sleep and come back the next day to do it all over again. Well one day we walked up to our baby's incubator and we noticed a nice little baby blanket that our baby was wrapped up with. Knowing that it wasn't a standard hospital blanket we asked a nurse where it came from and she said that a group of women bring in homemade blankets for the babies in the NICU just to say that they are thinking of them. We were blown away because although we never would meet these women we knew that there were others out there who cared for everyone of these little babies. That little blanket meant so much to us and we still cherish that blanket even today. This random act of kindness inspired my wife to show her love for the NICU babies as well. This past Christmas she put together presents for each of the NICU families including things such as a set of baby bottles, a Christmas ornament, lotion for the mommy, and of course a baby blanket. Although she will most likely never meet these babies or their families I was amazed at all the love that she showed letting these families know that in their time of need they are not alone.

kuhio98

12-11-2012, 10:03 AM

Because Santa Is Real
I got an anonymous letter a week before Christmas the year my husband was in Afghanistan with his National Guard unit. The writers thanked my husband for his military service and my family for our sacrifices. It also said, "We want your children to know that, yes, there is a Santa Claus. Please make sure they're spoiled while they spend this holiday without their dad." Inside the envelope was $300. I don't know who sent the letter, but it still brings tears to my eyes.
-Shannon Taylor, Ames, Iowa

cassiesmom

12-11-2012, 10:27 AM

When I first heard the story of these two kids on the news, it made me want to scream. Then I heard this part of the story on the news.
-------------

JEFFERSON PARK — The 5-year-old girl kept asking the detective one question after police discovered her bruised and cut from domestic abuse: "Will you be my daddy for Christmas?"

Area Central Detectives Joseph Mancilla and Pamela Childs, heartbroken by the situation, answered yes and are now collecting gifts and starting a trust fund for the girl and her 6-year-old brother, they said at a press conference Saturday.

The children were allegedly abused by grandmother Goldine Williams, 47, of the 7500 block of South Kingston Avenue in South Shore, with whom they had lived for four years, police said. Williams was arrested late last month for striking, beating and burning the toddlers.

"This is one of the worst [cases] in a long time," said Childs, who has worked with special victims for 20 years.

The children attended Finkl Elementary School, and one day, a teacher noticed that the boy was limping, police said. When asked what happened, the boy "broke down," saying he couldn't handle seeing his sister getting hurt any more, police said.

But when Mancilla and Childs attemped to learn what happened, the girl said little. She kept crying for "daddy." Then, Mancilla said, the girl ran into his arms, grabbed his face, and asked over and over: "Will you be my daddy for Christmas?"

"It felt like a Lifetime movie or something," Mancilla said.

After the detectives agreed, the girl rattled off her Christmas list: princess cake and princess stuff. Police have been collecting gifts, including princess items for the girl and Transformers toys for the boy, that they will deliver on Christmas Eve. Currently, the children are staying with family.

Giving gifts is more than just a kind gesture for Christmas. It's way for the children to trust an authority figure after being estranged from biological parents and allegedly abused by a grandmother, Childs said.

"It's so that they can understand that we're the police, and we're good people," she said. "You can trust us."

While the girl wanted princess-themed toys, the boy only had one Christmas wish, the police said: To see his sister stop getting hurt.

"This is a six-year-old kid," Mancilla said. "It kind of blows you away."

People interested in donating toys, clothes, shoes or money for the children can leave items at the 2nd District reception desk at 5101 South Cottage Grove Ave.

Read more: http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20121208/jefferson-park/police-seek-make-abused-girls-christmas-dreams-come-true#ixzz2ElFykNcF

-----
The heartbreaking part of this, for me, is that there are probably other kids who need someone to help out with their Christmas. The U.S. Post Office in downtown Chicago always offers letters to Santa Claus for people to pick up, respond to the request, and then bring back the request and items so it can be delivered. They always get a lot of letters and I bet this year will be no exception with the economy so shaky.

kuhio98

12-12-2012, 10:20 AM

Socks for Seniors
Often the elderly or aging in our local assisted living facilities or nursing homes are overlooked during the holidays. I found an organization online that provided simple tools to project manage a holiday program to provide fun holiday socks to those in the homes. We placed boxes and posters around town and collected over 250 pairs of socks. My 2 sons and nephews wrapped each pair along with a nice Christmas note and delivered them to the seniors in our local homes on Christmas Eve. Everyone was so excited to get a small gift from random strangers on the holiday. The kids loved handing them out, seeing the smiles they brought to their faces. We are now planning on holding this program every year! Who would have thought such a simple idea would bring so much joy!

kuhio98

12-13-2012, 10:44 AM

Because the Little Things Matter
I was having a tough day, so I gave in to the smell of Starbucks and stopped by with a friend. In line I made a passing comment to her about how much I liked their special holiday coffee cup. The man behind me picked up the cup, bought it and handed it to me, saying "Merry Christmas." That small act of kindness turned my day completely around.
-Elyse Butler, St. Louis, Missouri

kuhio98

12-14-2012, 06:29 PM

Theresa Strader Rescues Thousands of Puppy-Mill Dogs
When lifelong animal lover Theresa Strader heard about a massive dog auction in Missouri in 2007, she thought she would check out the scene and adopt a pet or two.

"I said, 'I'm set up to take care of two or three of them,' " remembers Strader, 48, a pediatric nurse and mom of four from Black Forest, Colo.

But when she arrived at the auction site – a collection of tents set up by a large-scale commercial breeder going out of business, a.k.a. a "puppy mill," says Strader – it broke her heart.

"The first thing that hits you," says Strader, "is the smell. Then you are overwhelmed by the emotion of seeing dogs live like that, in cages, frantic. These were dogs who never felt the sunshine on them."

Appalled, Strader ended up adopting 13 of the 561 dogs up for auction – and that was just the beginning. That February, she founded the nonprofit National Mill Dog Rescue, which has since housed, rehabilitated or found homes for more than 6,900 dogs, from poodles to pugs, cavaliers to chihuahuas.

At her 160-acre facility, Strader and a team of 1,400 volunteers, plus a small paid veterinary staff, "take immaculate care of every single dog. We don't cherry-pick," she says. "We take everybody."

Sherrie Lidderdale can attest to that. In August 2011, she adopted a Welsh corgi from Strader.

"Most people who love animals know about Theresa and all of the work that she does," says Lidderdale. "It's just so cool when one single individual can make such a huge difference."

jackie

12-15-2012, 10:40 AM

I was feeling a little down today and this thread really cheered me up.

Thanks!

kuhio98

12-15-2012, 02:31 PM

Driving home from work one evening in the pouring rain, my headlights illuminated two eyes on the side of the road. I stopping to investigate, finding a very wet, bedraggled-looking cat looking up at me, meowing pitifully. A car must have hit it and it now lay in the gutter, unable to move. I checked for a collar and ID but there was none. I flattened a cardboard box from the boot and slid the cat onto it, covering it in a rug.

At the nearest veterinary clinic, the vet gently examined it. "He's about eight months old and has a broken front and hind leg, but I would need X-rays to know the extent of the damage," he told me. "As he's not your cat, I don't know if you want to go ahead with this. It could be rather expensive."
I knew it would cost me hundreds of dollars, but the alternative was the cat being put to sleep. The following morning the vet rang to say the X-rays confirmed a broken front leg and two badly splintered breaks in the hind leg. "I'll put a metal pin in his back leg to keep it immobilized until it's healed," he told me. "He'll have slightly shorter hind legs but it won't affect his movements at all."

I contacted the RSPCA to no avail, so all day I looked forward to picking up my little friend. Carrying the cat, the vet smiled, "He's a happy little fellow - he hasn't stopped purring since he woke up. The staff are quite taken with him!" I hardly recognized him. His previously matted, dirty fur was now a beautiful silver grey, with a dark charcoal mask around his eyes and nose, like a bandit. His front leg was in a cast and the hind leg was taped, with the pin protruding at each end. He lay there looking at me, purring loudly.

I thanked the doctor and went out to the receptionist to pay the bill. "I think you've given me the wrong account," I said. "This is only $85. He's had X-rays and an operation on his legs." "No, that's right," she replied. "The vet has only charged you for the drugs and medication. There's a message on the bottom." Written underneath the total were the words "SPECIAL RATE FOR ADOPTIONS." I was speechless at his kind and generous gesture. It was obvious he would be embarrassed if I made a fuss, so I paid the account and underneath his message I wrote "WITH GRATEFUL THANKS, BANDIT AND MUM."

kuhio98

12-16-2012, 04:06 PM

I was feeling a little down today and this thread really cheered me up.

Thanks!

Jackie ~ I'm so pleased to hear that these stories cheered you up.
Feel free to share any happy, positive stories you run across.

I was very down when I started this thread. 2012 has been the worst year of my life.
Scouring the news/internet for positive stories has helped immensely.

kuhio98

12-16-2012, 04:06 PM

Growing food to give away
When Katie Stagliano was in third grade, she planted a cabbage in her garden. After a lot of hard work, it grew into an impressive 40 pounds. She decided to donate it to a soup kitchen. The cabbage was big enough for the meals of 275 people. Katie was amazed at how many people she could help with just that one cabbage. It inspired her.
At only 11 years old, she got the idea to start her own nonprofit organization called Katie's Krops. Katie's Krops grows food and gives it away to soup kitchens.
The organization has 6 gardens, where they grow thousands of pounds of lettuce, tomatoes and other vegetables, all of which they donate to people in need.
Everyday, Katie tends to the plants, managing to take care of them while also playing tennis, swimming and maintaining the highest GPA in her class. Luckily, she has a lot of help - her idea has really brought her community together. The seeds for the plants are donated by the organization Bonnie Plants and the organization Fields to Families has sent a professional gardener, Lisa, to help care for the plants. Katie's family, classmates and local volunteers also help by working in the gardens.
Katie encourages everyone to help in any way that they can. She reminds people that even the smallest effort can make a big difference. Katie's Krops is also accepting applications from other kids aged 9-16 who want to start their own charity garden. The winner will be awarded a grant to help fund their new garden. You can read more about Katie and her organization at the http://www.katieskrops.com/ website.

kuhio98

12-17-2012, 03:19 PM

“Two, cute little dogs ran across the street near where I live and almost got run over. I stopped to see if I could help them find their owners. Both dogs had no collars on and no name tags and I knew if had left them there they might be run over. So I contacted my dad to help transport them to my sisters place for the evening whilst we called vets and the RSPCA to help find the owner. The following day the owner was so happy to find them and the dogs were ecstatic. I wonder how many other drivers saw the dogs who had travelled some distance and had driven straight by. It is awesome the difference we can all make if we take the time to care. Who can you pay it forward to with a random act of kindness today?” posted on the Pay it forward Day website by Blake, Sydney

Taz_Zoee

12-18-2012, 09:26 AM

I just received this email from my sister this morning. I knew I had to share it here. She is a member, although not very active, and she doesn't know I'm posting this. ;) This seriously brought tears to my eyes. :D

The neighbor who lives kitty corner from us across the street came over today to ask me if I could come over and feed her cats and fish while they are gone to Arizona..I said sure...she said she would pay me and I said no. Went over to her house so she could show me everything and ended up staying there for over 3 hours!! She is a talker! Anyway I mentioned not having a tree and that made it feel like it wasn't Christmas, they don't have a tree because they wont be here. But anyway I digress, she had come over a couple weeks ago and asked me if I wanted the turkey/ham with all the fixins that her husbands company gives them each year because they wont be here to eat it. I said sure...and I told her again today that them giving that to us was more than payment for taking care of the cats and that is all we needed. She said well don't be surprised if you find a little something extra in with the turkey and stuff, which they are giving to us Friday and they are leaving Friday and coming back on the 31st. She also gave me 2 shirts that don't fit her husband to give to Les.
Well I came home and around 6 there is a knock at the door which woke me up..I go and open it just a crack and see a Christmas tree !! I open the door and her husband peeks his head around the tree and says Merry Christmas!! I said OMG are you serious!! and I hear her chuckling from behind the tree..I think it is about 6 or 7 feet tall. I look at her and say please tell me you didn't spend a lot of money on this tree and she looks sheepishly and says ..only 10 dollars...I was basically speechless and so was Les..he was like wow. I am still like WOW!! So we have a tree and it is all decorated ..:)

Catty1

12-18-2012, 09:55 AM

I posted the link to Katie's Crops on my FB page.

And Taz - that story about your sister and the neighbours - wow! I wish you and her a Merry Christmas!:love:

kuhio98

12-18-2012, 12:38 PM

kuhio98

12-18-2012, 12:39 PM

I posted the link to Katie's Crops on my FB page.

And Taz - that story about your sister and the neighbours - wow! I wish you and her a Merry Christmas!:love:

Katie's Krops has been getting a lot of recognition. Recently, I saw an article about it on People.com.

kuhio98

12-18-2012, 12:46 PM

Recycling hotel soap to save lives

That bar of soap you used once or twice during your last hotel stay might now be helping poor children fight disease.

Derreck Kayongo and his Atlanta-based Global Soap Project collect used hotel soap from across the United States. Instead of ending up in landfills, the soaps are cleaned and reprocessed for shipment to impoverished nations such as Haiti, Uganda, Kenya and Swaziland.

"I was shocked just to know how much (soap) at the end of the day was thrown away," Kayongo said. Each year, hundreds of millions of soap bars are discarded in North America alone. "Are we really throwing away that much soap at the expense of other people who don't have anything? It just doesn't sound right."

Kayongo, a Uganda native, thought of the idea in the early 1990s, when he first arrived to the U.S. and stayed at a hotel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He noticed that his bathroom was replenished with new soap bars every day, even though they were only slightly used.

"I tried to return the new soap to the concierge since I thought they were charging me for it," Kayongo said. "When I was told it was just hotel policy to provide new soap every day, I couldn't believe it."

Kayongo called his father -- a former soap maker in Uganda -- and shared the experience.

"My dad said people in America can afford to throw it away. But I just started to think, 'What if we took some of this soap and recycled it, made brand new soap from it and then sent it home to people who couldn't afford soap?' "

For Kayongo, collecting soap is "a first line of defense" mission to combat child-mortality around the world.

Each year, more than 2 million children die from diarrheal illness -- the approximate population of San Antonio, Texas. According to the World Health Organization, these deaths occur almost exclusively among toddlers living in low-income countries.

"The issue is not the availability of soap. The issue is cost," Kayongo said. "Make $1 a day, and soap costs 25 cents. I'm not a good mathematician, but I'm telling you I'm not going to spend that 25 cents on a bar of soap. I'm going to buy sugar. I'm going to buy medicine. I'm going to do all the things I think are keeping me alive.

"When you fall sick because you didn't wash up your hands, it's more expensive to go to the hospital to get treated. And that's where the problem begins and people end up dying."

Kayongo, 41, is familiar with the stress that poverty and displacement can create. Almost 30 years ago, he fled Uganda with his parents because of the mass torture and killings by former Ugandan military dictator Idi Amin, he said.

Witnessing the devastation of his homeland shaped Kayongo's mission and still haunts him today.

"It's a long-term grieving process that sort of never ends," he said. "As a child coming from school, passing dead bodies for 10 solid years -- 'It's not cool,' as my son would put it. It's not good. A lot of my friends were orphaned, and I was lucky."

Kayongo and his parents fled to Kenya, where he would visit friends and family in refugee camps and struggle to survive -- sometimes without basic necessities.

"We lost everything," Kayongo said. "We didn't live in the camps, but we sacrificed a lot. The people worse off lived in the camps. Soap was so hard to come by, even completely nonexistent sometimes. People were getting so sick simply because they couldn't wash their hands."

Kayongo transitioned from the tough life of a refugee to become a college graduate, a U.S. citizen and a field coordinator for CARE International, a private humanitarian aid organization. But he has not forgotten his roots -- or the fact that many refugees in Africa continue to lack access to basic sanitation.

"As a new immigrant and a new citizen to this country, I feel very blessed to be here," he said. "But it's important, as Africans living in the Diaspora, that we don't forget what we can do to help people back at home. It's not good enough for us to complain about what other people aren't doing for us. It's important that we all band together, think of an idea and pursue it."

With the support of his wife, local friends and Atlanta-based hotels, Kayongo began his Global Soap Project in 2009.

So far, 300 hotels nationwide have joined the collection effort, generating 100 tons of soap. Some participating hotels even donate high-end soaps such as Bvlgari, which retails up to $27 for a single bar.

Volunteers across the U.S. collect the hotel soaps and ship them to the group's warehouse in Atlanta. On Saturdays, Atlanta volunteers assemble there to clean, reprocess and package the bars.

"We do not mix the soaps because they come with different pH systems, different characters, smells and colors," Kayongo said. "We sanitize them first, then heat them at very high temperatures, chill them and cut them into final bars. It's a very simple process, but a lot of work."

A batch of soap bars is only released for shipment once one of its samples has been tested for pathogens and deemed safe by a third-party laboratory. The Global Soap Project then works with partner organizations to ship and distribute the soap directly to people who need it -- for free.

To date, the Global Soap Project has provided more than 100,000 bars of soap for communities in nine countries.

Kenya Relief is one organization that has benefited. Last summer, Kayongo personally delivered 5,000 bars of soap to Kenya Relief's Brittney's Home of Grace orphanage.

"When we were distributing the soap, I could sense that there was a lot of excitement, joy, a lot of happiness," said Kayongo, whose work was recently recognized by the Atlanta City Council, which declared May 15 as Global Soap Project Day in Atlanta.

"It's a reminder again of that sense of decency. They have (someone) who knows about their situation, and is willing to come and visit them ... to come and say, 'We are sorry ... We're here to help.' "

Want to get involved? Check out the Global Soap Project website at www.globalsoap.org and see how to help.

kuhio98

12-19-2012, 12:37 PM

Because Getting Rescued Rocks
After a huge snowstorm I was trying to drive down an unplowed street and got totally stuck. I had no idea what to do. But a neighbor (whom I didn't know) and a utility worker who happened to drive by saved me: They shoveled my car out and pushed me back into the clearer part of the street. Once I got going I couldn't even stop to properly thank them, but I was so grateful.
-Karen Tong, Baltimore

Catty1

12-20-2012, 11:04 AM

What I really like is what the president is going to do with the money!
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/good-news/ohio-shoplifter-comes-clean-30-years-later-1-164636172.html

Ohio shoplifter comes clean 30 years later with $1,000 apology

<cite class="byline vcard">http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/k9I_SEmbDNP4ZL_BKD.3dQ--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTQwO3E9ODU7dz00MA--/http://media.zenfs.com/153/2011/03/04/nb-headshot_162557.jpg

By Nadine Kalinauskas (http://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/author/nadine-bells/;_ylt=ApIvvWI0hXozkAgxVgP5XM48ptl_;_ylu=X3oDMTFhcW 9lNXI3BG1pdANCbG9nIFBvc3QgSGVhZARwb3MDNQRzZWMDTWVk aWFCbG9nSGVhZA--;_ylg=X3oDMTNlNzhjYmIyBGludGwDY2EEbGFuZwNlbi1jYQRw c3RhaWQDMWQwODgyMjgtNWY4YS0zNTVjLWI5OTYtYTgzZGFmMm FhMWM4BHBzdGNhdANnb29kbmV3c3x0aGVsaWdodGVyc2lkZWJs b2cEcHQDc3RvcnlwYWdl;_ylv=3) | Good News (http://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/good-news/;_ylt=Ak_NBugl4gjZDyOnTFWf_ms8ptl_;_ylu=X3oDMTFhM2 dsZTgzBG1pdANCbG9nIFBvc3QgSGVhZARwb3MDNgRzZWMDTWVk aWFCbG9nSGVhZA--;_ylg=X3oDMTNlNzhjYmIyBGludGwDY2EEbGFuZwNlbi1jYQRw c3RhaWQDMWQwODgyMjgtNWY4YS0zNTVjLWI5OTYtYTgzZGFmMm FhMWM4BHBzdGNhdANnb29kbmV3c3x0aGVsaWdodGVyc2lkZWJs b2cEcHQDc3RvcnlwYWdl;_ylv=3) – <abbr title="2012-12-19T16:46:36Z">Wed, 19 Dec, 2012</abbr></cite>

A few weeks ago, Kmart president Ron Boire received a letter from an anonymous 68-year-old Cincinatti-area man apologizing for shoplifting from a Sharonville, Ohio, Kmart 30 years ago.

He wrote that he picked up clothes that were on layaway, told the woman at the counter that he'd pay for the items at the front of the store, and then took the clothes home without paying for them.
"I walked out the door without paying for my clothes," the man wrote, underlining each word of the sentence. "I don't know what came over me 'God's truth.' I have never stolen before in my life."

The man added that he had recently rededicated his life to God and wanted to make things right.
"God brought back to my mind what I had done by stealing from your store," the man wrote. "I truly want to say I am deeply sorry and ask Kmart CEOs to forgive me."

The man admitted to stealing clothing worth between $140 and $270.
Read the letter (PDF) here (https://us.lrd.yahoo.com/_ylt=AkVr1ENCOTLVOiWCIp9bkQM8ptl_;_ylu=X3oDMTFpdjQ yY21qBG1pdANCbG9nIFBvc3QgQm9keQRwb3MDNARzZWMDTWVka WFCbG9nQm9keUFzc2VtYmx5;_ylg=X3oDMTNlNzhjYmIyBGlud GwDY2EEbGFuZwNlbi1jYQRwc3RhaWQDMWQwODgyMjgtNWY4YS0 zNTVjLWI5OTYtYTgzZGFmMmFhMWM4BHBzdGNhdANnb29kbmV3c 3x0aGVsaWdodGVyc2lkZWJsb2cEcHQDc3RvcnlwYWdl;_ylv=0/SIG=12kl32uq5/EXP=1357232335/**https%3A//docs.google.com/file/d/0B1WT4DlXFQbeUUNqNzc5TUhjaWs/edit).

With the letter was a money order for $1,000.

"Please accept this money order in repayment," the man wrote. "Your acceptance would be most appreciated. I am now God's child."

Boire graciously accepted the payment — and plans to pay it forward.
"Taking a cue from the good intentions of this customer and the 'layaway angels' popping up around the country, Kmart has decided to pay it forward and plans to use the money to pay off some customer layaways at the Hunt Road store sometime next week," FOX19 reports.

kuhio98

12-20-2012, 12:24 PM

Checkout lane kindness
My budget was tight, so tight that I was counting pennies just to eat. At the grocery store I counted and added and checked my math three times to be sure I had enough on my card to buy the next few days' meals. At checkout, I swiped my card. Rejected. Swiped it again. Rejected. I had no cash, so with a helpless apology to the checker, I left. There was a bench right outside the store's door, and I collapsed on it. After a couple minutes, a woman approached me. She asked if I was gonna be okay. I managed to smile and said yeah. And then she took me back into the store and handed me my bags. She'd paid for them, helped out a stranger in distress. I walked home in a fog of shock, relief, and gratitude. I was and am humbled and grateful to that stranger. And I always try to pay it forward 'cause you never know how a tiny (to you) action could affect someone.

kuhio98

12-21-2012, 10:16 PM

On the Road
I was traveling through Delaware on my way to some appointments. I happened to see an elderly gentleman walking around his car, which had the hood up in the universal sign of car trouble. I am not sure how old he was, but he was walking very slowly and his car was located in a dangerous position by the highway. Not far down the road, I saw a place where I could turn around, which I did. I pulled up beside his car, making sure that my car was not in traffic's way. I approached the man and asked him if anyone was helping him. He said no, and asked me if I had a cell phone with me. I said that I did, and he handed me his emergency auto assistance card. I called the number and explained to the person what was happening. I requested assistance be sent for this man, and it was ordered. Knowing help was on its way, I told the gentleman to sit in his car and wait for the truck to arrive. He was grateful for my help, and I went on to my appointments feeling better for helping someone in need.

Taz_Zoee

12-22-2012, 12:08 PM

We live on a court of 7 houses. The women that live in the house directly across the court from us have been so kind to our elderly neighbor. They have been raking her leaves the past few weekends after storms make a mess of them. They get out there and do it so darn early, we don't even have a chance. :p
One morning after a horrible storm they were raking all the leaves away that had gathered in the court so the drains wouldn't get clogged up.
I think I'm going to have to make them some goodies. :D

kuhio98

12-22-2012, 03:32 PM

cassiesmom

12-22-2012, 03:42 PM

cassiesmom

12-22-2012, 03:50 PM

I messed up the address on one of my PT Christmas cards. It came back to me with a little sticky note from the post office explaining what was wrong and how to write the address correctly. I thought that was so nice of somebody to take the time to do for me.

phesina

12-22-2012, 05:17 PM

Take a Shelter Dog for a Walk
I recently saw a poster where a local animal shelter started a program where a volunteer can take a shelter dog for a walk. I thought what a great idea for so many reasons. It can help with adoptions as some volunteers may bond with a dog and adopt them. It is also a way for those who are not able to take care of a pet full time to help out with the shelters!

Our excellent local animal shelter/rescue organization, the Humane Society of Huron Valley, has a whole volunteer program of Dog Walkers.. people who regularly take the shelter dogs out for walks around the area. This not only benefits volunteers and other community members as above, it also benefits the dogs in giving them regular exercise and also some time with kind people to become more socialized (which some need badly depending on their lives before arriving at the shelter)... making them more adoptable. Everyone benefits!

I volunteer at the Humane Society but am not a dog walker.. I am in a comparable program for the cats, called Cat Comforters. That's what we do too, give the cats some attention and affection, with similar benefits for the volunteers and the cats.

You can only do one or the other, I think until you rise to a higher level of volunteer than I've gotten to so far. Some time I hope to do some dog walking too.

The Humane Society's web site is hshv.org .. They do all kinds of amazing things!

:love::love::love::love::love::love::love::love:

kuhio98

12-23-2012, 04:41 PM

My children and I bought some groceries for a single mom with 3 children and put the bags at their front door, rang the bell and then ran and hid! My kids love doing these types of things. It gives us such a good and happy feeling! We don't have much ourselves but love to help others when we can!!!

kuhio98

12-24-2012, 08:04 PM

Rosco the dog
My fiance just amazes me on a daily basis. While picking up our dog after a day at doggie daycare which is also a vet, my fiance noticed a young woman hysterical crying in the parking lot. When he asked what was wrong, she told him how her dog Rosco was hit by a car, the driver just took off. He also overheard her conversation with the vet. She was a young mother with two small children and obviously couldn’t afford the bill. He asked the vet the cost..1,000 dollars.
He is not well off by any means like most of us.....he paid the bill and left with our dog........... I pray Rosco and his family have a wonderful holiday.

kuhio98

12-25-2012, 01:18 PM

OKLAHOMA CITY —A Bethany boy got his Christmas wish Thursday night.
It was an emotional reunion for 8-year-old Tristen Ross and his beloved puppy Masen. The tiny Dachsund became Tristen's best friend after his father was deployed overseas for a third time.
"I've just been a little happier than I've been since my dad's left," said Tristen.
Masen disappeared over the weekend and the family said they searched everywhere for him. They posted flyers in their Bethany neighborhood and even offered a reward for his safe return.
Thursday morning, Bethany Animal Welfare contacted the Ross family, telling them Masen had been returned.
"I'm speechless because I'm surprised and I am so thankful," said Alecia Ross. "I prayed for this to happen and there it is."
Thanks to the community's help, Masen is back home and Tristan has a message for whoever made his Christmas wish come true.
"Thank you for whoever brought my dog back," said Tristen. "Thank you very much."
Tristen's mom said they plan to microchip the pup to make sure he doesn't get lost again.

cassiesmom

12-26-2012, 08:58 AM

I saw lots of "good guys" stories on the news yesterday. This is a good example...

December 25, 2012 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- Chicagoans celebrated Christmas with their families Tuesday night, and some chose to give rather than receive.

Hundreds of people in shelters around the city enjoyed a hearty meal and Christmas company- including a visit from Santa Claus at the Apostolic Faith Church on Chicago's South Side.

Many left with a donated coat and toys. This year, the 4,000-person congregation collected more than 400 coats and 2,000 toys.

The event has been a tradition for more than two decades.

"I appreciate everything they're doing. Thank you for looking out for me and my kids and all the other kids that's here in the building. You never know what a person's going through," said India Warren.

"We're taking from our bounty and sharing Christmas joy with all those who come through our doors," said Jermaine Anderson, Apostolic Faith Church.

St. Sabina Church also took part in the season of giving,

"We have a safe place to be. We're warm. We're not living on the street. And we're just very thankful for that. We're thankful for the way God's taken care of us," said Greg Stevens.

kuhio98

12-26-2012, 12:37 PM

Lost, blind dog finds way back to Fairbanks owners

FAIRBANKS, Alaska — Blind and alone in Alaska winter temperatures that dipped 40 degrees below zero, a lost 8-year-old Fairbanks dog wasn't given much of a chance to make it home. But after walking 10 miles to the edge of a local musher's dog yard, Abby the brown-and-white mixed breed was found and returned to her owners, a family that includes two boys and one girl under the age of 10.The dog that the family raised from an animal-shelter puppy went missing during a snowstorm on Dec. 13, and the family never expected to see her again, The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner reported. "It's a miracle, there's no other words to describe it," said McKenzie Grapengeter, emotion choking her voice and tears coming to her eyes. "We never expected to have her to be returned safe and alive. "Musher and veterinarian Mark May said he came across the dog while running his team on Dec. 19, but didn't stop to pick her up. "It ran with us for about a mile on the way home before she fell off the pace, but I had a big dog team so I couldn't grab it," he said. "I said, 'boy I hope it finds somebody's house.' "The next day, the dog turned up at May's house.

"Everybody just assumed it was some kind of scaredy-cat, but there it was in front of the door in our dog lot and it was blind," May said. "It was sitting there, all the way from 14 mile on the winter trail down into this neighborhood, I guess by just sniffing, so I picked it up and brought it in. "To May's surprise, the dog had no signs of frostbite. "No frozen ears, no frozen toes, she'll probably go back home and it'll (be) business as usual. She's no worse for wear but quite an adventure," he said. The Grapengeter family hadn't tagged or put a microchip in the dog, but the community used emails and Facebook posts to track down Abby's owners. "We're so, so grateful for all (the community's) hard work," McKenzie Grapengeter said. "They've given us the most amazing Christmas gift we could ever ask for."

kuhio98

12-27-2012, 01:23 PM

SAN ANTONIO -- An undercover Santa Claus dropped by the Goodwill store on Austin Highway on Saturday and anonymously paid for 68 customers.
Goodwill spokesperson Jason Meza said the grand total came out to just over $1,900.
Most impressive of all, the same “Secret Santa” dished out more than $1,000 at the same Goodwill store last year.

Meza simply explained the good deed: 'Tis the season.
"We're emotional at this time of year because already we're seeing families that are truly in need, coming and having great deals," he said. "But even times 10 when this happens because we now know that these families are being taken care of by somebody else, including Goodwill."

kuhio98

12-28-2012, 11:55 AM

While serving in Iraq in 2009, Specialist Troy Yocum received several distressing e-mails. “My good friend, an Iraq War veteran, was hurting financially,” says Yocum. “I wanted to help, but I [felt] powerless.” The episode stuck with Yocum. When he returned home to Louisville, he ruminated about how to raise money for financially strapped vets and came up with Hike for Our Heroes. The 7,000-mile walk, also known as the Drum Hike because of the instrument he plays en route, kicked off in Louisville in April 2010 and is expected to end there this September. Yocum collects donations through his website and delivers checks to the doorsteps of needy military families. When his march wraps up, he will have trekked to 38 large cities in 30 states and touched down on all three coasts—in San Diego, New Orleans, and Boston.
“I thought, What better way to spread the word than literally going from town to town,” says Yocum. With the support of his wife, Mareike, and sponsors, including Merrell shoes, Yamaha, and Green Beans Coffee, Yocum has logged an average of 20 miles a day, sleeping in donated hotel rooms, host homes, and his tent. If all goes according to plan, by fall he will have given away several hundred thousand dollars. “Every step is worth it because when I arrive to help another family, it is the best feeling.”

kuhio98

12-29-2012, 10:12 AM

Car Troubles
Well me and my girlfriend had decided to move to a new town for school. I currently did not have a reliable car. I had also waited a little to long to enroll in school. So i decided to go ahead and work a full time job until second semester to cover bills. Money was tight after paying for the move and getting everything set up. The brakes had finally gone out on my little car. I could not go to work unless it was the same schedule my girlfriend went to school so she could drop me off. I clocked in at work that same morning my car stopped working and to my surprise i had a customer waiting. I was told to install a protective shield for his tablet. I apologized to my manager and quickly informed him of my transportation issue before helping the customer. I am also not one to take home-problems to work. Little did i know the customer overheard my problem. As i started working on his tablet, he began to ask me questions about my life pretty much. school, family, work, cars. When i finished my work he took a roll of cash out of his pocket and firmly pressed it into mine. he told me to use it for my car and "pay it forward". To my surprise he had handed me $200 which was way more than enough for my brake problem. I never got his name, but that man changed my life forever. Random acts of kindness don't just turn someone’s day around. it changes their life. Pay it forward.

carole

12-29-2012, 01:43 PM

My parents neighbors down the road a bit came over and offered to mow their lawns for free for Xmas,how nice,they did not leave empty handed though,a bottle of finest scotch whiskey ,was given for their troubles,but what a nice gesture from them,and not expecting anything in return.

kuhio98

12-30-2012, 09:54 AM

On a cold winter's morning, an old man sat awkwardly against a wall at Sydney's Circular Quay station I glanced his way for a moment but disregarded him as a derelict and walked on along with the throng of people caught up in the bustle of commuting.

On my way home that afternoon, I saw the same man in the same place. He was crumpled over, his head almost on the ground. Two ambulance attendants were crouched beside him. This time my step paused. He wasn't a derelict at all. He was old certainly, but he wore a nice suit and was clean-shaven. And in a very bad way.

Shame rocked me. How torturous for that sick, old man to have endured the coldness of the entire day, sitting on the hard, unforgiving ground. He probably reached out to passersby for help. No-one stopped. No-one cared. Out of sight, out of mind.

A different season and I again came across an old man half lying on the footpath, not far from where the Winter Man had been. The morning heat was stifling. Caught up in the familiar stampede of people commuting, I barely glanced at him. However, the memory of the old Winter Man came back to me vividly. I walked back to the man on the ground. He was dressed in smart clothes with a neatly trimmed beard and only a straw hat for shade. I knelt down to ask if he was OK. His kind face looked at me.
Beside him, a takeaway cup of coffee and sugar sachets lay open. A flow of people kept walking by. He regained consciousness, albeit weakly, and told me he was diabetic and it might be a good idea to call an ambulance, which I did - it was a few minutes away.

In barely a whisper, he said to me, "Nobody stopped. Thank you." Fighting back tears, I asked his name. "Greg," he said. We looked into each other's eyes for a moment. Volumes were spoken without a word being uttered. I saw a proud man who didn't like what was happening to him. As the approaching ambulance's siren proclaimed the arrival of help, a number of emotions rushed at me. I felt sadness tugging at my heart for the Winter Man and shame that I had almost walked past another person in need. I was amazed that it had been so easy to be helpful.

Louie and me

12-30-2012, 11:16 AM

My husband has a really bad heart condition so I have always done most of the heavy work around the house and garden. My neighbors have always cleared deep snow falls for me with their snow blowers and I did lighter falls that just needed a shovel. That is until this year when I started having severe back problems due to disc issues. Yesterday one of my neighbors came over with his shovel to clear the driveway in the morning and this morning two other neighbors came over and cleared the rest of it. They are the best and I am so grateful.

kuhio98

12-30-2012, 11:52 AM

kuhio98

12-30-2012, 11:55 AM

Blind Dog Takes Walks with a Guide Cat
http://img2-2.timeinc.net/people/i/2013/pets/news/130107/pwditat-cat-600.jpg
Four years ago, a tomcat showed up at Judy Godfrey-Brown's door in Anglesey, Wales, on a mission.

When the animal lover accepted the stray into her brood of cats and dogs, "he ignored everybody and went straight for my blind dog and started loving him," she tells PEOPLE. "He realized something was different about the dog and [wanted to help]."

Now, the cat, named Pwditat, and Godfrey-Brown's 8-year-old dog Terfel, are inseparable, and Pwditat has become the dog's guide. The feline uses his paws to help lead the pooch – who lost his sight years ago to cataracts – outside on walks. Their sweet relationship was first reported by the Daily Post of North Wales.

"The cat came here because that cat knew there was something different about the dog," Godfrey-Brown says, adding that because of her recent surgery the pair are living at a nearby cattery run by a local woman named Anne Cragg. "They sleep together in the same basket and go for walks. Why can't people be as lovely as that?"

kuhio98

12-31-2012, 09:28 AM

Late Night at Applebees!
Last night I was working at Applebees on some schoolwork. It was pretty intense subject matter and I was trying to concentrate as well as get some dinner. The waiter sat a group of high schoolers next to my booth. They were LOUD and just kept giggling and giggling. I was a bit annoyed at first, but then I thought how great it was to be in this phase of life. The waiter asked them how to break up their ticket and it was pretty complicated, as you can imagine with high schoolers. Well, I grabbed the waiter and quietly asked if he could just give me their ticket. He looked at me like I was crazy, but he did. I wrote a note on the ticket that said "Enjoy this time in your life and please pay it forward." I left quickly. I can't stop smiling, how easy it was to do and I hope that they were blessed!

kuhio98

01-02-2013, 09:23 AM

Dr. Dan and Suzie Bell - Echo Clinic, Eureka Springs, AR

Dr. Dan and Suzie Bell provide free health care in their town at the Echo Clinic. Twice a month in their church gym, the couple and 250 local volunteers provide medical care for those who are uninsured for 3 hours. Along with treatment, those who come are also served dinner and are also provided with counseling if needed.

kuhio98

01-03-2013, 09:57 AM

bojjro's journey
I was a teacher in Jessore Bangladesh, I lived in a small village, it is 95% Muslims, the day was Eid, 40 days after Ramadan, everyone was in the streets praying. I noticed two boys with baseball bats, hitting a street dog. I have seen this dog, many times, its back legs did not work. he just would lay on the side of the road, and drag himself around to find anything to eat, I wanted to go over and shake those two boys, and tell them Allah made this dog, and he is trying to find food, and leave him alone. Instead I found my self going over to these two boys, and telling them to leave this dog alone, I picked this dog up, and most of his hair came out, and he had bugs all over him. I wanted to show the people of my village that dogs are not like a bug, or something you just get rid of. Most of the people saw me carry this dog back to my house, I bathed him and all of his hair fell out, and the bugs washed away, I tried to feed him but he could not keep his eyes open, I gave him a space in my small house and let him sleep, he slept for 24 hours, I thought he had died, when he woke up I feed him some cooked beef and rice, he ate everything, slowly he gained his strength, and became my best friend in Bangladesh, I would talk to the people in my village, and they tried to tell me that Allah had given me this special dog, I would tell them he is like all the other street dogs, looking for some kindness for someone, a human, and it had nothing to do with Allah. I became sick, and Peace Corps sent me home, If I left my dog here he would be killed for sure, so I filled the proper paper work and brought him home with me. That was in 2005, to this day 2011 I get e mail from Jessore Bangladesh, asking me about my dog, he is a great pet, and so very smart, I ended up calling him Ed, after the Muslim holly day Eid.

kuhio98

01-04-2013, 10:03 AM

Stranger with a Gift

I've always wanted to get my private pilot license but I've never had the cash to get started. I talked to a stranger about it at work one day who was a pilot and when he was leaving for the day he came to find me and gave me an envelope. I was too busy to look inside at the time he gave it to me, and I assumed it was just information on how to get started. To my surprise, when I checked the envelope after work it had the $500 you need to register for ground school! Needless to say, I registered the very next week. Such kindness from a total stranger!

kuhio98

01-05-2013, 09:20 AM

A tiny girl hero. Please consider signing your donor card. And let your family know your wishes.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/kuhio98/1-1.jpg

A father and mother kissing their dying little girl goodbye.

If you are wondering why all the medic people are bowing . .

in less than an hour, two small children in the next room are able to live thanks to the little girl's kidney and liver.

kuhio98

01-06-2013, 10:21 AM

Felicia Dukes and her four children had been living in a homeless shelter – but now they have a cozy house all their own – thanks to a Los Angeles lawyer who has temporarily given up his residence to the family in need.

Tony Tolbert, 51, decided he wanted to give up his fully furnished home, rent-free for one year, to a struggling family. So he sought out Alexandria House, a homeless shelter for women and children, where he was connected with Dukes.

"You don't have to be Bill Gates or Warren Buffet or Oprah," Tolbert, who has moved back into his parents' house for the year, told CBS News. "We can do it wherever we are, with whatever we have, and for me, I have a home that I can make available."

Dukes, who was joined by her three daughters and son, tearfully tells CBS, "My heart just fills up and stuff … I'm just really happy."

Tolbert says his generous spirit comes from his father, an L.A. entertainment lawyer, who taught his son about the virtues of giving when he was growing up. Tolbert says his dad regularly lent out the family's spare bedroom to someone in need.

"Kindness creates kindness; generosity creates generosity; love creates love," Tolbert said, while emotionally addressing his dad, who has Alzheimer's disease. "I think if we can share some of that and have more stories about people doing nice things for other people, and fewer stories about people doing horrible things to other people, that's a better world."
Tolbert's ways are nothing new, according to his mom Marie, who says, "He's so giving, and he's always been that way."

kuhio98

01-07-2013, 09:17 AM

Sheets, Toys, Socks & Pet Food:

Mary Marzano found a way to reuse gently-used sheets from hotels that would otherwise be thrown away by donating them to homeless shelters. Since she began, Mary has provided bedding for 8000 beds. Audience members and staff each contributed a new sheets to Mary's organization for a total of 340 sets.

10 year-old Ashlee Smith saw a need to help children who have lost everything due to fire. With the help of her firefighter father, Ashlee has given out 50,000 toys in the last 2 years.
Hannah Turner first gave her pink socks to a homeless man at the age of 3 and decided with her mother to donate 100 additional pairs to a shelter. Since then, Hannah's Socks has given 100,000 pairs of socks to those in need.

12 year-old Mimi Ausland started http://freekibble.com/ to donate dry pet food to animal shelters in need. Since starting the site, the organization has helped to feed 1 million homeless animals.

BTW ~ Mimi also has a page for cats: http://www.freekibblekat.com/

cassiesmom

01-07-2013, 08:46 PM

(source: happynews.com -- I really needed something to smile about today!)

It's a Friday night at a Pittsburgh area dek hockey rink. You have the ball on your stick, racing towards your opponents' goal crease. You're watching the goaltender's eyes, trying to anticipate his next move.

Then you realize the goalie you're trying to out-think looks remarkably like Sidney Crosby.

Such was the scene at Dek Star last weekend, as the most famous hockey player on Earth strapped on the goalie gear and played for a ball hockey team in a 26-and-over league -- unannounced and completely anonymous to his foes until his identity was revealed later in the game.

"The greatest hockey player in the world was next to me, talking. It was super cool of him to be able to try and be like us normal guys, just come out and play with the guys," said Joseph Heaney, a ref at Dek Star for seven years that officiated the game.

Like the rest of his NHL peers, the Pittsburgh Penguins captain has been locked out since mid-September. Many of them have left for ice rinks in Europe; Crosby, meanwhile, opted to stay local for near-daily practices with his Penguins teammates on the ice — and the occasional goaltending foray onto a hard plastic dek hockey rink, apparently.

Crosby's moonlighting at Dek Star, located about 10 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh, was first reported by The Pensblog on Monday. Seth Rorabaugh of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette caught up with Crosby, and a few folks at the facility, to confirm the validity of this surreal moment.

How, exactly, did Crosby end up playing goalie for a dek hockey team?

From the Post-Gazette:

"My buddy plays in the league there. I talked to him about playing," Crosby said. "I played a lot of goalie in street hockey growing up and stuff. Just asked if he needed a goalie. He said sure and I came out. It was cool."

Due to his equipment, the presence of hockey's most recognizable figure was not known by those at the rink until late in the contest. "I had all the [goaltending] gear on," Crosby said. "I was talking to the ref once toward the end of the game and I think he recognized me."

(Sidney Crosby, talking to a referee? Boy there's something you never see ...)

"My referee walked over just to kind of say, 'Hey, you're not the normal goalie. It's about time they get a goalie.' " said Chris Evans, general manager of Dek Star. "Instead, he looked at him and he was like, 'Holy [cow] that's Sidney Crosby.' "

"The other team played against him for an hour and had no idea. They didn't even know until I told them until after he left."

For the record, the team he played against was nicknamed "Flyers Suck." You just can't make this stuff up...

According to Heaney, Crosby "pitched a 4-0 shutout" in the game.

This shouldn't come as a surprise, mind you: Crosby frequently tends goal during road hockey games in the offseason in Canada, and has strapped on the pads during Pittsburgh Penguins practice before. He also played street hockey during his day with the Stanley Cup.

Hockey fans have been drained of joy by the NHL lockout, which is threatening the viability of the 2012-13 season. But there have been some surreal benefits to the work stoppage, from charity games with NHL stars to impromptu street hockey games with players … to Sidney Crosby, ball hockey goalie.

"I'd like to thank him for the experience," said Heaney.

"It's one that I'll be able to tell my 7-month-old son. As soon as he knows who Sid is."

kuhio98

01-08-2013, 09:19 AM

Being an Everyday Hero doesn't mean you have to wear a red cape or leap high buildings. An Everyday Hero simple looks for opportunity moments to give others small acts of kindness.

Years ago, while I lived in Norway, I would travel back to the United States every summer to visit family. I always made the trip alone with my two little girls. Early one morning I boarded the plane in Oslo with my then six year old and one year old daughters. We were buckled into our seats when a stewardess approach us. She asked me if I'd packed a breakfast for my girls. Surprised, I answered I hadn't because I'd ordered kids meals for this portion of the trip. The stewardess explained that the food staff was currently on strike, and therefore, no food would be served. I felt so bad for my girls because they were hungry and needed breakfast.

Moments later this stewardess returned, and handed me a brown paper bag. In it was the breakfast she'd packed for herself that morning. She gave it to my children so they would not be hungry. Thirteen years later I still remember this act of kindness.

Many times during a typical day we have opportunities to offer a little extra to others. If I have a cart heaped with groceries, and the person behind me has only a few items, I can allow her to go ahead of me in line. While shoveling snow from my sidewalk, I can take a little more time and do my neighbor's sidewalk too.

Catty1

01-08-2013, 11:16 AM

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/millionaire-works-sanitation-worker-set-good-example-kids-195646986--finance.html

She may be a millionaire, but Yu Youzhen, a woman from China's Wuchang District who works six days a week as a sanitation worker, believes being humble is integral to being wealthy.
China SMACK reports that Yu Youzhen and her husband had been vegetable farmers who, over the course of many years, rented out spare rooms in their home. They saved enough to build some apartments, only to have their land taken by the government. When they were finally reimbursed, they found themselves rich.

But Yu's not living off the profits. Her job, which she's had since 1998, isn't some volunteer organization that requires a few hours per week. She wakes up at 3 a.m., dons an orange jumpsuit and picks up litter along a 3,000-meter street for six hours a day. Her paycheck amounts to around $230 per month.

She spoke to a local paper about how she witnessed her neighbors squander similar fortunes on drugs and other vices. She feels that working hard will set a good example for her children and help to keep them out of trouble.
"A person can't just sit at home and ‘eat away' a whole fortune," Yu explained. She said she told her kids that if they didn't work she'd donate the apartments to the country.
So far, so good. Her two kids are both employed and earning a modest living. Her son works as a driver and her daughter is an office worker.

Catty1

01-08-2013, 11:19 AM

So incredibly sad...and so selfless. The parents are the heroes here. I just noticed the father's face below; rips my heart out. And the anonymous hand comforting the mom. May they be very very blessed and lucky the rest of their lives. :(:love:

A tiny girl hero. Please consider signing your donor card. And let your family know your wishes.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/kuhio98/1-1.jpg

A father and mother kissing their dying little girl goodbye.

If you are wondering why all the medic people are bowing . .

in less than an hour, two small children in the next room are able to live thanks to the little girl's kidney and liver.

Karen

01-08-2013, 06:20 PM

I have an organ donor card signed and in my wallet, and Paul knows that if anyone can benefit from any parts of me once I am done with 'em, so be it! Those of us with functional organs like kidneys, lungs, liver, eyes - we tend to take them for granted!

kuhio98

01-09-2013, 11:10 AM

Hal Colston - Good News Garage:

Explaining that many people are just 1 car repair away from disaster, Hal Colston is doing his part to help those in need of dependable transportation with the Good News Garage. Repairing donated cars and selling them to those in need for 1/2 of the value or what they can afford to pay, Hal has helped more than 3,500 people get into cars they can trust. With 80% of the vehicles going to single mothers, Hal saw a need and responded with a great idea to help.

Dealership owner, Rick Hendrick, wanted to contribute to the cause, and donated 10 2008 Impalas and gas for the year for each car.

kuhio98

01-10-2013, 09:22 AM

My dog Coffee is a little black-and-brown Australian terrier. He’s not a particularly bright or obedient dog. He’s not even especially loyal. He comes when I call him only if he feels like it or if I have food in my hand. He confuses every command I give him and has no inkling when I’m upset or injured, so there would be no chance of him ever rescuing me from a perilous situation like the smart dogs you often read about.

But I’m the first to admit that a big part of the problem with Coffee’s attitude is his upbringing: he’s spoilt rotten. My dad is the biggest culprit. While Dad can instil fear in my sister and me just by the tone of his voice, I have never heard him raise his voice at Coffee – no matter how naughty he is. In fact, one look from Coffee at the biscuit tin is enough to send my dad flying to get him a snack. Whenever we protest about the unfair treatment, a guilty smirk creeps across Dad’s face. It’s become a long-standing family joke that Coffee is the closest thing to a son Dad will ever have.

Then, five years ago, our lives were turned upside down when Dad suffered two major strokes in the space of a month, caused by a massive brain haemorrhage. At the time he was in Hong Kong on business and, luckily, my Mum and sister were with him. I was in Melbourne, studying at university, but left Coffee with a relative and hopped on the first plane as soon as I heard the news.

Unfortunately, the prognosis wasn’t good and the doctors told us that, most likely, Dad would not pull through. For four long months it was touch and go as he remained unconscious in intensive care. Mentally he was non-responsive. However, physically he was still able to move and would frequently thrash about trying to pull out the vital tubes that were keeping him alive. Within a 30-minute period, he would make an average of five attempts. His movements were often swift and strong and we had to take turns standing by his bedside, on guard, to protect him. We were exhausted after every "shift" but grateful, despite the doctor’s warning, that he was still alive.

As the months went by, I started to miss Coffee terribly. I couldn’t help but talk about him constantly, often recalling the silly little things he would do. Although this no doubt irritated the other visitors, Mum and my sister enjoyed the light relief immensely and any Coffee stories would always make them laugh. In fact, it was the only way we kept up our spirits during those tense four months, and the intensive care nurses often commented that we were the happiest family in one of the most serious situations they’d ever seen.

In time, we became able to assist the nurses in conducting their routine check-ups on Dad. One way of testing whether there was any improvement in his mental state was to ask basic questions that would generate yes or no answers from him. "Is your name Francis?" "Are you a man?" "Do you know where you are?" These were some of the questions we would ask him daily. Sadly, we never got the answers we were hoping for.

Then one day, as I was reeling off the standard list of questions, my mind started to wander and, before I knew it, I was thinking about Coffee again. Without even realising it, I blurted out: "Is Coffee a tiger?" Thinking I was being silly, Mum turned to tell me off but stopped suddenly when she saw Dad move: slowly, the corner of his mouth began to turn up. Even under the tape that kept the oxygen tube in his mouth, it was unmistakable: he was smiling. It was the first sign in four months that Dad had showed any awareness of what we were saying.

After that, Dad’s condition stabilised and he was moved out of intensive care. However, there was still a long, hard road ahead. Over the next nine months, Dad had to go through extensive physiotherapy to relearn all the basic things we take for granted. Even sitting up for longer than five minutes was difficult for him. Dad, who was a fiercely independent man with a successful career before all this happened, found it increasingly frustrating and degrading. The only thing that ever bought a smile to his face was talk of Coffee. Somehow, Coffee wriggled his way into most of our conversations.

I would remind him of how Coffee, for some reason, hates walking on grass. We had a massive backyard in Melbourne and every time we threw a ball, Coffee would run along the edge of the garden, on the brick pavers, to the closest point where the ball had landed, tip-toe onto the grass to pick it up, then run back along the pavers again.

When Mum, my sister and I would massage Dad’s arms and legs to prevent his muscles from weakening, Mum would often comment that he was the luckiest man alive to have three women massaging him, and I would always chime in: "Now all you need is Coffee to give you a ‘lick-lick’ foot massage!" No matter how many times I repeated this comment, the whole family would laugh.

It took almost a full year of extensive physiotherapy and rehabilitation before Dad was finally well enough to return home to Australia – and it was a homecoming I’ll never forget. Naturally, Coffee was there waiting for Dad and, with no idea that he wasn’t as steady on his feet as before, Coffee promptly launched himself into Dad’s arms, almost bowling him over. But Dad didn’t seem to mind one bit: the smile on his face was the most beautiful I’ve ever seen and the tears in his eyes said it all.

It seems unbelievable now to look back and realise that, during the worst crisis my family ever faced, it was humorous stories about a silly little dog which kept us all sane, but that’s the truth. It’s not just smart dogs that save the day – Coffee is living proof of that.

Mona Chung-Chao, 26, works as an auditor in Melbourne, where she lives with her husband Ian, 26, and Coffee the dog.

kuhio98

01-11-2013, 05:21 PM

Dennis Tyler never expected to fall in love.

But after he took in a former racing greyhound named Clara Voyant in 1991, Tyler soon discovered that he'd found a constant companion in the affectionate light-brown dog, who strode beside him on daily walks and nestled against him while watching TV.

"She was a very special dog," recalls the Melbourne, Fla.-based father of two grown children. "She blended right into the family."

So when Tyler, 66, learned that many greyhounds, some injured while racing, faced the risk of being euthanized, he couldn't look the other way.

"These dogs can be the most wonderful pets," he says. "I needed to do something."

Since then the retired mechanic and his wife, Claire, 66, have found homes for more than 7,400 greyhounds through his nonprofit, Florida Greyhounds http://www.floridagreyhounds.com/

Using donations, Tyler provides medical care for the dogs, personally matches them to a compatible family and drives them from his home state of Florida – which has the largest number of greyhound racetracks in the U.S. – to their new homes along the East Coast.

While the group briefly suspended operations last year due to new costs at track kennels in the area, Tyler says they'll be back up running later this month. His group has also started a fledgling foster dog program.
Lorie Stewart, of Satellite Beach, Fla., is one of the thousands of people who have benefitted from Tyler's efforts.

"I just adore my dogs," says Stewart, who's adopted five greyhounds through Florida Greyhounds. "They call them potato chip dogs because they're so addictive; you can't have just one!"

kuhio98

01-12-2013, 04:39 PM

Soup Lady & Oil Tanks:

Dale Dunning from Delaware is known as the soup lady for providing 900 quarts a week to those who are hungry and in need. Over the last 11 years, Dale estimates that she has given out 65,000 bowls of soup.

Dallas from Washington found a way to turn his business of removing old oil tanks from homes into a way to help others. Taking the leftover oil in the old tanks and giving it to families without heat, Dallas has been able to keep 200 homes warm.

kuhio98

01-13-2013, 12:01 PM

Joy Jars

Jessica Rees was diagnosed with a brain tumor at age 11, and she and her parents would drive to the hospital every day to receive outpatient treatment.

"One day we were leaving, and she just simply asked us, 'When do all the other kids come home?'" said her father, Erik.

When Jessica found out that many of them would have to stay at the hospital, she wanted to help "make them happier, because I know they're going through a lot, too," she said.

So she started making JoyJars -- containers full of toys, stickers, crayons, anything that might brighten a child's day.

"She was really particular about what would go in the jars," said her mother, Stacey. "It had to be something cool, it couldn't be cheap or flimsy."

Jessica created 3,000 JoyJars before she passed away this January. But her parents are carrying on her legacy.

By the end of 2012, more than 50,000 JoyJars will have been delivered to young cancer patients through the Jessie Rees Foundation.

"It's what she started, and it's what we'll continue to do," Stacey Rees said.

"What makes Jessie a Young Wonder is that she cared," her dad said. "And in the midst of a world that says focus on yourself, it's all about you, she said, 'No, it's not.' "

NEGU (Never Give Up) http://www.negu.org/

Taz_Zoee

01-13-2013, 04:58 PM

Yesterday on the way to my brothers a guy in front of us at the toll booth paid our toll. I told Bruce I was going to pay it forward next weekend and I'll tell the worker in the booth to tell the person behind me to Pay It Forward. :)

kuhio98

01-14-2013, 11:19 AM

When Will Lourcey was 6 years old, he asked his parents why a man was holding up a sign that said, "Need a meal."

His parents explained homelessness and hunger to him, and Will felt compelled to do something about it. Soon, he came up with FROGs -- Friends Reaching Our Goals -- an organization in which he and his friends find fun ways to raise money to fight hunger.

From running a lemonade stand to having businesses sponsor kids in sporting events, Will has raised more than $20,000 for his local food bank in Texas and, in turn, provided more than 75,000 meals to people in need.

"When you see somebody who gets so engaged and gets so much of the community engaged, it's an endorsement of the battle that we fight to end hunger," said food bank director Bo Soderbergh.

In his quest to spread awareness for his cause, Will has spoken before the Fort Worth City Council, worked with the former mayor of Fort Worth and written for the White House blog.

But Will is not resting on his laurels: He has his sights set on not only eradicating hunger in his hometown, but throughout Texas, the United States and the world.

Catty1

01-15-2013, 11:10 AM

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/good-news/young-brothers-stand-bullied-sisters-down-syndrome-173020116.html

Young brothers stand up for their bullied sisters with Down Syndrome
The Hollis boys, Noah 7, and Caleb, 6, star in a viral video in which they stand up for their bullied sisters, Meg and Alina, both of whom have Down Syndrome.

One morning in the spring of 2011, the Hollis family woke up in their Illinois home to find hateful words targeted at the young girls spray-painted on their cars and the side of their house.
“That day changed my life forever," said Anne Hollis.

Instead of living in fear, the Hollis family decided to turn the hate into a tool for awareness.
"As the community rallied to support them, the Not in Our Town Elmwood organization budded out with blue ribbons on trees all through town. It evolved into a public awareness campaign that raised $60,000 to bring messages of tolerance and sensitivity to 22 area schools," Best Buddies Illinois reported.

The Hollis boys decided to make a video in support of their sisters.

Watch their moving story below.
Warning: Get those tissues ready.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ObPoZCTTVeI

The Hollis' parents submitted the video to Everyone Matters (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151414591126258), a "Don't Judge" campaign supported by famous folks like Paul McCartney, Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman.

kuhio98

01-15-2013, 01:29 PM

Marilyn Mock - Foreclosure Angel:

Devastated at a home foreclosure auction, Tracy was stunned when a stranger recognized her desire to save her house and bid $30,000 to buy it; turning around and giving it back to her. Marilyn Mock saw what it meant to Tracy to keep her home for her daughter and chose to act first and figure out how she would do it later.

So far, Marilyn says she's been able to help four other homeowners and has received more than 10,000 requests for assistance. "Most of the people, they only need maybe $600 to maybe $2,000 to keep their house," she says. "They don't need a lot."

kuhio98

01-16-2013, 12:50 PM

Cassandra Lin is changing the world one french fry at a time.

Four years ago, at the age of 10, she decided she wanted to do something for the environment and help the less fortunate in her Rhode Island community. She gathered her friends and created Project TGIF -- Turning Grease Into Fuel. The organization collects used cooking oil from restaurants and homes, refines it and then distributes a percentage of it to families who can't afford to heat their homes.

So far, Cassandra and her team have collected 130,000 gallons of used cooking oil and donated $81,000 for the purchase of biofuel. This has amounted to 21,000 gallons of BioHeat distributed to 210 homes. These efforts have also offset 2 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions from the environment.

Last year, the group helped draft legislation that makes it mandatory for all businesses in Rhode Island to recycle their used cooking oil. The bill went into effect January 1.
"I was trying to talk about biodiesel and just could not get anywhere with it," said Caswell Cooke, a town councilor in Westerly, Rhode Island. "And (Cassandra) came along and did it, to get restaurants to recycle their grease. ... The fact that it was coming from kids made it hit home a lot harder. 'The child shall lead them' sort of thing."

Cassandra's next goal is for the program to be implemented throughout New England.

kuhio98

01-17-2013, 10:11 PM

Tim and Nancy Nicolai - Arena Motel, SD:

In SD, Tim and Nancy Nicolai at the 26 room Arena Motel have done their part to help those who are without a home and in need. Allowing some guests to stay for free or pay what they can, Tim and Nancy balance helping others and keeping their business running. A few longer-term residents cook and clean for the motel in exchange for their stays. In addition to a temporary place to live, Tim and Nancy also provide meals for their tenants.

kuhio98

01-18-2013, 12:19 PM

Acts of kindness are like seeds in that when you spread them they grow!

I love the story about a women in Minneapolis coffee shop who, while buying her own cup of coffee also bought the coffee for the stranger behind her. That stranger responded to this act of kindness by buying coffee for the stranger behind him. This one act of kindness continued throughout the day, with stranger responding to kindness by passing it onto the next person!

Catty1

01-19-2013, 10:40 AM

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/anonymous-encouraging-message-posted-university-restroom-172524530.html

http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/z5bbcTHiuZ9a.3wmaXvimw--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NTt3PTMxMA--/http://media.zenfs.com/en/blogs/thelookout/bathroommessagesmall.jpgA Reddit user posted a photo of a poignant message that she found taped to the stall in a women's restroom at her university.

The user, chellylauren, wrote: "In a girls' bathroom stall at my university, girls have written about some of their most horrifying life experiences. This week, somebody replied."
The reply, written on notebook paper, is anonymous.
The reply in full:

To the girl who was raped: You are so strong. I cannot fathom the pain you must have gone through. The fact that you have the bravery to write it (even on a bathroom wall) gives me hope.
To the girl with eating disorders: I promise you, although I don't know you, you are beautiful, you deserve your health. You deserve freedom from that hell.
To the girl with the alcoholic father: I am so sorry for the agony it must cause. Again, such courage is remarkable you must be such a strong person to see such pain.
To the girl whose father died: Missing them never goes away. The ache of their absence never goes away. But the love they had, the memories you share surely must last. I am sure, out of the bottom of my heart, the people who have left you in this world are exceptionally proud of the person you are.
Everytime (sic) I see these walls, these confessions, I feel so blessed to know I have the priviledge (sic) of seeing them. Your moments, these secrets, are all precious even though they are sad. To all of you (including those I did not mention, and those who have not yet written)
-You are worthy.
-You are strong.
-You are brave.
-You are loved.
-Somebody cares.
Written below that, somebody penned a quick response: "To the person who wrote this, thank you."

kuhio98

01-21-2013, 10:22 AM

When I was a child, my dad liked to keep busy. As he mowed his lawn, he walked over to the elderly neighbors and did their lawns as well. Now that I have my own house, I have followed after my dad. I've started to mow my neighbors' lawns as well as my own. When they get home, I see their big smiles as they pull into their driveway. The feeling that their smiles of thanks gave me was indescribable. Doing kind unexpected things for others is amazing.

kuhio98

01-22-2013, 01:49 PM

When Rhea Lyon was told someone thought she and her husband Vic deserved recognition for their volunteer work, she wanted to make it clear they were only a part of a team.

"There are many others who work in helping people in need," Rhea said. "We have a lot of people involved in volunteer work."

Rhea, 59, and Vic, 67, live in Hawley. Rhea works at the Stamford Memorial Hospital. Vic is retired. Once each month, the two take food to Stamford to be distributed to about 150 families.

"Vic takes his flatbed trailer and picks up the food at the Abilene food bank and we take it to Stamford on the third Tuesday morning of each month," Rhea said. "There are a lot of volunteers waiting there for us who help with the distribution of the food."

"It has been a God thing to us," Rhea said. "This work has pulled a lot of people together."

After Vic and Rhea moved to Hawley from Washington state seven years ago to raise cutting horses, they have become involved in the community.

She said it's rewarding to work with people who do not have jobs or who are not able to work.

"People line up waiting for the food distribution," Rhea said. She said it makes her feel good to help others.

Asked why he volunteered to help, Vic said: "We have learned there are an amount of people out there who need help. When you are looking from the outside in, you don't realize their need until you get involved in it."

Carolyn Smith, who lives in Stamford and is a volunteer in distributing food, said that Vic and Rhea have really helped the Stamford food bank get off to a good start.

"They care deeply for the people who need food," Smith said.

Rhea also volunteers to work in the Meals on Wheels in Stamford, explaining the hospital allows her to take off a little time to make the routes.

"I like this quote from Mother Teresa, my earthly hero," Rhea said as her reason for helping others:
"I do not have any special qualities. I do not claim anything for the work. It is His work and I am like a little pencil in His hand that is all. He does the thinking. He does the writing. The pencil has nothing to do with it. The pencil has only to be allowed to be used."

"I'm willing to bet that most any person involved in volunteer work of any type will agree with Mother Teresa," Rhea said. "It's not about us."

kuhio98

01-23-2013, 01:09 PM

Give, and then give some more!

I was rearranging my living room, and ended up with a love seat I no longer needed. I put it by the curb with a free sign on it and shortly after that a lady stopped by and asked if it was really free. I told her absolutely and she asked if she could have it. I said sure. She then went on to tell me that she has a friend that has a 1 bedroom apartment and has absolutely nothing so the love seat would be very welcome. She said she needed to go get a pickup and she would be back shortly. While she was gone, I went through some things and came up with an end table and a small rocker/recliner for her as well. I also put a little money in an envelope so that her friend could get some household items she might need. Sometimes people just need to know that someone cares. Hopefully, it made her day a little sunnier.

If you have things to give away (free) or are looking for something free, check out Freecycle.org

kuhio98

01-24-2013, 03:34 PM

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/kuhio98/snack.jpg

kuhio98

01-25-2013, 09:21 AM

North Carolina Women Roofers Fix Homes Free of Charge

When she heard about a member of her church congregation who couldn't afford to have her roof fixed, Nell Bovender had an idea. It was a Sunday in October 2002, she remembers, and "'Make a Difference' day [at the church] was coming up. I said, 'Why don't we redo a roof?' "

Inspired, the husbands and wives in her Sunday school class quickly agreed. But when it came time to do the project, only classmates Lori Herrick, 48, and Susie Kernodle, 64, showed up.

"We expected Billy Honeycutt (the parishioner in charge of the project) to say, 'Let's wait for the guys,' " recalls Herrick, of Rutherfordton, N.C. "What he said was, 'Pick up your hammers and get to work!' "

Ten years and 67 roofs later, the all-volunteer group of 80 moms, grandmothers and widows called the Women Roofers is still going strong, repairing and replacing roofs for the elderly and disabled in and around Forest City, N.C.

Founded by Herrick and Kernodle after that first project, the group pools their own resources to purchase supplies and fix roofs free of charge.
And they're having a ball doing it: A typical repair takes a day, which leaves a lot of time for girl talk.

"I've often said our grandmothers used to do quilting bees," says Bavender, 59, "and that's what we're doing up there on the roof."
It's especially satisfying to see the fruits of their labor after a hard day's work, adds Herrick.
"Besides being a mother, this is the most rewarding thing I've ever done," she says.

One grateful homeowner is Irenabell MacAdoo, 74, who says her Forest City, N.C., house was sprouting leaks everywhere before the ladies got to work.

Says MacAdoo: "I don't know what I would have done without them."

http://img2-1.timeinc.net/people/i/2013/news/130204/roofers-600.jpg

kuhio98

01-26-2013, 10:12 AM

I was near the end of my parcel delivery run for the day, and I drove past an elderly gentleman who was obviously walking home from town. He was walking slowly and looked tired. I felt sorry for him, but kept on my way, driving to the next house on my run. After I had delivered this parcel, I turned up into the next street which runs up a long and quite steep hill. I noticed that this same gentleman was still walking, by now looking quite weary and puffed. I pulled over, wound my window down and asked if he would like a lift. I don’t normally do this sort of thing because I am a female. He looked most relieved and grateful. I made room for him to sit in the front seat, putting the remaining parcels in the back, and drove him to his house, right up to the front door!! I told him to have a great day, and he replied that he definitely would, now that I had made his day! But the best thing about it was that for the rest of my day, I had a great day!!!! Yes it was a little inconvenient having to rearrange the parcels twice, but seeing that look of absolute gratefulness and thanks in his face made my inconvenience seem trivial in comparison.

kuhio98

01-27-2013, 09:18 AM

Bald 4 Bryan

PHOENIX – Two young girls brave the razor and shave off all their hair in tribute to their cousin.

On Jan. 24, 2012, Harley and Ariana's cousin Bryan, who was "like a brother to them”, died from a rare form of childhood cancer called neuroblastoma. He was only 13 years old.

Now, one year later, his two cousins have bravely stepped forward to go “Bald 4 Bryan”. The 11 and 12 year old girls shaved their heads live on Thursday’s Good Morning Arizona, to honor their cousin’s memory.

This is just the latest step in the girls' fund-raising campaign. Over the past year, the young ladies have already raised $1,400 by asking friends, family members and even strangers for donations.

100 percent of the money they raise will be donated to Phoenix Children’s Hospital Cancer Research Fund.

If you would like to help the girls with their cause, you can donate by sending a check to:

Phoenix Children's Hospital Foundation
ATTN: Krisann Diaz - Bald 4 Bryan
2929 East Camelback Road, Suite 122
Phoenix, AZ 85016

You can also donate and find out more information on the website the girls have helped set up.

All donations will receive a tax receipt from Phoenix Children's Hospital Foundation.

Harley is a 7th grade Honor student at Greenway Middle School in the Paradise Valley School District. She came up with the idea to shave her head to honor the memory of her cousin, and had said she couldn’t wait to be "bald and beautiful"! Harley plays the flute and wants to be a professional singer and/or fashion designer when she grows up.

Ariana is a 5th grade Honor student at Arrowhead Elementary in the Paradise Valley School District. As soon as she heard Harley's idea she could not wait to be a part of it. Ariana wants to be a brain surgeon when she grows up. She plays the clarinet and bass clarinet.

The girls say their goal is to simply “make a difference.”

http://media.azfamily.com/images/600*338/Bald_4_Bryan5.jpg

kuhio98

01-28-2013, 09:21 AM

Helping Mark Move
Mark lives in my apartment building. Unfortunately Mark suffered from a brain tumor at a young age and it had a big impact on his balance. It's difficult for him to walk, talk, and overall fend for himself. We are hallway buddies and I always say hi when I see him around. I heard he was moving out and he soon came over to ask me to help him with his packing. I walked into his apartment and his clothing and things were poorly packed. I took some time and refolded everything, putting things nicely into his suitcases. I helped bring his stuff down to the street and he wanted to hail a cab to his new apartment. I let him borrow money and rode with him in the cab to his new place and brought his suitcases up to the new apartment. I am glad that I could use my strength to help someone who isn't as fortunate. Hooray for random acts of kindness!

kuhio98

01-29-2013, 09:36 AM

Friendly Flowers
While I was waiting at the bus stop, an elderly man walked past me, and then a minute or so later he came back, said, “Your outfit is too great not to have one,” and gave me a gorgeous pink flower, and walked away. It was the first time I’ve ever received a flower from anyone outside my family and it was wonderful, just wonderful. Such beautiful kindness that I cried in the middle of the street!

kuhio98

01-30-2013, 10:56 AM

I was in Toronto a few weeks ago. As I was standing outside of a Starbucks, I noticed a white BMW stop at the side of the road. The driver stepped out, and at that moment noticed a homeless man sleeping on the sidewalk. It was extremely cold that day- I was freezing, and I had a sweater and a winter jacket on. The driver of the BMW walked up to the homeless man who was sleeping, took his jacket off, laid it on top of the man, and left. It definitely was unexpected and so encouraging to see such kindness in action. The driver didn't even know I was watching.

kuhio98

01-31-2013, 09:23 AM

Just Because

Yesterday night, one of my friends was talking to me about how her hockey pads were giving her back problems and causing knots in her back. She said she had been unable to sleep because of the pain she was dealing with. Today, when I went over to hang out for a bit, I gave her a proper back massage and worked out the knots as best I could. After I left, she took a nap for an hour. She said it was the best she'd slept in more than a week. The smile on her face made my week.

kuhio98

02-01-2013, 10:26 AM

Garden Bounty

I grow vegetables which I enjoy doing immensely. But I also enjoy sharing them with family and friends. And once I have overwhelmed them with my bounty, I then share anonymously with passersby. I put buckets of zucchini, tomatoes, onions, butternut squash, etc. on my curb with a sign that they are free for the taking. I have had a few people ring my bell and ask to pay which I refuse. And also have had people see me out in the front of my house and thank me for the wonderful veggies. It warms my heart and soul that people have enjoyed them.

kuhio98

02-02-2013, 09:12 AM

Woman Who Lost Her Legs in Tornado Starts Foundation Helps Others

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When a storm of deadly twisters ravaged Indiana in March 2012, Stephanie Decker saved her two kids – but lost both her legs.

Now, less than a year after the tragedy, Decker, 38 – who describes the sacrifice as a "small price to pay" for her kids' safety – is already up on prosthetic legs thanks to countless hours of grueling physical therapy. She has barely let the traumatic experience slow her down – and instead created the Stephanie Decker Foundation that aims to help kids with disabilities.
"I'm a better person now," says Decker. "Life goes on."

The tornado that ripped through Henryville leveled the Deckers' house on top of Stephanie as she covered son Dominic, 9, and daughter Reese, 6. A steel beam crashed down on top of the three of them, but her children escaped the disaster without a scratch.

"As parents, we sacrifice for our kids," says Decker.

These days, her routine at home is pretty similar to what it used to be. "The only difference is I wake up in the morning and I put legs on," she says. "There are days that I go 'This is hard, it hurts.' But all I have to do is take one look at my kids and it's enough. I wasn't going to let this stop me."

That determination is clear in Decker, who went as high up as President Obama to help her access a military grade water resistant prosthetic leg so she can swim with her children.
"Stephanie's never been one to take no for an answer," says her husband Joe, a high school math teacher. "I'm so thankful I didn't get to the house and find my wife and kids dead. Stephanie's so strong, she's the core of our family."

Though the kids still have nightmares, the Decker family is getting better every day, and are grateful to be together.

The Deckers' son, Dominic, says getting past the tragedy took a bit of time. "My mom and dad made us take baby steps," he says. "We'd sleep in their bed, and then sleep right by their bed, and then sleep on the couch and then sleep in the front room and then sleep upstairs."

Asked if his mom is a hero, he says, "Yeah, because she saved me."

And Decker aims to help others, too.

In December, her fledging foundation received a $10,000 donation from Shutterfly during an appearance on Ellen DeGeneres's show. She's also recently partnered with NubAbility Athletics – which helps kids with congenital and traumatic amputations compete in sports – to set up scholarships for kids to attend their sports camps.
"I should have been dead in 15 minutes," says Decker. "But I told my kids I was going to be here and that everything was going to be okay."

kuhio98

02-03-2013, 10:26 AM

High School Senior Austin Mobley Cares for Mom Who Has Dementia

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Austin Mobley was just 6 when his mom, Tracy, asked if he knew the owner of a black-and-white dog running around their yard. "Mom," he said, laughing, "that's Daisy," their longtime family pet.

Twelve years later, Austin cooks, balances the checkbook, drives Tracy on errands from their two-bedroom apartment in Buffalo, Mo., and manages his 48-year-old mother's medication for the dementia diagnosed when she was 36.

"The hardest thing for me," says Austin, 18, "is not knowing what an actual mom is."

Every morning the high school senior rises at 6:30 a.m., makes sure his mom takes her meds – Namenda for dementia, Valium for paranoia, Prozac for depression – and then gets a ride to school.

After school, he heads home, does his homework and gets to his other job – paying bills, picking up around the house and helping Tracy cook a dinner of spaghetti, steak or pork chops
.
At night, he makes sure Tracy settles under a blanket in a recliner and gives her a bedtime hug; she keeps the TV on all night because it soothes her.
That's on a good day.

kuhio98

02-04-2013, 09:18 AM

Mail carrier performs CPR on unconscious dog trapped in house fire

EVANS CITY, Pa. — A mail carrier is being credited with rescuing a dog from a burning home in Evans City Friday morning.
Firefighters were called to the home on Pioneer Road about 10:30 a.m. when the mail carrier, Jo Amerson, noticed the flames.

Channel 11’s Amy Marcinkiewicz reported that Amerson knocked out windows of the house in an effort to make sure no one was trapped inside.

Amerson said she found an unconscious dog inside the house, performed CPR and brought the dog back to life.

“It’s all in a day’s work. I did whatever everyone would do,” Amerson said. “It’s a life, whether it’s a dog, cat or any animal.”

The homeowner and her daughter left the house moments before the fire started, officials said.

The homeowner told Marcinkiewicz that she was with her 3-year-old daughter at her doctor’s appointment.

The woman also said she and her daughter lost everything in the fire because they don’t have insurance.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

kuhio98

02-05-2013, 09:20 AM

Toledo, Ohio police veteran surprises needy family with food

TOLEDO -- When Toledo Police Officer Melvin Woods responded to an attempted suicide call, he never imagined what the impact of what he was responding to would make.

When he arrived at the scene Saturday, he found a woman on the brink of taking her own life. "She told me that her and her husband wasn't working." said Woods. "They didn't have no food in the house. The kids was hungry."

After one stressful day too many, Faith Dashner had had enough. "I just wanted to say goodbye world. I don't want to be here. I'm done," said Faith, who was threatening to end her life by taking a bottle's worth of prescription pills.

She told Officer Woods that she was upset because they had no money for food.

"They said they hadn't had food in the house for four or five days. I said, 'How are you feeding the kids?' She said, 'we're not.' That's when the little one told me she hadn't eaten in two days," explained Woods.

After leaving the house, Woods decided he wasn't going to let the story end there. He said something had to be done, starting at the grocery store.

After spending $100 on groceries at Kroger, he then went to his own freezer and took out roasts, steaks and vegetables. On his day off, Woods took all the food and hand delivered it to the front door of the Dashner family.

Woods recalls arriving at the home, "I knocked on the door and said remember me? Oh yes. I said I got some food out here for you guys."

Faith Dashner and her entire family were shocked. "I gave him a bear hug. I was crying. The whole family was crying," admits Faith.

She says the gesture is something that has taught her a lesson in life about having faith in human nature. "Mel has opened our eyes a lot," she said.

As for Woods, a 29-year veteran of the Toledo Police Department, he hopes this may inspire others to pay it forward, and says he was only doing the right thing. "I believe it was something I was supposed to do...from my heart," said Melvin.

The family has received an outcry of support. So much so that they are donating anything in excess to other family members that are in need.

kuhio98

02-06-2013, 09:21 AM

Valentine Surprise

I just recently moved to a new apartment complex and found out that I have an amazing neighbor. Bobby's retired and lost his wife last year. He's done many kind acts for me, including bringing me a loaf of banana nut bread he'd just taken out of the oven on the day I moved in. This was his first Valentine's Day without his wife, Evelyn. She spoke her last words to him on Valentines Day 2011 so he was having a tough time of it. But, even in his grief, he knocked on my door and presented a box of chocolates to me. He said he'd always given a box to his wife and this year he was giving them to me. He is a precious man!

kuhio98

02-07-2013, 09:58 AM

Clearwater Fire crew saves ducklings

CLEARWATER, FL - When a mother duck called for help, the Clearwater firefighters answered.

The Clearwater Fire Department officials say a citizen called them Monday afternoon and told them about a duck standing over a drain on Court Street and making noises of distress.

It turned out the ducklings were trapped in the drain under the grated cover. The firefighters got them out in no time, according to the Department's report.

The mother duck and six babies seem to be doing fine.
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Scooter's Mom

02-07-2013, 06:17 PM

:love:

kuhio98

02-08-2013, 09:16 AM

Snow plow driver praised for steering Sylvania wrong-way driver to safety
SYLVANIA, Ohio -- They often don't get much respect, but now one Ohio Department of Transportation snow plow driver is being cheered for what he did to save lives.

Around 2:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 26, highway tech George Seambos was driving his snow plow along US 23 in Sylvania near the Michigan border. Seambos was on snow and ice patrol in the frigid temperatures. While driving, he noticed a set of headlights coming right at him in the wrong direction.

Immediately, Seambos called 911 and turned on his flashers to warn oncoming traffic. He then maneuvered his truck in a way that forced the driver of the wrong-way vehicle to turn around. Seambos then followed the vehicle, of which he assumed an intoxicated person was driving, until police caught up to it.

The driver of the wrong-way vehicle was charged with operating a vehicle under the influence, and due to the quick-thinking of Seambos, a 17-year ODOT veteran, possible tragedy was avoided.

"Every day, ODOT employees do amazing things but what George did for everyone on the road that night is beyond amazing," said ODOT Director Jerry Way. "We will never know if his actions avoided a tragedy...but what we do know is George had the courage to do something..."

The courageous act came less than a year after multiple wrong-way crashes in northwest Ohio killed five six people in a two-week span. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, alcohol is the leading factor in wrong-way crashes that kill hundreds of people each year.

kuhio98

02-09-2013, 10:10 AM

Andrea Roberts Helps Orphans With Down Syndrome Find Homes

Andrea Faris Roberts figured her new son, born in 2002, got his almond-shaped eyes from her husband, Rich.

But when doctors confirmed that Reece had Down syndrome, "I couldn't stop crying," says Andrea, whose prenatal tests were normal. "I thought, 'What's tomorrow going to be like?' "

The answer: Reece has not only enriched his parents' lives but inspired his mom to save kids with Down syndrome around the world. Researching her son's condition, Andrea learned that in many countries, babies born with the disorder are often abandoned and left in orphanages.

Launching Reece's Rainbow in 2004, the former account manager wrote grant applications and networked with adoption agencies, ultimately dispersing over $4 million to fund adoptions of more than 850 children from Russia, China, Mexico and elsewhere.

Parents like John and Charissa Urban of Owasso, Okla., wouldn't know the love of Ava, now 8, adopted from Ukraine in 2008 without the help of Reece's Rainbow. They turned to the organization to help with funds to bring home little Ava – who weighed only 19 lbs. and was unable to roll over at age 3.
Though she initially had to use a walker to get around, Ava is now running, jumping and playing with her six siblings, including two who are adopted also (one of whom also has Down syndrome). "She's the center of our family," Charissa says. "We're so grateful."

Andrea says that families are being built every day.

"What is wonderful about Reece's Rainbow, is that families can go and see children's photos on the website and know that money is being raised to help with the adoption costs," says Andrea. "They see that it is a better possibility for them to be able to afford to adopt without the years of painful heartbreak in waiting to try to raise funds."

Today, 10-year-old Reece is in the 5th grade and loves playing basketball with his little brother, Owen, 7, in the family's yard in Gaithersburg, Maryland. He's also challenging his father at golf.

"He's got a better golf game than my husband any day of the week," laughs Andrea, 40. "He's got a wonderful swing."
Andrea insists that children with Down syndrome in institutions around the world are not forgotten and would be adopted if more families could afford the typical $25,000 fee (which includes home study costs, travel and adoption expenses).

"After six and a half years, all I can say to the world is, 'I told you so. I told you these kids were wanted,' " says Andrea. "Today, 850 children are not hidden away in institutions anymore. We have new connections every single day."

She adds: "If we had a full grant for every child on our website, we would have no children on our website. The cost is what is hard for people but every life is worth it. If we had more sponsors who could write a check for each of these kids and they would all have families. All of them."

And the proud mother says that her son Reece continues to be an inspiration.

"Reece," she says, "has helped so many families begin."

kuhio98

02-10-2013, 09:13 AM

The Gary J. Lynn Foundation

I was born with Cerebral Palsy with no hope of ever functioning. Although I am still in a wheelchair I am now in college and an A student. My mother always had my three brothers and I do volunteer work a few times during the year. I decided since I have cp I should start my own foundation and raise money to help with the research of cerebral palsy hoping to one day eradicate wheelchairs and give a voice to those who cannot be heard. Since I have wonderful doctors that I am so grateful for I am raising money for the things they need in their research for cp and to help improve the quality of life for those already afflicted with this disorder. I feel so good being able to give back to the doctors who do so much for me. They have now become more than doctors and their concern for me is overwhelming. My website is www.thegaryjlynnfoundation.org and I am raising money for my doctors at Texas Children's Hospital, cerebral palsy division.

kuhio98

02-11-2013, 10:42 AM

Local firefighter called a hero after saving dog

CLERMONT COUNTY, OH - A volunteer firefighter is being called a hero after saving the life of man's best friend.

Danny Redden, a Felicity firefighter, risked his life to save a dog from a frozen lake.

Dog owner Larry Trammel admits that his 9-year-old dog, Brownie, has gained a bit of weight over the years. She has gotten too heavy, in fact, for the ice.

Brownie was chasing ducks when she wandered onto the ice of a fishing pond. The ice broke under the dog's feet leaving Brownie stranded in the middle of the pond.

"I thought she was going to drown," said Trammel. "I knew I couldn't walk out on [the ice]. She was pitiful sounding, you know, barking and crying and fighting."

Trammel called 911. Moments later, the Felicity Fire Department arrived at the scene.

Danny Redden went out on the ice with a rescue basket while Lt. Scott Colyer held on to a safety rope.

"We went about five feet when the ice gave way and consumed every bit of my body," said Redden. "The only thing I could keep up was my head."

Redden kept swimming toward the dog and managed to secure Brownie in the rescue basket. Redden says his feet could not touch the bottom of the lake but his fellow firefighters pulled him and Brownie to safety.

Redden says he has never done a cold water rescue before. However, he credits the save to his training.

Redden, a dog lover himself, got into a medic unit to recuperate. Brownie warmed up in her usual spot next to the fireplace.

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kuhio98

02-12-2013, 11:31 AM

Homeless man returns ring accidentally given to him

KANSAS CITY, MO - A woman trying to help out a homeless man on The Plaza ended up giving away a lot more than a little change. She accidentally gave him her engagement ring, but the twist to the story is what the man did with it.

People hearing this story might think the homeless man's luck would similar to winning the lottery - you live under a bridge, then, the next thing you know, you end up with platinum and diamonds. For some, it could be a life changer.

Billy Ray Harris got that change and then some last Friday.

"The ring was so big that I knew if it was real, it was expensive," Harris said.

He didn't notice it in his orange cup until almost an hour after its original owner unzipped her wallet and dumped her change into it.

"My rings were bothering me, so I put them in my coin purse," Sarah Darling explained.

Darling said she didn't realize what she'd done until the next day.

"I was so incredibly upset because, more than just the value of the ring, it had sentimental value," she said.

Her high emotions were justified because the item she had accidentally dumped into Harris' cup along with her spare change was her engagement ring after all.

Harris didn't know that, but he knew plenty well how sentiment matters more than money.

"She squatted down like you did like right there and says ‘Do you remember me?' And I was like, ‘I don't know. I see a lot of faces.' She says, ‘I might have gave you something very valuable.' I said, ‘Was it a ring?' And she says, ‘Yeah.' And I said ‘Well, I have it,'" Harris said.

"It seemed like a miracle. I thought for sure there was no way I would get it back," Darling said.

Some may wonder, based on Harris' current situation, why he didn't just pawn it and start a new life.

"My grandfather was a reverend. He raised me from the time I was 6 months old and thank the good Lord, it's a blessing, but I do still have some character," he said.

"I think in our world we often jump to like the worst conclusion, and it just makes you realize that there are good people out there," Darling said.

Harris had lots of great lost and found stories to tell, including one that happened, a long time ago, during a Chiefs-Raiders game. There was a retired Raiders player in The Plaza with his friends. They'd been drinking, and he jumped into Brush Creek, that runs alongside the entertainment district. The retired player got out and told everyone he lost his Super Bowl ring in the creek. Harris found it, later, on the pavement here. He walked all the way over to the Intercontinental Hotel, where he figured they were staying, told the desk clerk and got it back to its owner. He got a generous reward that time and a three-night stay in the Rafael Hotel.

Darling also gave Harris a reward – she gave him all the cash she had in her wallet at the time.

kuhio98

02-13-2013, 03:21 PM

Officer, restaurant help mystery man stranded at train station

ETRRICK, Va. – A police officer and a neighborhood restaurant came to the aid of an elderly New York man stranded at a Chesterfield train station on a cold, wet night.

As the Amtrak train pulled out of the station in Ettrick Monday night, the older man who walked with the help of a cane was all alone when the station closed.

Chesterfield County Police Officer Ricky Cremonese told CBS 6 News senior reporter Wayne Covil that he spotted the man, who was a bit frightened because of several men who kept on walking past him.

As a result, the officer decided he would walk the stranger to the Jeff’s Place, a local watering hole nearby.

As Cremonese and the man walked in, everyone was a bit startled. Many in the room thought the man looked like Santa Claus.

Donna Sheffield, who works at Jeff’s Place, said the officer and the stranger were soaked when they both walked in.

Sheffield, who told the officer the man could certainly stay at the restaurant until his son arrived from Hampton, said that for about the next hour the stranger watched as the regulars played darts.

Then Sheffield said she witnessed something special: a reunion between the stranger and his grandson who had not seen each other in more than 12 years.

“The first thing he did was take both of his hands and touch his cheeks,” she said. “And then he told him, ‘you were only this big’ and his hand down real low… and he was teared up and it… got to you a little bit.”

While some folks in the community think Cremonese went beyond the call of duty, he said it was just all in a day’s work.

“I know it sounds cliché, but it is our job,” Cremonese said. ” There’s no way I could leave this gentleman… in the pouring rain. Not only that, it was dark down here, he was scared and visibly upset.”

kuhio98

02-14-2013, 04:16 PM

Leah Hostalet Helps Find Kidney Transplant Matches on Facebook

This Valentine's Day, kidney transplant recipient Jerry Wilde is celebrating life with his family thanks to a devoted friend, a generous stranger – and Facebook.

When the kidney he had received through a transplant in 1992 developed a cancerous tumor and was surgically removed, Wilde was put back on dialysis and was told that just eight percent of people with his blood type could be his donor. Dozens of friends, family and colleagues were tested to see if they were a match, but to no avail.

"The waiting period for my blood type on the transplant list was long, between two and a half and three years," says Wilde, 50, a professor of educational psychology at Indiana University East. "I didn't think I'd survive that long. I thought, 'Well this just isn't going to happen. I'm just going to wither away.'"

But when Leah Hostalet, Wilde's friend and former student, saw a status update from Wilde in November of 2011 that he was in search of a kidney donor, she wanted to help.

On November 18 she set up a Facebook page, Find a Kidney for Jerry, which included his blood type and other pertinent medical information. Becky Melton – a total stranger to Wilde – saw the page that would change both their lives.

"I was looking for purpose in my life. It just struck me," says Melton, 28, who was scrolling through Facebook when she saw Jerry's page, "I thought, 'I want to do this. This is my guy. I am going to give him my kidney.' "

Melton, a loan processor in Richmond, Ind., and Wilde exchanged information. On December 14, Melton found out she was a match, and texted Wilde a photo of herself holding a sign with a picture of two kidneys on it. The sign read: "We're a match!" Wilde still gets choked up thinking about that day.

"I was standing in the living room in shock," he says. "I had never met this person. It's like, who does this for a complete stranger?"

On February 24, 2012, the transplant took place and Wilde has been healthy ever since.

http://img2.timeinc.net/people/i/2013/news/130225/jerry-wilde-600.jpg
From left: Becky Melton, Jerry Wilde and Lea Hostalet four months after his transplant

kuhio98

02-15-2013, 03:57 PM

JAMESTOWN, N.C. — A dog that was stolen from a Jamestown home back in 2011 returned home on Wednesday.

Zorro, a 170-pound Great Dane, was stolen during a home invasion on Nov. 11, 2011. Marcie Trogdon told FOX8 back in 2011 someone entered the home through an unlocked door and stole the dog.

“A laptop or a TV can be replaced. Zorro is like a family member. All my kids are grown, so he’s my baby,” Trogdon said in 2011.

Then, on Wednesday night, Zorro showed up at her house.

Trogdon said her neighbor alerted her to the large dog outside of her door.

“He was like ‘Do you know who’s dog this is?’ And I said, ‘what dog?’ and about that time Zorro comes running around the corner and I said ‘Oh my God! That’s Zorro!” Trogdon said.

Zorro is overweight and has ringworm but otherwise seems healthy and happy.

Trogdon thinks someone stole her dog and brought him back when his care became too expensive.

pomtzu

02-15-2013, 04:05 PM

phesina

02-15-2013, 06:32 PM

How nice that they brought him back and didn't just abandon him!

Nice tale there!

kuhio98

02-16-2013, 12:46 PM

My Loving Husband

My husband was so sick this past Tuesday that we had to go to our Doctor. As we were leaving a older lady was short the $10.00 to pay her co-pay. She said she did not have it with her. My husband overheard this and handed the lady at the desk the $10 for the other woman. She was so appreciative and she wanted to know my husband's name so she could pay him back and he said don't worry about it it's only ten dollars. And she said thank you to him and then we left. My husband has a heart of gold, whether he is sick or healthy!

carole

02-16-2013, 12:59 PM

You both have a heart of gold,I know that more than anyone,it is such a privilege to know such kind awesome people .:love

gini

02-16-2013, 01:16 PM

All of these stories warm your heart and make you hopeful that with all of the bad stories we hear each day, that the good stories really do exceed the bad.

Thanks for sharing all of the stories.

kuhio98

02-16-2013, 04:34 PM

You both have a heart of gold,I know that more than anyone,it is such a privilege to know such kind awesome people .:love

Bobcat is one of the most amazing people I've ever met. So glad he chose me (or did I choose him?) :)

But, I just wanted you to know that I found this story on a "pay if forward" website. No names were given, so I don't know who the real people were. It wasn't me and Bobcat, though.

There are so many more good people in the world than bad. I'm sick and tired of all the bad ones getting the press. So, if you see, read or experience a hopeful, positive moment, please share.

carole

02-16-2013, 04:36 PM

Oh I see,well I still stand by everything I wrote 100 per cent,great to read about the nice people for once Lisa.

kuhio98

02-17-2013, 01:30 PM

Man Turns in Lost $13,000, Gives Away Reward

A cleaning service worker at a Florida airport found an iPad – with $13,000 stuffed in its case – and turned it in. He then gave away the small reward he got from the owner to two people in need. To honor that honesty, the Broward County Aviation Department in Florida presented Patrick Morgan with a gift and plaque on Wednesday. His employer, Sunshine Cleaning Systems, also gave him $625, equivalent to a week of paid vacation, according to NBCMiami.com. This time, he said he'll keep the money.

kuhio98

02-18-2013, 12:42 PM

It Only Took A Moment!

As I departed my school grounds one recent late afternoon, I noticed that the sky was beginning to darken as rain clouds began to close in and motorists around me began to become agitated and as they worked through the traffic to get home. As I turned on to a major avenue near the University of Hawaii, some drivers in their cars were literally pushing and shoving to change lanes. One impatient individual shot out and was forcibly trying to enter from the next side street. I was two cars back when suddenly it happened. A bicyclist whizzed by my passenger side, tried to stop, but slammed broadside into the vehicle who was very much in the wrong. The bicyclist was able to slowly pick himself and his bike up and stumble towards the sidewalk as EVERYONE drove off. I knew that I had to check on this young man. I put on my blinker and turn right and as I pulled up to him, I could see that he was bewildered and shaking his head. He had some road rash abrasions on his hand. Upon my inquiry he said that he was OK. I gave him a towel for his cuts and then ran and got some ice nearby that we then applied to his split chin. As we waited for his mom to come pick him up and take him to a local emergency room for some sutures. He personally thanked me by my name for stopping. It turns out that this young college student was one of my former middle school students.

kuhio98

02-19-2013, 12:26 PM

Workers Hand Over Mystery $300,000 Gold Stash to Grateful Homeowners

Workers struck lucky by discovering a large amount of gold hidden under the floor of a house in Sacramento - but they were honest enough to hand it over to their clients, who had no idea it was there. While installing an HVAC system in September, Steve Ottley and his partner came across 12 large baby food jars filled to the brim with gold dust.

kuhio98

02-20-2013, 12:21 PM

Mailing Memories

I stopped on my way home to a mailbox to drop off some letters and noticed an elderly man having a hard time getting out of his vehicle and to the mailbox because of all the ice. After getting out of my car I dropped off the mail and asked him if he wanted some help to get to the mailbox. He kindly accepted and I helped him keep his balance and let him hang on to me for support while I dropped off his letter and then walked him back to his vehicle.

kuhio98

02-21-2013, 11:00 AM

CHARLESTON, MO - How far would you go to help a co-worker in need?

A Charleston woman who was diagnosed with kidney failure received the gift of life from an unlikely source, her boss.

Last Spring, life as Deborah Smoot knew it changed in an instant.

She went in for an annual checkup. "My blood pressure was high, I've been having blood pressure issues for years," said Deborah Smoot.

She followed up, and after a number of tests was diagnosed with kidney failure.

"He (her doctor) said I want to put you in the hospital, put in an access, and start dialysis today," said Smoot.

For a woman who felt and looked healthy, the news was no doubt a huge shock.

"I said I don't drink, don't smoke, I drink water all of the time," said Smoot. "I don't understand it."

She'll never forget what the doctor said next.

"He said, you can go, but I'm telling you you're going to go home and you're going to die," said Smoot. "Your heart is going to stop beating and you're going to die."

She started dialysis, and waited to get listed for a transplant.

Meanwhile, Deb went back to work as a probate clerk at the Mississippi County Courthouse.

One day, she learned she was on the list for a transplant. Deb had phone number in hand for anyone to call and find out how to get tested.

"We're in a large office, and when I got the number I was so excited about getting listed I said, oh oh...I'm listed for a transplant," said Smoot.

Deb's boss, Leigh Ann Colson, the County Circuit Clerk overheard the news.

"I said, if we're the same blood type I don't mind being tested," said Leigh Ann Colson.

"I said, that's a lot to ask," said Smoot. "She (Colson) said I might as well be tested, why not."

Leigh Ann did just that, and after several tests she got a phone call.

"They said we were compatible, they wanted to do further testing," said Colson.

"I was like, are you kidding me what are the chances of this," said Smoot.

Deborah Smoot's boss was a perfect match.

"My whole family was in shock, she was the first to be tested and she was a match," said Smoot. "The good Lord up above had a big role in that."

There were some initial concerns.

"My mom was a basket case," said Colson. "She didn't want me to do this, she said think about your family."

Leigh Ann has two boys, Brady and Riley.

"I was afraid, but it was her body and her choice," said Brady Colson.

Last month, that choice led both women to the operating room.

They have a photograph of the actual kidney that was taken out of Leigh Ann, and is now working like a charm inside Deb.

"It's just a miracle I'm telling you," said Smoot.

They're now home, still recovering from surgery in January.

There's some pain but Leigh Ann says it's worth it.

"Just knowing I could help her and she's going to be around," said Colson.

They are no longer just boss and employee. The two women have a bond that can never be broken.

"It's nice knowing I could help someone who needed help," said Colson.

"I don't know what she has felt, but I can't thank her enough," said Smoot. "I don't have enough words to tell her how important this has been to me."

Both women hope their story will raise awareness about the importance of organ donation.