Is it just me, or does it seem like we’re in some serious need of positive stories?
It’s not easy, but I’ve consciously refrained from getting too political on social media in recent weeks. It’s not going to change anything any more, and it just serves to add to the noise, frustration, and anxiety that I think a lot of people are experiencing as the U.S. election cycle hits the home stretch.
Regardless of the outcome, I’ll be so glad when it’s done.
What I’ve been trying to do is share more positive thoughts, stories, and memes instead. Surprisingly I may not be alone, since there are actually plenty of them out there, if you know where to look.
And you know where to look. 🙂
As I mentioned last month, HeroicStories is on Facebook. Visit facebook.com/HeroicStoriesOrg. While I encourage people to leave their comments with each story on the HeroicStories web site for all to see, you’ll find that comments and even occasional discussions happen on the Facebook page as well.
And of course share the stories as they get posted. I think we all need to be reminded that there’s much more going on than what you might find in traditional media, and that a lot of it is good stuff.
One-Eyed Jack
A rescued dog comes back for one last thank you.
Clara Wersterfer says: “One Eyed Jack, a beautiful story about two kind hearted ladies with a love for animals. We should have more Marthas and Cindys in our world who see a need and do something to help. Thank you for reminding us that there are many creatures, large and small that sometime need the help of a human. God bless the adopted parents who made Jack’s final days happy. Thank you Heroic Stories for brings us good reading.”
No Big Deal
A young crossing guard thinks it’s “No big deal” when he does his job.
Ernest says: “A hero is a person who does their job in unusual circumstances. Tim, proves heroes come in all ages.”
The Daughter-In-Law
A selfless daughter-in-law goes out of her way to bring family to a father in his last days.
Eva Johnson says: “This woman must be an angel straight from God. Being the mother of a small child and pregnant she gave so much of herself to this sick old man is above and beyond the call of duty. I am sure she has been blessed many times over for her loving service.”
Cathy Gill says:Â “How fantastic! That she did that with a 1 year old and pregnant and then with the newborn baby and probably an 18 month old is just incredible. Don’t know the circumstances as to why dad was in Monterey the they lived in Santa Rosa. Would have been terrific if they had all lived in Santa Rosa. But for her to have done that so he would not be alone, well she is one special person. God’s blessings on this family for all they did for dad in his last year of his life. You have to look around to find people like this willing to sacrifice their personal life because you know they aren’t going to be around too much longer. That is love.”
Sidney Lichter says: “My wife did similarly while I was stationed in the Far East. I was career military, and was serving a 15-month tour in Taiwan. She would load our daughters–ages 3 & 4–into the station wagon and drive from the Endicott, NY area to Brooklyn, NY (roughly a 3-hour trip). so that my parents could spend some time with their oldest grand-children. Although neither of the girls really remember their grand-father, I know that he loved seeing and interacting with them. Before he died (in 1972) I came home on emergency leave, so that I could go through the grieving process with my mother and sister. Fortunately, the girls had another 16 years to share with their grand-mother, before she, too, passed.”
A Child’s Gift
A sneak peek at a daughter in the store proves that young people do still learn positive values from their parents.
Sherry says: “What a beautiful story. We all hope we’ve taught our children well and it’s a blessing to hear of a success like this. Made my eyes tear up just reading it so can imagine the pride it placed in that mother’s heart.”
Bunny says: “Hoooo – right in the feels. Mom has done a great job of instilling generosity and respect for others in her daughter. That the young girl would be thoughtful enough to not want the gentleman to be embarrassed by her gift. Lovely – just lovely.”
A Gift From a Good Teacher
Figuring out the answer to a difficult question in plane geometry gives a boy confidence for a lifetime.
Janice Still says: “This story rings home to me because I had several teachers over the years that added much to my life by their encouragement and acceptance. Also, throughout the years I have witnessed many dedicated teachers and mentors who love people make a huge different in the lives of their students. I’m not an educator by the way. I just want to affirm those that have made a difference in all our lives!”
Laura Head says:Â “This is a beautiful story of human beings interacting on the highest level: the boy’s discovery of his courage, a fine teacher’s brilliant response to a challenge rendered so naturally, and the enduring impact on the boy’s self-esteem to which he credits his professional success. It’s good, too, to be reminded that although we may be the authority and have the back-up of even higher authority, we are not necessarily right, and sometimes just giving someone a chance to explain their side of an issue can have remarkable and unexpected results.”
Nikki Koon says: “What a remarkable teacher. I had a few teachers like this over the years, in High School and College. As much as Mr. Dalton taught you plane geometry, he taught you to have confidence in yourself. The teachers that stick out in my mind after all these years are the ones who taught much more than a curriculum. Thank you to the Mr. Dalton’s of the world.”
A Few Dollars
A young mother in line, with not enough food stamps, is helped by a stranger — showing that there are many opportunities, right in front of us every day, to help other people.
Bunny says: “I appreciated the statement in the piece, reminding us that food stamps and other food support programs in the US really do feed hungry children. It’s truly a minuscule part of government spending – why would we begrudge generosity to those who are struggling? Mr. Roosevelt said many years ago, and I think it still rings true today, ‘The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.'”
Carol says: “I make it a point to notice the person in front of me in line, in case an opportunity like this presents itself. The phrase to use is, ‘please put that on my bill, but put it in her cart.’Â You’d be surprised how often you get the chance to help someone, and it’s usually the best money you’ll spend all week.”
Kellie S says: “When I was very young my parents didn’t have a lot of money. They owned their own house and paid the bills, but we didn’t get “extras”. One day an elderly gentleman approached my mom in the grocery store and said that my older brother and were so well-behaved, could he buy us each a kit-kat bar? I do not know who he was but to this day I cannot eat a kit-kat without thinking of him”
Nok
A young woman in Thailand teaches the author that remembering the blessings we enjoy every day makes it easier to give to others.
Jann P says: “It is much easier to give to “beggars” in other countries than it is here in the US when we don’t know their stories. Here we become jaded from all the television stories of con artists and those who are addicted and our contribution to those addictions. In the end, it depends on our compassion and willingness to help – whether it is through donating to food banks and homeless shelters, or giving change to someone who asks. And to help me with this decision, I always ask “If this were me or one of my children, how would I want other’s to respond?” A good reminder is always appreciated. Thank you for this story.”
Until next month,
Leo A. Notenboom
Publisher: https://heroicstories.org
Co-Conspirator to Make the World a Better Place