The good guys thread

[kuhio98]

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]

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]

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.

[kuhio98]

Crying Toddler

I went grocery shopping a few weeks ago. When I was checking out there was a woman with a little boy behind me in line. He saw the cheese I was buying & started crying loudly because his mother told him it was mine & not for him. When I finished checking out I opened the package of cheese & gave him one of the wedges (individually wrapped). The biggest smile came over his face & his mother thanked me profusely. I didn't do this for the thanks; I just hate to see a little one so upset over something that simple.

[kuhio98]

Kindness Coat

If everyone would just do one random act of kindness a day just imagine what a better world we would live in. I work with someone who is struggling. He works outside and has a jacket that is very old and battered. I found a jacket in my son's closet that my son didn't want. Although it isn't new; it was close to it. Barely ever worn. I brought it in and gave it to my coworker. He was so excited and thankful. I didn't know who was going to cry first; him or I. He said how warm it was and how thankful he was. I also use coupons to grocery shop. So I am able to stock up when there are good deals. I work with many people that aren't as fortunate as we are. So every few months I gather enough groceries to give someone. It is usually about a week's worth of meals and snacks. Most don't want to accept them and don't want anyone to know they are struggling. So I never tell anyone who I help. I love to give back and will continue to whenever I can!

[kuhio98]

Helping a Friend

I have a friend who does not have dental insurance. She has a dentist that will take her as a patient and bill her for services rendered. She said that she needs to pay down her balance to a certain point before she feels comfortable to go again for much needed work. What I have done is found out who her dentist is and have added a $25 - $50 monthly payment to my budget to help pay down her debt and she, at this point in time, has no idea it is happening. I mail in a payment with a note to post it to her account. Would love to see her face when she realizes it will be paid off sooner than she thinks. Smiling thinking about it!

[kuhio98]

Tambos Treasures

I started crocheting hats for the Phoenix Children's Hospital several years ago. I sent them with my daughter when she was volunteering on the cancer ward. She said that they were very excited to get them. In the last year I have broadened my creativity and started crocheting headbands, decorating baseball caps, decorating socks with silly faces, and decorating little canvas tote bags and filling them with toys. I have given them to Phoenix Children's Hospital (probably several hundred), The Ryan House and The Ronald McDonald House in Phoenix, Az. and I sent a box to St. Judes Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. I truly enjoy making these for some very brave and courageous children. I get so much out of giving these to sick children. My gift is my time. Tammi Sbordoni.