I hope that Spring has been treating you well. We’re on the brink of summer, and up here that means warmer, dryer weather and an opportunity to spend more time outside. The sun is shining, the garden is growing, and the Corgis are happy. 🙂
On to the last month’s worth of stories…
The Genuine Optician
The man seemed just a little bit too happy…
Randy says: A man who teaches by simple heroic example, AND a man who is willing to learn, and is changed. That’s what HeroicStories is about.
Michael Maher adds: Great story… reminds me of what my father used to do-he was an optometrist.
Michele Barnett says: This made me smile on several levels: The man was having his needs met in a creative and compassionate manner; the optician was a caring and generous person (apparently to all who entered his store!); the writer was impacted in a positive and lasting way.
My Real Father
Any man can be a biological father, but it takes a special person to step up and be there, especially for a child who’s not your own.
Terry says: This story brought tears to my eyes. There certainly is a world of difference between someone who is a “father” and a DAD. How lucky you were to have George in your life!
Lori Ann Curley comments: Our friend L., a single mother of five children, asked my husband Brian to be a father-figure to M., her son whose father is the only one not there for his child (four different bio-dads). Of course my husband said yes because although we wanted children of our own, it didn’t happen. M. has been such a blessing in our lives. M. since has started referring to Brian as Dad; I am Mom #2 (L., of course, is #1), and the other guy is simply not talked about or referred to as “bio-dad” because M. thinks of Brian as his “real father.” Whenever people tell us “what a wonderful thing [we] are doing!”, I honestly tell them that we get more out of the relationship than M. does.
Cathy Gill says: What a wonderful story! George should have been named Father of the Year for all that he did for Tina! Thanks for sharing and may your life continue to be blessed by all that he taught you and did for you. He was one special man.
Results of a Risk Taken
In a rough neighborhood it still pays off to do the right thing.
The Waiting Room
A caring couple helps relative strangers through a frightening diagnosis.
Cheryl says: Many people have found this to be true – so much so that cancer societies have formalized buddy support programs. If you are facing cancer, please contact your local society to find out about cancer buddies. What is impressive to me about this story is that the experienced couple reached out on their own in ways that were both helpful and unobtrusive. Truly heart-warming examples for all of us. Thank you.
DeeDee comments: What an inspiring story! I have two friends dealing with cancer issues right now. I can only imagine the personal angst they are going through right now. I will resolve to remain upbeat and positive with them thanks to this wonderful description of how to be helpful. HS is making me a better person each time I read a story… each story is a lesson on how to become a better person. Thank you.
A Benevolent Biker
A rough looking biker helps a woman and her daughter when they break down.
Lori comments: Just this past weekend on the highway, we were passed by two groups of motorcyclists: 1. all dressed in the latest gear looking sharp and expensive and color coordinated. 2. the typical leather and denim MC gang look. The ones in denim and leather were better drivers, using their turn signals and passing safely. The upscale ones nearly caused more than one accident when they decided to squeeze between vehicles to pass. Good thing those vehicles used their brakes!
Jane says: In my yout (intentional, ref Vinnie ‘da lawyer, a very funny exchange in “My Cousin Vinnie”) I’ve known a few bikers. That old adage comes to mind. Most bikers and commercial truckers are angels of the road. They show a kinship that can be surprising. I probably would have been a little apprehensive too.
Anne adds: That was a great tribute to bikers everywhere. Thank you for writing that. My husband looks just like the guy you wrote about in your story and he would stop and help anyone in need. Just because they dress and look a certain way does not make them a “bad” guy. He is really a gentle guy all the way around. Hopefully your story will give bikers a better name. Thanks again for the share. 🙂
Consider It Yours
Two homeless men demonstrate a quiet level of selflessness rarely seen in public.
Jodi says: In 1975, the pastor (or somebody who worked at the church) of the First Presbyterian Church in downtown Dallas, Texas, saw a homeless man trying to open a can with a knife while he sat on the curb. He came in and said, “My Lord is sitting out there, hungry.” The church formed The Stewpot, where homeless people can get a meal and all kinds of services. They are also welcome to attend church and mix with the wealthy of Dallas. I know better than to give money, but I carry coupons good for a meal at the Stewpot.
Mike Hamernik comments: One of the better and more touching stories that really hit home with me for some reason. I’ve been out in the bitter cold before myself, thankfully not in a homeless situation, but I can relate to this story and am amazed at the generosity, humility, humbleness, and social kindness this gentlemen gave to his fellow in need. Truly an inspiration to remain human no matter one’s current situation in life. Thank you so much for sharing this story!
You Want Her to End Up Like Me?
Just the right words, at just the right time.
Josepm E. Miller says: Dear Heroic Stories, I’ve been reading your stories now for at least 6 years. I can tell you what a positive effect they have on me. I’m 68 yrs old now but when I was in my 20s I was a NYPD officer and I got to see both the best and the worst in people. I even was lucky enough to meet a few genuine heroes. Some risked life an limb while others just stopped and comforted those in dire situations like this nurse. She may never know what good she did, but her actions have far reaching effects on this poor bereft young girl. I can tell you this, the real heroes never look like Schwarzenegger, no they usually look like your skinny quiet neighbor or the feeble janitor in school who everyone just takes for granted. We are indeed a better society because of these people. We are a better society because we have an organization that publishes and shares these stories that we all NEED to hear. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Joe Miller, Fort Collins Colorado
Leo responded: Thank you! That just made my day. 🙂 And thanks for reminding me of the janitor at my first grade school. I remember him walking through the playground at recess among a crowd of kids, with a big grin on his face.
The Woman Named Love
A foster family shows children the nature of love.
Cathy Gill says: What a beautiful story. You were so blessed to have her as your mom. You came with anger and frustration with the life you had endured before you came to that home and you were truly blessed to have come to them. Your story brought tears to my eyes and a song in my heart for you and all that you succeeded in doing. I am so happy for you and congratulations on acheiving all you have achieved in life because of your good fortune to land in a happy, loving family!!!!
Keep spreading the word! HeroicStories relies on word-of-mouth to grow. Share the stories, share our Facebook page, share the weekly podcast … it’s all about sharing and letting others know that there is good news all around us.
Take care,
Leo
Publisher: https://heroicstories.org
Co-Conspirator to Make the World a Better Place