Rain. That’s what I see out of my office window almost every day, it seems. This has been a record-setting Winter and now Spring in and around Seattle. Seattle! When the natives (of which I am one) start complaining about the rain, you know there’s been a bunch.
I hope the weather is more agreeable wherever you may be.
One small ray of sunshine that continues unabated, of course, is HeroicStories. Something bright, cheery, and hopeful, in your inbox twice a week.
As I’ve said several times in recent months, it seems like there’s more than just some rain to get us down — the world seems to need periodic good news more now than ever. I hope you’re finding HeroicStories a bit of an antidote to the constant onslaught of negativity that today’s news seems to be.
On to the last month’s worth of stories…
The Unstoppable Hero
Remembering a hero. One who never mentioned the many kindnesses performed, never asked for praise.
Lindsay says: What a fantastic man and a wonderful father. He really knows how to set a good example for his children.
Kathy Stevens SA says: Hi I was so impressed with the Dads humbleness. Beautiful legacy to pass on to his children.
A Stitch in Time
A young boy launches a project to make something warm and comforting for children in a shelter.
Sharon Young says: His compassion is remarkable. What is just as remarkable if not more is that he was working on his Eagle at 13. The limit is completing all prerequisites plus the service project – and turning in all associated paperwork and getting credit – before your 18th birthday. So he had to have done all the prerequisite badges before ever starting his project just to get to this point. I am guessing that he’s 30 or so now and hoping he still has that heart for the less fortunate.
Clara Wersterfer says: What a remarkable 13 year old John Scott was. Many adults would not have thought of the quilts. I’m sure his family is still exceedingly proud of him. Our world needs more youngsters like him. Thank you for a great story.
Bunny says: My son is an Eagle Scout, too, and did a project to benefit the pre-school he attended as a wee lad. I would be interested to hear how this person is doing now and if this project lived on beyond this particular Scout. A Scout can work on his Eagle Project before he has earned all of the required merit badges. So he could have been quite young when he tackled this project. Sometimes getting the project accomplished is easier than slogging through the merit badges!
For Whom Belle Toils
A quiet woman “sneaks” around doing small acts of kindness. Her actions are noticed, but the location is not given away!
Cheryl says: What an awesome example for the rest of us:” you need not be rich to share, nor do you need to inflict your problems on anyone else”. I would love an update on Belle.
Where There’s Smoke…
He calls in a fire and then, suddenly, needs to rescue the rescuers from a giant pit!
His Actions Spoke Louder than Words
A young boy jumps into a truck to stop it… then tells no one of his heroic act – showing the true nature of heroism.
Jim Baltaxe says:
In Jewish tradition and custom there is a clear hierarchy of the value of a “mitzvah” or good deed.
First comes the deed done openly and acknowledged by the doer who may even claim credit for it. This is exceeded by:
The deed done openly but without the doer claiming any acknowledgement or credit. This is exceeded by:
The deed done openly but so that the doer is not identified. This is exceeded by:
The deed done covertly but is known by those who are so aided. This is exceeded by:
The deed which is done so that neither the beneficiaries nor the actors are known.
Finally, and with the highest ranking, is the deed which is done without any indication that it was done at all.
A series of the last are said to be necessary for a person to be classed as a “tzaddik” or truly Just person.
Outside of our tradition such people are sometimes called Saints.
Jewish tradition also holds that at any time there are 36 Tzaddikim in the world, who ensure the continuity of fair and just society.
Bratfink says: ALL the great die at 27. I am sorry for your loss but glad you had a brother like that. xox
Roy J. Wood says: Howdy,
I have observed a trend in many, well most of the Heroic Stories…while the writer will always tell a little bit about someone else…the story is usually more about the writer than the hero. Patting themselves on their own back and seeking applause from others.
I love this story, though, because it is completely different. First of all, the hero, is a true hero…never bragging about themselves or their accomplishments. I wish more people would learn from him.
But I am also impressed that the writer did not add in an additional paragraph or two to talk about themselves, too.
Excellent story!
Thank you!
And thank you, all, for your support, your commands, and for recommending HeroicStories to your friends, family, and contacts.
Until next time,
Leo A. Notenboom
Publisher & Co-conspirator to Make the World a Better Place
heroicstories.org