I read a lot of news stories online to stay up-to-date on current events. The good news story of the week, that still puts a smile on my face is entitled Hurt Mystery Husky Saved by Acts of Kindness. It tells the tale of a young, injured husky that wandered it’s way into the Catlins area. The injury that poor Nala suffered in her travels forced veterinary care staff to have to amputate her leg.
Even after all that she had been through, Nala was said to be gentle and good natured. A dog rescuer, Karenne Walker, contacted a local couple that owns huskies. They agreed to help pay for Nala’s veterinary care. To make sure that Nala never gets lost again, she has been registered and micro-chipped. What touched my heart the most about this story is the fact that animal lovers, Jo and Karl Thomas, dug into their own pockets and helped pay for the necessary veterinary care to save a stray dog. Animals are people too. Nala is healed and ready to find her forever home.
It is not everyday that I find a story that discusses the kindness of strangers. Most people would just ignore someones struggles or hardships and just go on with their own lives. After reading The Kindness of a City, it renewed my faith in humanity. Reading the story of one of the 2013 Boston Marathon runners is uplifting. She had already completed the marathon when the bombing took place. She was safe in her friend’s apartment nearby.
After the commotion, she left the apartment and went to the Marriott Hotel where so many others were gathering. She went to ask emergency workers if she could go back to the apartment to get her ID and wallet several times and was denied each time. A Firefighter, named Scott, heard that she just wanted to go get her wallet so she could fly back home. He offered her his credit card, stating it was only money and she could mail the card back. She refused, so he opened his wallet and gave her what was in there so that she could get a cab. Not only did this firefighter, a complete stranger, open his heart and his wallet, he also helped her to get a shower to freshen up.
Just thinking about the story as I write this puts a smile on my face and immediately changes my mood.
After the Boston Marathon bombing, an ICU nurse, Nancy James, decided to do something for those that worked to care for and save the lives of those injured.
The doctors, nurses and medical staff that treats victims of tragedy are never really thanked or shown appreciation for their dedication. This all changed after the bombing. Nancy collected funds to send a meal to the hospital staff that worked on all of the victims.
Even though the meal was just pizza, it touched the hearts of the medical staff. In fact, they decided to send a meal to the hospital staff for those in Texas that were working feverishly to help the victims of the explosion there.
One act of kindness created a buzz which led to another being put into motion. Things like this proves that people really do come together in times of tragedy.
Today’s good news story comes out of Ohio and is a real world example confirming that kindness matters.
I found the story on a post on blogs.courier-jounal.com and was reminded of just how far even a little bit of shared kindness goes in to making the world a better place to live in.
The story goes that a couple out of Ohio won a vacation and immediately donated it to the pediatrics department of their local hospital. Their only caveat was that they wanted the vacation to be given to a sick child and his or her family.
Do your best today to pass the kindness forward to the first person you see in need and I’ll try to do the same. Kindness doesn’t have to cost a thing, but we all need to remember to pay it forward when we can.
Leave it to a group of school kids to teach adults that kindness is contagious. These kids, and the pledge they took to have a day without hate, leaves me speechless. Fox 21 News features a story on their website about the students in the Widefield school district about the Day Without Hate. What took place was a paper chain was built with random acts of kindness written on each chain link. All of the chains completed by the entire district will be displayed at the local community center. Not only do I see this as truly wonderful but it is a great way for kids to get involved in their community and boost morale.
I tried to read some of the chains that were featured in the video just to see how brilliant these children really are. I wish I could visit this chain in person and read every link. It is inspiring and uplifting to see that kids understand what many adults have so much trouble doing.
Joseph Conway, a Coventry High School student, spends a lot of his time performing acts of kindness for special needs athletes. It was finally his turn to have some kindness returned back to him. Reading about this amazing young man brought a great deal of joy to my day. He has inspired me to do more volunteer work and get involved in anything that I can to put a smile on someone’s face.
Joseph spends time working with athletes for the Special Olympics basketball team. He also works to raise funds for the Tomorrow Fund. Joseph was nominated to receive a Metta student award, and won. The foundation is based on love, kindness and compassion. Each year, students that stand out in their communities through volunteer work are eligible. This year was Joseph’s year to be recognized for everything that he does.
It makes me want to volunteer my time with troubled teens and help them through their struggles. I love working with developmentally disabled people and plan to spend more time doing so thanks to the inspiration from Joseph Conway. It doesn’t take a lot of time to show people you care and want to help.
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