We love to hear from our readers, of course, but I think we love to hear follow-ups from our authors even more! This month we have at least one returning author who’s shared a brief update, as well as several updates to our most recent story. We also see the explicit hope that the one of the prime characters of another story might see it and learn the impact his simple actions have had.
Naturally, if you know (or are!) someone who’s been featured in a HeroicStories story, we’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment on your story, of you you prefer to keep it anonymous drop me an email. As you can see, readers really do care, and are always interested in hearing the rest of your story.
That lead me to do a little research – did you know we’ve published nearly 200 HeroicStories online since our “rebirth” almost two years ago? Wow!
HeroicStories has always been a community of individuals that not only see the good in the world, but also try to spread that message when we can. It seems like that message is needed more and more every day. Be sure to spread HeroicStories with your friends.
And of course, if you have a HeroicStories story in you, be sure to check out our submission guidelines.
In Serenity’s Shoes
Would you approach a sobbing stranger in a parking lot and ask what’s wrong?
Tara says: I am that sister. By far the hardest thing I have had to do in my life was to make that call.
Margaret Newton adds: Tara, I knew your mother, she was a wonderful person! A life taken from her family way to soon. Sad times! Your story is beautiful, and I wish you and your family a nice little Irish Blessing! Since it is that time of year! May the sun shine all day long, everything go right and nothing go wrong. May those that you love bring back Love to you, and may all your wishes you wish come true. Margaret Newton
Caran says: I remember Sara telling me how her journey home began with Serenity after we all received the devastating news of our mothers death. I have always been thankful for Serenity’so kindness to my sister who was so far from our home town when this happened.
Touch a Life
A camp manager gives the staff a challenge that changes a young man’s outlook.
Rene Castle comments: This is a teaching story in a number of ways: (1) giving kids other perspectives of life, (2) teaching respect for all people and occupations, (3) “touching a life” as a goal for everyone, and (4) being an example for children (who have simple views of life) when faced with an ethical challenge. I applaud both Norman and Joe for being such awesome role models — well done!
arlene asks: Now 15 years later I would love to know how Joe’s life turned out – what he’s doing now. Any updates?
Leo responds: None that I’m aware of. I’m always hopeful that the subjects of the stories will find us and let us know…
A Cinderella Sari
At the spur of a moment a stranger offers the perfect sari for an important dinner
Tacie comments: So wonderful! I’m sure Amy was dazzling. The sari’s and the fabrics that they are made from are so stunning and beautiful.
Sondra adds: What a beautiful story. I’m so surprised that the woman loaning the sari was not given a pair of free tickets to hear Mr. Gandhi speak.
What Dad Taught Me
A son learns to appreciate the hard choices his father made with his career in choosing family over money.
ira says: I would have loved to know the kind of difference your dad made even though his initial motivation was to do this for you. My fantasy is that he did make a difference
Steve (the author) responds: He did make a difference. It’s not a fantasy. It was hard for him. My mom would cut our hair. I remember Dad bringing home a student a couple of times because they didn’t have money for a haircut and they were dirty.
Paul adds: I would agree with Ira, I’ll bet your dad did make a difference in the lives and outlooks of the many students he taught and with whom he came in contact.
Saved by My Truckee River Friends
Down by the riverside, a group of homeless people jump up and save a bike from a thief.
Tacie says: Natalie, what an awesome story!!! I am always knitting hats because they are quick easy and fun to do. My really fluffy soft ones go to the cancer center in my Dad’s name. After that I just don’t know what to do with my other ones. If you would want them, maybe we can work through Leo to get e-mail addresses passed back and forth. Now they are knit, not crochet. I am super bad at crochet. Let me know if you are interested.
Annette N adds: What a lovely story – we are all in this together and it means we need to help one another when we can. Natalie you are helping – and it is evident your friends want to help you. Thank you for sharing.
John P. – Miami, OK comments: Just because somebody is down on their luck and homeless does not make them a bad person. Some of the homeless people in our area are happy to do some minor yard work in exchange for money, food, clothing, whatever and my wife and I enjoy helping them out.
Sometimes the Smallest Gesture…
One small gesture changes the outlook of a small girl in middle school.
Suzan asks: Wouldn’t it be great if Tim read this and replied?
Ian adds: That would be so awesome!
A Different Point of View
On a hot summer day a spiritual leader displays a level of kindness that makes a permanent impact.
Annette Naish says: Wouldn’t it be wonderful if everyone had a person who could regularly remind us of our own humanity?
Kaye comments: I was completely surprised to find that, as I read the story and came to the part where The rabbi said, “Isn’t this a miracle?…” I suddenly began to cry! I them listened to the podcast, and the same thing happened. It was as if I had been there! Thank you for that story. I do see how the rabbi’s word and manner completely transformed the moment and the mood. I felt it.
Until next time,
Leo Notenboom
Publisher, HeroicStories
Co-conspirator to make the world a better place