Plowing through Hiccups

This little seven-year-old kid has the hiccups while singing the Australian anthem at an Australia baseball game. I was so worried that he would feel badly afterwards but instead the baseball team gives him supportive high fives afterwards, and the commentator is proud of the kid for plowing through. How different would our most embarrassing moments be if all we ever felt was support? This kid was composed, yes, but the way the team treated him afterward affected his overall experience.

https://www.ksl.com/article/46782521/have-you-seen-this-youngster-fights-through-hiccups-to-sing-australian-national-anthem

Massachusetts Police Surprise Four Year Old Boy for Christmas

While unfortunately there is a deep tragedy in this story - a little boy who lost his mother because she was stabbed and died - it warms my heart to think about the strangers that took it upon themselves to bring the little guy some joy this Christmas.

One of the police officers involved with the case, Dan Cantois, learned that the boy, Jaiden "JJ" Clifford, loved police, their cars, and their hats. Cantois reached out to other police units, and before he knew it, 10 police departments around the state were preparing something special to surprise JJ. The photo in this article is so precious. This is a little kid whose life changed in the blink of an eye.

You can read the full story at KSL here:
https://www.ksl.com/article/46695175/police-surprised-a-4-year-old-massachusetts-boy-for-christmas-after-his-mother-was-killed

The Power of Three - Strangers getting together to help other strangers!

I love stories about people pitching in to help strangers.

I just saw this in today's news about three vehicles that pull a city bus out of the snow:

Have You Seen This? 3 vehicles pull bus full of passengers up snowy hill
https://www.ksl.com/article/46475357/have-you-seen-this-3-vehicles-pull-bus-full-of-passengers-up-snowy-hill

And it reminded me of this story about 80 strangers that held hands to reach a young family that was trapped in a riptide in the ocean:

80 Strangers Form Human Chain to Rescue Family From Ocean Riptide

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYCWT3CU0RE

Bainbridge Island mom overcome by random act of kindness

I love this story about a compassionate patron that recognized that this mother was doing the best she could with her upset child.

Bainbridge Island mom overcome by random act of kindness

This mother knows best

I love this story on KSL News about seven-year-old Zachary Becerra, who was so deeply hurt by the cruelty of someone that would shoot a cop that he started a big project to personally visit and thank cops at each precinct. He has visited over 70 precincts in New York, and given thank-you cards to 34,500 police officers.

Part of the beauty of this story isn't just the boy's project and that he's kept it up, but that his mother has accommodated and likely encouraged him in his pursuit, despite the sacrifice of time and research it is for her to drive him to each location each week. There are also the kind cops that are making such a strong impression on this boy by taking the time to visit with him and appreciate his efforts.

Nineteen-year-old rescues woman from burning car

I am so impressed with the young man in this article from CNN in Oregon. He broke a car window with his fist (wow!) then dragged a woman from burning car (wow!) right before the flames that were at the back of the car engulfed the front of the car.

The article tried to criticize the onlookers who did not help to rescue the women, but the fire enveloping the car was likely overwhelming to so many of them - which is why Phillipe Bittar's actions were so impressive! 

You can read the article here.

Mother Teresa and her Starfish

"A journalist once questioned Mother Teresa of Calcutta about her hopeless task of rescuing the destitute in that city. He said that, statistically speaking, she was accomplishing absolutely nothing. This remarkable little woman shot back that her work was about love, not statistics. Notwithstanding the staggering number beyond her reach, she said she could keep the commandment to love God and her neighbor by serving those within her reach with whatever resources she had. “What we do is nothing but a drop in the ocean,” she would say on another occasion. “But if we didn’t do it, the ocean would be one drop less [than it is].”⁹ Soberly, the journalist concluded that Christianity is obviously not a statistical endeavor. He reasoned that if there would be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over the ninety and nine who need no repentance, then apparently God is not overly preoccupied with percentages.^10"

"Are We Not All Beggars?"

Elder Jeffrey R Holland

October 2014

Price of Honesty - $40,000

I love this story about three roommates who went out of their way to be honest, and to return $40,000 to a forgetful 91-year-old-owner in upstate New York.

The roommates found the money in a used couch that they bought at a salvation store. They could have kept the money, but instead, they hunted down the owner and returned the money to her.

http://www.ksl.com/?sid=29897604&nid=711&fm=home_page&s_cid=toppick4

Four Moments That Made Someone's Day

Just read about these four moments that made someone's day on KSL news.

Strangers surprise Army vet with new roof

I read this story in the local news today:

A man requested a bid for a new roof for his family, but it was more than he could afford, partially because he had blown much of his budget on his baby, who had tumor. Strangers made sure this man had a much needed new roof, but I think more than anything, I'm touched by who masterminded the project to build him a new roof, free, and as complete surprise to him.

The Piano Guys - "Angels We Have Heard On High"

Wow.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/02/the-piano-guys-angels-we-have-heard-on-high_n_4373673.html

Girl's Camp

I participated in a week-long youth Girl's Camp for girls age 12-16 in June. What an amazing experience. The thing about the program is that it is completely volunteer work. None of us are paid to take a week off work or a week off from our families in order to ensure that the girls have an amazing experience being out in nature and getting away from the world.

I was so uplifted by the amazing leaders and girls around me, and how they served each other to make camp an uplifting experience for everyone.

Customers "Pay it Forward" for Three Hours

I love this article featured in KSL News about the generous customers at Tim Horton's, in Winnipeg, Canada, who paid for the meal behind them in the drive-through line, for three hours straight.

Although this article calls the place a coffee shop, I just know it as a popular donut shop that is all over Canada. I am not even much of a donut fan, but even I have had a donut at Horton's while visiting Canada.

At 10 a.m. on December 21, a customer paid for the order behind them. The next customer then did the same thing for the customer behind them. This happened for three hours straight - with each customer  paying for the order behind them, since their order had already been paid.

The neat thing about this article is that this is a popular trend at the donut shop, and has happened in other locations. In addition, I love that it talks about the energy level in the shop - it was exciting for the employees to keep count and see how long that streak of generosity lasted. 

Can I Help You?

A few Thursdays ago, my husband and I went to an event up at resort. When the event was over, we walked back to our car and opened the doors, then stopped and began chatting, instead of getting in the car and driving away. Apparently, we looked confused or distressed because an SUV with a couple of young guys in it stopped to ask us, "Are you two okay?"

I was impressed that two strangers would take the time to check on us, even though we were not giving off any obvious signs of distress. People are capable of such consideration and kindness! This is definitely not the first time that someone has stopped to check on my welfare when I have been pulled over at the side of the road or in some other way appeared to need help. I appreciate it every time.

I was in a clothing store yesterday, and two employees were checking clothes nearby me. I caught the tail end of their conversation, "Isn't it amazing? It's the smallest things that people do that can really make someone's day." 

A Helping Hand at Wal-Mart

A good friend of mine just posted this on Facebook.

Amber T.

I was just at the check out at Walmart and forgot my wallet in the car. So I ran out to get it and when I got back a lady had paid for all of my groceries. She told the cashier to have me pay it forward. Did I cry right there at check out 8, yes...yes I did.

Like ·  · 8 hours ago via mobile · 

Surprised, He Laughed

The man behind the checkout counter was clearly exhausted. Either that or he hated his job.

 He was in his late twenties at the most, yet he moved with the slumped shoulders and the exhausted face of a much older man - of someone who was desperately ready to clock out for the day.

I didn't blame him. Who knows what was going on his personal life, or what kind of day he had experienced at work. He wasn't rude, just clearly ready to be anywhere but behind that counter.

After he took my order, prepared my food, and told me how much I owed - all in the same, exhausted voice, I said dryly, and without much forethought, "You look REALLY happy."

His face creaked into a surprised smile, and a startled chuckle escaped his lips. After that, his slump was gone, and he finished checking me out with a genuine smile on his face. The store closed in five minutes so I like to think I helped him end his workday on a slightly happier note.

With Doors Wide Open

I don't know why people say chivalry is dead. I see it all the time.

In fact, I take it for granted so much that I still chuckle over an experience I had a month ago when it didn't happen.

I was struggling with a large pile of library books (a full book bag, plus a stack in my arms), planning how I was going to use my back to shove the door open and then make a quick spin to get out before the door shut on me or my books. However, as I walked toward the glass library doors, I saw a twelve-year-old boy approaching from outside, and thought with relief that he could save me the trouble. Instead, the boy visibly slowed down his steps enough to ensure that I, the "lady," arms full of books, would open the door for him! I was stunned. And yes, I opened one of two doors for him, balancing books in my arm, and using my foot and back, while the boy stood there, empty-handed, and waited.

Now, to be fair, the boy was only 12 but I know a lot of boys that have been taught to be courteous. I only bring this story up to emphasize the contrast too - that the people around me are so considerate about opening doors for each other that I'm shocked when it doesn't happen. A couple days ago, a girl who looked to about 11, waited an extra 20 seconds for me to catch up to her, while she held the door open. I actually had to go up a flight of stairs while she waited for me at the top. Wow - maybe a little too considerate?

My favorite one - a couple of months ago, a guy I didn't know walked out of my office building, saw me coming with my pile (my purse, a laptop bag, and a tray full of food) and actually ran back 15 steps to hold the door open for me.

I sometimes feel like someone is so far behind me that it is pointless to wait for them to open the door but then I remember how often someone does it for me, and I wait those extra seconds. It only take a few seconds out of your life to do something that is really quite nice and can add an extra smile to someone's day. I can't tell you how many grateful mothers with unwieldy strollers have smiled gratefully at me for a favor that cost me very little to provide - and all because I too, have been the recipient of the small and simple good deed.

Rent-A-Dog

I like to mountain bike and run on local trails, which means, I sometimes run into dogs that are off leash, with no owners to be found.

I like dogs but I don't like running into one when I don't know if the dog is friendly or dangerous. Of course, most of the dogs I run into are friendly, but I met a few that were downright scary. I wish dogs on the lam would carry little signs.

"Yes, I'm friendly.

"No, I won't bite."

"I'll count to five before I start chasing you. On my bark - 1-2 ..."


A few weeks ago, I spotted a stray dog while running with my good friend and running partner, and joked that it would be nice to have a good rent-a-dog to take with me on runs; something trustworthy that would protect me, because I know I don't have the time or inclination to be a worthy "real" dog owner.

The dog, who I later learned was named "Rusty," heard me, and signed up for the duty. We ran two more miles after I made that comment, down a dirt path that is soon going to become a paved road. There were many opportunities to turn down other streets that the dirt path crossed, but the dog stayed with us the entire way. We occasionally passed other runners, walkers, and bikers, which Rusty would investigate, but he always returned to us.

We were worried that other runners would resent us for having a dog off leash, or that we were helping the dog become further lost, so my friend, a dog owner, would occasionally say, "Go home!" My free rent-a-dog was loyal though, and stayed by my side.

At the end of our run, she checked the number on the tag, read it aloud, and I dialed the number. Less than ten minutes later, the owner of rent-a-dog had picked him up.

I would love to do that again. I count that as my starfish for the day. The dog did something nice for us (my running partner noted that I picked up my pace to keep up with it better - it would run ahead and then wait for us). Then, we did something nice for owner of the dog (because he was happy to get Rusty back). The daughter who left the gate open that let the dog out was probably relieved, too.

A Man with a Cart

I am uplifted daily by the kindness I see around me, whether it is personally experienced, shared second-hand through stories by friends and acquaintances, or something that I read in the news.

The following experience happened over a year ago, but since this blog didn't exist over a year ago, I think it deserves a special mention to kick off a blog about the lovely and simple things that people do to uplift each other.

There used to be a grocery store down the road from my home. This was not the usual grocery store that I frequented, so I was unfamiliar with the layout and products in that store. I ran in, expecting to make a quick, small purchase (looking for the perfect batch of Golden Delicious apples, to be exact). However, while I was in the store, I found a couple of other items that I wanted to purchase. At that point, I regretted not bringing in my own shopping bag, but by then, I was on the opposite end of the store from the grocery carts and baskets.

Shortly after having this thought, a gentleman passed by with the newer style of half-sized grocery carts, which I had never seen in a local store. I glanced at the cart, and stopped for a moment, dazzled by the great little cart, and debating the pros and cons of taking the time to grab a cart vs. juggling the extra items in my arms.

At that point, this man noticed me, and with a smile, offered his cart to me.

I was surprised by the offer, as I was not giving emitting "give me your cart" vibes, nor did I look particularly distressed. I refused, but gratefully, and told him that it was my own fault that I did not have a cart, and that I would be fine.

This kind man immediately insisted, while pulling the items out of the cart.

"You look like you need it more than me," he said.