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Elderly Woman Has One Desire - And She Finally Fulfills It on Her 106th Birthday
Uplifting News

Elderly Woman Has One Desire - And She Finally Fulfills It on Her 106th Birthday

Magnolia Jackson of Gainesville, Florida may be one of the oldest people on the planet, but she's still young at heart.The centenarian, who turned 106 on March 14, decided to mark the milestone occasion in the most magical way possible — by spending the day at the Happiest Place on Earth.While turning 106 is definitely worthy of celebration, what made this day even more magical is that it was a historic first for the woman who is no stranger to historical events. Once Upon a DreamWalt Disney QuoteMagnolia is part of an elite club. Born in 1918, she's older than traffic lights, televisions, Mickey Mouse, and cheeseburgers. She's seen a lot in her 106 trips around the sun, including the Great Depression, World War II, and the Civil Rights Movement. Magnolia witnessed the first man walking on the moon and the end of the Cold War. She's seen the rise of the internet age and the fall of the Berlin Wall. She's watched four generations of her family grow up. But one thing she'd never seen? Walt Disney World.According to a Walt Disney World press release, Jackson fell in love with "all things Disney" after she attended the Florida Classic college football game in Orlando last fall and watched Drum Major Mickey Mouse steal the show. His performance “fueled her desire to celebrate her birthday at Walt Disney World."On Wednesday, March 11, her dream came true. A Centenarian’s First Visit to Disney WorldMickey Mouse did not disappoint. Along with Minnie Mouse, corporate executives, and a few Disney cast member friends, Mickey made it a celebration to remember.They pulled out all the stops, including large light-up numbers, happy birthday signs, celebratory music, colorful balloons, and a huge birthday cake adorned with, you guessed it, magnolia flowers.And with Cinderella's Castle as the backdrop, Magnolia received a rousing serenade of "Happy Birthday," surrounded by her loving family and friends.After trading in her bedazzled baseball cap for a tiara, Magnolia took in the sights of the Magic Kingdom and had a special meet-and-greet with Princess Tiana. She then headed over to Epcot Centre to take in the International Flower and Garden Festival. It was the perfect place to celebrate not only her special day but two things that are very near and dear to her heart — gardening AND education.After graduating from Bethune-Cookman College in Daytona Beach in 1944 with a Bachelor of Science degree in education, Magnolia spent the next 40 years as an educator.Now the oldest living graduate of the college, Magnolia is credited with inspiring countless students to follow in her footsteps, particularly those in underserved communities.Secret to Living a Long LifeWhile Magnolia didn't share the secret to her longevity, her niece did give some insight at her 105th birthday party last year, where Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward proclaimed the day, “Magnolia Jackson Day.”"She is full of laughter and love."Jackie WilsonResearch shows that centenarians tend to focus on the positive aspects of life, rather than the negative, expressing gratitude for their blessings and prioritizing their relationships.Whatever Magnolia is doing, she's obviously doing it right. And there's no better place to do it than the place where we all get to recapture our youth, for a moment at least, with a little magic and a sprinkling of pixie dust. More from Goalcast:Retiring Teacher Left Stunned When Her Students – Past and Present – Surprised Her at Disney, Her Favorite Place11-Year-Old Deaf Girl Visits Disneyland With Family – They Are Shocked When They See How One Princess Interacts With ThemLittle Girls Think Their Costco Cashier Is Maui From Disney’s “Moana” — His Reaction Will Warm Your Heart

Woman Wakes Up to Husbands Dirty Dishes in the Sink - Instead of Cleaning Up, He Left Her a Note With 3 Words
Marriage

Woman Wakes Up to Husbands Dirty Dishes in the Sink - Instead of Cleaning Up, He Left Her a Note With 3 Words

Relationships can be tricky, especially when it comes to domestic labor. Trying to find a balance that is equitable and fair isn't always easy and typically, one partner ends up doing the lion's share of the work. Because after all, someone has to do it. And that someone usually ends up exhausted, overwhelmed, and with a heaping side of resentment. Susan Lehman, a hairstylist, wife, and mother of two teenage sons, shared a now-viral video on TikTok about her husband leaving a sink full of dirty dishes after having a few friends over to watch the Sugar Bowl. Understandably, she was less than thrilled. But what happened next? Is pure relationship goals. Woman Wakes Up to a Sink Full of Husband’s Dirty Dishes“My husband had people over for a big game last night,” Susan, 43, begins in the TikTok video.She then zooms in on the mess that was waiting for her when she came downstairs at the crack of dawn. "Look at all these freaking dishes in the sink."Susan Lehman via TikTokAnd as millions of viewers sit nodding their heads in solidarity and feeling their blood pressure rising — because who doesn't know how rage-inducing this can be? — Susan reveals a surprising plot twist. She pans over to a sticky note on the counter with 3 simple words, "I got it!" and an arrow pointing to the sink.It seems her husband, Matt, knew she would be annoyed by the dishes and would feel like she had to clean them herself so he decided to ward her off with a pre-emptive strike. It worked. (And gained him some serious brownie points).Upon seeing the note, Susan exclaims, "What a good guy!... I just love that he acknowledges that he left a mess in the sink and don’t worry, he’ll take responsibility for it.”She ends the clip smiling and saying, "Ah, we've come so far."Reaction to the Viral Video Susan isn't the only one loving how her husband tackled what could have turned into Dishgate. The short 24-second clip has amassed over 3.5 million views, 521,000 likes, and nearly 3500 comments.And while the majority of commenters love the outcome, praising the communication and writing things like, "The note changes everything! Amazing communication" and "I love this communication. He was too tired to do it after a fun 'party' but knew that if he didn't do it, you would've been annoyed :)" Others? Not so much. Reactions to the clip were mixed, with some people calling the note “the bare minimum” and noting that “the bar is on the floor” for men. Susan decided to address the controversy in an interview with Today and set the record straight.“After we got married, we definitely fell into these very cliche roles, where I did the cleaning and he did the man things, and for a long time, that arrangement worked," she says.“And then one day I was like, ‘You know what? Other people can help me in this house.'"Apparently, it's worked wonders.“Matt and I are high school sweethearts but it feels like a new relationship,” she says. “That bare minimum note was the max for me. Our communication is better than it’s ever been and I’m proud of how far we’ve come. Everybody — our sons included — pitches in now. I can't tell you how much our lives have changed."Marriage Is a PartnershipPitching in and taking responsibility for your own messes not only goes a long way in helping the household run more smoothly but it also has a significantly positive impact on your relationship too. As do effective communication and gratitude.And despite what the critics say, there’s nothing wrong with celebrating your partner for the small stuff. Because it's all that small stuff that adds up to the big stuff. At the end of the day, we all want to feel loved, valued, appreciated, and seen by our significant other. And sometimes? As this story proves, that can be as simple as three small words on a sticky note. More from Goalcast:Man Explains Why He Refuses to Help His Wife and 4 Kids Around the House – And Strangers Are Praising Him for ItMan Accuses Wife With Full Time Job of ‘Doing Nothing Around the House’ – So After Getting Revenge, She Leaves for VacationWoman Has a Dream About the Same Baby for Months – Fights to Adopt Her Husband’s Dead Ex-wife’s Son

Mom Has Enough of 13-Year-Old Sons Entitled Behavior - So She Draws Up a Contract to Teach Him a Lesson
Uplifting News

Mom Has Enough of 13-Year-Old Sons Entitled Behavior - So She Draws Up a Contract to Teach Him a Lesson

*Featured image contains photo by Kindel MediaThere’s no handbook for raising children, and despite our best efforts, some kids can be a handful. It can be hard to know how to handle certain situations, and sometimes parents rely on their communities — in real life and online — to help navigate it all.That’s why one mom’s response to her son’s rude behavior has gone viral. Not only are some parents applauding the letter she published, but they’re also taking inspiration from it.Enough Is EnoughBack in 2015, a mother named Heidi Johnson had enough of the way her then 13-year-old son was talking to her. She decided it was time to do something about it, so she wrote him a letter.“Since you seem to have forgotten you are only 13 and I’m the parent, and that you won’t be controlled, I guess you will need a lesson in independence,” she wrote. “Also as you threw in my face that you are making money now, it will be easier to buy back all the items I bought for you in the past.”The mom then explained that if her son, Aaron, wanted access to lights and the internet (he was making money as a YouTuber at the time) he would need to start paying his share of the costs.Johnson then listed out what she expected her son to pay:Rent: $430Electricity: $116Internet: $21Food: $150She added that he’d also need to empty the trash three nights a week, vacuum and sweep, and clean the bathroom weekly. Going forward he was also responsible for cleaning up after himself and cooking his own meals. A failure to do any of that would result in a $30 maid fee daily.“If you decide you would rather be my child again instead of a roommate, we can renegotiate terms,” she concluded.Accidentally Going ViralJohnson took a snapshot of the note and posted it to Facebook, intending to share it with her friends.“The child is going to have a rude awakening today after the words he exchanged with me last night,” she captioned the post. “Not only will he find this on the door, but his mattress stripped, and the toys and clothes that I bought confiscated. He will have three options. Buy his own, rent his clothes at $3 a day, or renegotiate his terms of being a child. Mama's done playing games and being a doormat.”What Johnson didn’t mean to do was to set the post to public. But she did, and when she woke up the next day, she had more than 100 new friend requests. She was confused at first, but then when she saw some of the comments from people who supported her or whom she had inspired, she left it public."Stand proud as a parent, teach them from your experience and get respect."“It’s just that time in life, we all go through it to some degree. Stand proud as a parent, teach them from your experience and get respect, I love it,” wrote one person.“More parents should try this, then the kids might have an idea of what it costs to live. Way to go,” wrote another.Learning a LessonNot everyone agreed with the mom’s parenting style, but in the end, she said it made a difference. “When I ask him to do something, he does it,” she shared in the same post a week later.She added that her son earned his comforter and some clothes back right away, even though she did leave him with some clothes, pillows, and sheets — just not the ones he would want to wear every day. She also explained that there have always been consequences to actions in her house, but things are changing as her son ages.“As he gets older, he also gets more responsibilities because he is old enough to handle more. That seems to be where he wants to dig his heels into the ground more,” she continued. “He wants the perks of growing up without the responsibility that comes with it.”In another update, Johnson explained that she hated having to discipline her kid like that, but that’s just part of being a parent.“I take no pleasure out of punishing my child, but I needed to make a lesson with a lasting impression,” she wrote. “I needed for there to be a teachable moment in this belligerent chaos. I also knew I had to trust my instincts, as a mother who has known her child for 13 years, that I knew this was for the best and that we would work through it.”It Takes a VillageWhether you agree or disagree with Johnson’s tactics, at the end of the day, we can all agree that parenting is hard, and no one ever really knows if they’re doing the right thing. What we do know is that we’re all just trying our best, and sometimes that is the right thing.One of the reasons this story went viral is because of how Johnson took a stance and tried to parent her son. But another and very relatable reason this resonated with people is because parenting is hard and we all have to do things we don’t like when trying to teach our kids to be good people.So the next time you feel alone or stuck as a parent, remember Johnson and her note. Because at the end of the day, all parents will have their ups and downs. But so long as you lead with love and trust your instincts, odds are you and your kids are going to be okay.More from Goalcast:Woman Forces Stepdaughter to Wear Ugly Dresses to School – Teaches Her a Valuable Life LessonUngrateful Daughter Throws Mom’s Gift in the Trash – So She Decides to Teach Her a Harsh LessonSingle Mom Expects 6-Year-Old Son to Do Household Chores – The Reason Why Is a Lesson for All Parents

Single Dad Reaches His Stepdaughters School for Mothers Day Event - But He Wasnt Dressed as Himself
Uplifting News

Single Dad Reaches His Stepdaughters School for Mothers Day Event - But He Wasnt Dressed as Himself

In a heartening tale from Thailand, a devoted single dad, Joe Lookphonbodee, became the hero of his daughter's Mother's Day celebrations in the most unexpected way.Mother’s Day in Thailand is a day of joyous celebrations, but for those without a mom, it can be a poignant reminder of absence. Not wanting his adopted daughter, Nong Cream, to feel left out, Joe, affectionately known as “Teacher Joe,” decided to step into a role traditionally reserved for moms.Why a Single Dad Decided to Dress Up as “Mom” for the Day In a delightful turn of events, Joe, a P.E. instructor at his daughter’s school, donned a wig and a gingham dress to attend Nong Cream's Mother's Day school event. In Thailand, Mother's Day is celebrated on August 12, marked by special ceremonies where students pay respects to their moms with jasmine flowers.Joe's motivation was simple but profound. He expressed, “When the school organizes Mother’s Day activities, I don’t want my child to have an inferiority complex. Personally, I’m not ashamed because I love my child.”A heartwarming video captures the essence of this extraordinary gesture. Dressed as “Mom” for the day, Joe's entrance is met with a warm embrace from his daughter. The joy on Nong Cream’s face is palpable as she hugs her dad, expressing gratitude for his creative approach to ensure she felt the love on Mother’s Day.In the video's caption, Joe playfully mentions, “'Mom' I can be for you, hahaha,” showcasing the lighthearted spirit with which he embraced this unconventional role.Joe’s act not only broke societal norms but also turned what could have been a challenging day into a cherished memory for both father and daughter. In Nong Cream’s words, “I don’t feel embarrassed. This year’s Mother’s Day, I want to say I love my father. Thank you, Dad, for raising me and making me happy.”How a Dad Proved the Importance of Showing UpThe video, shared widely, struck a chord with people globally, spreading smiles and admiration for Joe's unconditional love and commitment to his daughter. It is a testament to the extraordinary lengths parents go to ensure their children feel valued and included.“Even though I am a single father and her stepfather, I always tell Cream that she is my daughter, and I love her like my own biological child. I will do my best as both father and mother in order to take care of my girl,” Joe said as per Dexerto.In the tapestry of single parenthood, Joe Lookphonbodee’s story stands out as a vibrant thread, weaving love, creativity, and resilience. His dedication to making Mother’s Day special for Nong Cream not only showcases the power of unconventional gestures but also reinforces the idea that love transcends societal expectations.As we celebrate stories like Joe’s, may it inspire us all to embrace love in its myriad forms and appreciate the lengths parents go to bring joy to their children’s lives. Joe’s transformation into “Mom” is not just a playful act; it's a profound symbol of parental love that knows no boundaries.More from Goalcast:She Was Born in Prison and Then Raised by a Single Dad – Years Later, She’s Going to Harvard on a Full ScholarshipWoman Battling Alcoholism Can’t Take Care of Her 2 Kids – So Her Boyfriend of One Year Raises Them as a Single Dad21-Year-Old Single Dad Wakes Up at Midnight to Walk to Work Every Day – So His Co-workers Arrange a Special Surprise

Poor Boy Collects Cans on the Street to Survive - Then a Stranger Approaches Him and Brings Him to Tears
Uplifting News

Poor Boy Collects Cans on the Street to Survive - Then a Stranger Approaches Him and Brings Him to Tears

You may have heard of Bl Phakathi, South Africa’s “Secret Santa.” The motivational speaker and life coach is known for sharing successful, viral videos of giving and gratitude, and this past November he was at it again to bring us all to tears.Bl Phakathi’s Chance Encounter With a Boy Who Collected Cans to SurviveIn a video posted to Phakathi’s verified YouTube channel last November, the man in question meets a boy working in loneliness on the streets collecting cans while cleaning and guarding cars for cash. Phakathi introduces himself to the kid, who identifies himself as Rudy.The pair start to chat, with Phakathi asking him questions like where he stays, who he stays with, and how much he makes in a day (less than $50 in his local currency).I want to study, but my father says I must start work.Rudy“It is better than nothing,” Rudy explains over the last question, revealing he lives across the street with his father, who is separated from his mother.“I want to work, actually. Because I’m tired of standing like this. Nobody wants to give me a chance because of this corona," Rudy adds.The boy then mentions that his father was working for “small money” every week, and now he comes to the streets to make money and support his family. “I buy food and cigarettes for my father and food for me,” he adds.How a Famous YouTuber’s Generous Gift May Change a Struggling Boy’s DestinyAfter hearing Rudy’s story, Phakathi hands him a giant bag of cans and food and tells him to take it home and give it to his father. The boy is clearly blown away and thanks the man for his kindness. He puts down the cans he has been collecting to shake Phakathi’s hand in gratitude, but instead, Phakathi hands him a wad of cash.He asks Rudy to count the $350, then hands him even more bills totaling more than $1,000. “Now my heart is beating!” Rudy says, fighting back tears. When Phakathi tells the kid to bring some of the money home to his dad but to hide the rest so he can get on his feet, Rudy can no longer stop the tears from coming.It was the toughest time, what happened to me. Thank you very much.Rudy“Thank you very much,” he says, clutching the bills and wiping his tears before storing the money in the pocket of his shorts. In response, Phakathi then hands Rudy a few more hundred-dollar bills. “Take this extra. It’s going to help you.”After hugging it out and calming down, Rudy then picks up his cans and thanks the man again.How Bl Phakathi’s Kindness Can Inspire Your Own GenerosityThe fact that Rudy still picked up his cans to exchange for money after receiving such a life-altering gift just highlights how unused to any kind of help this kid is. It’s also a huge reminder that although some children desperately want an education, they need to work and help support their families instead.Phakathi records and shares these encounters to inspire others to give back, but to also highlight the reasons some people are in the situations they’re in. One of the most powerful components of this story lies in the comments section of the video itself. There, many people who are around the same age as the boy say he reminds them they have so much in their own lives and they often take it for granted.It’s always nice to help others who are less fortunate than us through a donation, a bag of food, or a warm cup of tea or coffee. But it’s also nice to get to know someone and learn about their life story.If you too want to inspire others to give and practice gratitude, sharing Rudy’s story is a good start. But also show it to kids who may not understand how those in other countries, cities, towns, and situations may live. They say you never know what a person is really going through until you walk a mile in their shoes. But thanks to Phakathi and his videos, at least we can see what an impact simple kindness can have.More from Goalcast:World’s Most Popular YouTuber Helps 1,000 Blind People See Again by Paying for Their SurgeriesMan Attacks Famous YouTuber Online – What His Dad Does Next Is Applause-WorthyMen Play Cruel Prank on 8-Year-Old at Target – Little Did He Know There Was Much More to Come

Confused City Workers Observe an Elderly Man Sitting in His Car - When They Find Out Why, They Secretly Start Doing This
Uplifting News

Confused City Workers Observe an Elderly Man Sitting in His Car - When They Find Out Why, They Secretly Start Doing This

In the quiet charm of Lakeside Park in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, where winter blankets everything in a soft layer of snow, a poignant scene unfolded. City workers Jerrod Ebert and Kevin Schultz stumbled upon an unexpected visitor, defying the cold to express a love that transcended time.What Two City Workers Observed on a Snowy DayPhoto by Karolina GrabowskaOn this particular snowy day, as the duo expected solitude in the park, they spotted an elderly man patiently waiting in his car. Perplexed, they observed, and it didn't take long for them to discern the heartwarming reason behind his presence.The man in the car was Bud Caldwell, husband to the late Betty Caldwell. A dedicated bench in the park memorialized Betty, and despite the weather's harshness, Bud would regularly bring daisies, a tribute to his wife of 55 years who adored the song "Daisy a Day." Unable to make it to the bench due to the snow, he sat in his car, continuing his tradition of love.Jerrod and Kevin, touched by this silent display of devotion, were inspired to act. The next day, Bud found a miracle awaiting him. The walkway to Betty’s bench, the path of his heartfelt pilgrimage, had been meticulously shoveled. A stranger's gesture, an anonymous act of kindness, had made it possible for Bud to reach his wife's memorial.Overwhelmed with gratitude, Bud, believing no one had noticed him, expressed, “My knees about buckled on me.” It was a revelation that the walkway was being cleared by compassionate hands, an unspoken agreement that some duties go beyond the call of job descriptions.How Two Men Proved the Importance of Unspoken KindnessFor Jerrod and Kevin, it was a simple act of human connection, an intuitive nudge to extend help when it was most needed. “We were just doing what we felt was our job,” Jerrod humbly stated. “Some intuition, be it divine or otherwise says this is why you’re here – to help one another.”The duo continued to shovel the path daily, a silent pact to ensure that Bud could keep his tradition alive. It was an embodiment of community, a reminder that kindness, often unspoken and unseen, has the power to mend the fractures of grief.Now, Bud can visit Betty's memorial bench throughout the year. The daily ritual of clearing the path, a snow-covered promise of remembrance, allows Bud to speak to his beloved wife, to sing to her the familiar notes of "Daisy a Day."As he walks away from the bench, his parting words echo in the winter air, “See you tomorrow, munchkin. Love you. Always did. Always will.” In the cold embrace of winter, a warm trail of love is carved, reminding us that even in solitude, kindness has the power to bridge the gap between hearts.More from Goalcast:They Were Trapped in the Snow With No Phone Reception as the Sun Went Down — Then One of the Hikers Remembers a Trick Used by Smugglers in PrisonPostman Notices 81-Year-Old Struggling in Her Yard – So He Takes a Photo to Post OnlineCouple Hears Someone Knock on Their Door Late at Night – The Guest Wasn’t Who They Were Expecting

Single Mom of 6 Has Struggled With Homelessness - So High School Students Plot Together and Come Up With a Plan
Uplifting News

Single Mom of 6 Has Struggled With Homelessness - So High School Students Plot Together and Come Up With a Plan

Single parenthood is not easy. Having to play both parental roles while tending to the needs of their jobs and other life obligations has its obstacles. Single parents deserve any bit of help they can get.So when it became known that a single mom of six children in Charlottesville, Virginia, needed a mode of transportation for herself and her kids, a group of high school students and an organization with hearts of gold gave her the life-changing gift of a car.How High School Students Helped a Single MomMichelle Mendez is gifted a car by Louisa County High School students.Michelle Mendez, the mom of six, had financial upheaval.Before she received assistance from the nonprofit The Journey Home, Mendez was homeless and had stayed in and out of hotels across the area before getting help from the group.The Journey Home is a nonprofit that helps people recover from the struggles of homelessness with faith-based solutions.After getting help from the organization, the nonprofit Giving Hands also stepped in to offer assistance. Giving Hands was created by single dad Eddie Brown and his wife Ginny and focuses on providing help to single mothers who are facing periods of crisis, including car repair needs."The component that I look at is just the hope. And just seeing that in her eyes as she received that car and just the excitement and what it means for her boys too," Brown told NBC29 News.Giving Words also upped their support to a new level. They obtained a $10,200 grant from Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, a local company, and worked with the high schoolers to get Mendez a vehicle.Students Worked on the Car for Some TimeReportedly, the students had been working on the car for the course of the year so that the car would be ready for both Mendez and her children.Mendez revealed that it's "been hard as a single mom" when you have a family to support, but she is grateful for the community's efforts."I really appreciate everything everybody's done to make this happen," she said.It's natural to believe that a school project that took a year to finish would become a memorable experience for students. And one for a great purpose will leave a significant impression on those who benefit from the act.Mendez received the car in a ceremony that included the high school students who worked on getting the car in the best condition for her. Brown and a representative from Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, among others, were in attendance.Mendez’s Message for the High Schoolers Who Helped Maker Her Life BetterMendez has a short but impactful message of "hope" for the charismatic high schoolers as they've done a remarkable deed."[I hope they are] grateful that it gets to go to somebody who's really going to appreciate it and use it," she said.More from Goalcast:Ex-convict Stops for Breakfast at Denny’s – And Asks for a Waitress Who’s a Single Mom for This ReasonSingle Mom Cleans Four Bedroom Home Then Told She Gets to Keep It – Later She Finds Out It Was A “Prank”Judge Learns Single Mom Was Kicked Out of Her House at 13 Years Old – Then, He Reads a Letter in Front of the Court That Stuns Her

Boss Thinks Man Is Joking When He Said He Walked 6 Hours to Get To Work - Then a Stranger Makes an Offer He Cant Refuse
Uplifting News

Boss Thinks Man Is Joking When He Said He Walked 6 Hours to Get To Work - Then a Stranger Makes an Offer He Cant Refuse

How far would you be willing to go to get to work? Well for one man from Prineville, Oregon, the answer is 33 miles. While this may not seem like much if you have a car or access to public transportation, it's one heck of a commute if you're doing it like he did — by the power of his own two feet. What would normally take approximately 45 minutes by vehicle, took Eric Akers 6 AND A HALF HOURS by foot, and someone needs to give this guy a raise.These Feet Were Made for Walking, so That’s Just What He DidIt all started when Eric's car broke down. With only $300 to his name, he had to spend every last penny he had to have it towed to the shop.After unsuccessfully trying to find a ride to his night shift as a commercial custodian in the neighboring town of Bend, Eric decided to take matters into his own hands (or, in this case, feet.)Rather than call in sick he strapped on his sneakers and started walking. And walking. And walking...for 6 and a half hours.“I needed to get to work no matter what. So I woke up early — about 9:00 a.m. Started around 10:00 a.m. Left for Bend and it took about 6 1/2 hours, but I made the trek.”Eric Akers via Central Oregon DailyHe made it to work on time. His boss, after hearing his story, was shocked by the lengths he went to.“When I first heard that, I was shocked. I thought he was joking, actually, at first,” said boss Greg Davies. “I appreciate the dedication. We would have had nobody here for our night crew if he had not gone the extra mile, you might say. Or 30-plus in this case.” A Stranger Steps Up With an Offer He Can’t RefuseBut it turns out, his boss wasn't the only one impressed by his dedication. With a little help from his mama and friends, Eric's story was picked up by local news stations. And then the emails started pouring in.Local farmer Chris Arsenault was sitting on his tractor, scrolling on his phone, when he first heard about Eric. After learning that his car required over $2200 in repairs and would take weeks, if not months, for parts to arrive on back order, he immediately decided he wanted to do something to help. And he had just the thing — a 1997 Honda Civic he no longer needed. Chris and his wife contacted the news station which put them in touch with Eric. The next day, Eric went out to meet the couple, totally unaware that he was about to drive away with a car. He was floored when Chris delivered the news, telling him, “I bought this car from my uncle. My aunt bought it brand new in ’97. It’s a clean little car. My wife and I want to give you that car.”“There’s no way I would have done it. That’s what inspired me to do this, and my wife, too,” Chris said.We Need to Help Our NeighborsAs for why Eric chose to walk 33 miles? He chalks it all up to a strong work ethic.“I guess I say work ethic. I really need the money. I like my job. I want to keep my job. I like the people I work with. So, a measure of just showing I’m willing to do what it takes to get the job done,” he said.He also added that he just wants to be able to provide for his family and tries to be a good role model for his children. It's definitely working.According to Chris, he's no superhero. He just did what he thought was right. “I think, especially in today’s time, we need to help people. We need to help our neighbors. It’s a rough time. People are divided and so I wanted to help him,” he said.We could all stand to walk in his shoes. Whether it's gifting someone a car or even just giving someone a lift, we all have the ability to help each other out. More often than not it just takes looking in our own backyards to find someone who could use our helping hand.More from Goalcast:Woman Is Stranded in Her Car at a Gas Station – Before She Can Call for Help, an Employee Knocks on Her WindowHomeless Mom Lives in Her Car With 2 Kids – Gathers Nerve to Ask Police Officer a Question That Changes Her LifePolice Officer Intends to Ticket a Parked Car – But the Surprising Note the Driver Had Left for Him Changes His Mind

Little Boy Notices His Classmate Gluing His Torn Shoes Together - Goes Home to Ask His Mom a Touching Question
Uplifting News

Little Boy Notices His Classmate Gluing His Torn Shoes Together - Goes Home to Ask His Mom a Touching Question

*Featured image contains photo by Esma AtakIt was just an ordinary school day when Erin Fedele's son, Jaymes, came home and asked her a question that touched her heart deeply. The simple query from this young boy ignited a chain of kindness that would inspire and move many.The Profound Question One Little Boy Asked His MotherJaymes had noticed one of his classmates struggling with old, worn-out shoes. The soles of his shoes were falling off, and he was trying to glue them back together. In contrast, Jaymes had brand new, top-of-the-line sneakers. When he saw his friend's predicament, he felt compassion welling up within him.“Today, Jaymes asked me if he could give a pair of his LeBron 13s to a friend at school because his friend's soles were falling off,” his mother Erin shared. “He said, ‘Why should I have all these nice shoes and my friend has to glue the bottoms on his?’ I’m beyond proud of the heart this kid has.”Erin was so moved by her son's empathy and generosity that she agreed to let him give his new LeBron 13 sneakers to his friend.The next day, Jaymes took the new sneakers to school and gave them to his friend. The excitement in his friend's eyes was palpable. Erin recounted, “Jaymes gave him the shoes in the hallway when it was just them two. The boy was so excited; the first thing he said was he couldn't wait to show his dad!”How the Touching Story Is Inspiring HeartsThis heartwarming story was shared by Love What Matters, and it quickly touched thousands of hearts. People from all around shared their stories of kindness and giving.One person remembered how their son's friend had once given him a pair of shoes, and the bond of friendship formed that day remains unbroken. They emphasized the beauty of kind souls showing generosity.Another shared their experiences of giving to migrants in their community, highlighting the importance of helping those in need.A touching story came from someone who recalled their childhood when they asked their grandmother to pack extra school supplies and snacks because a classmate couldn't afford them. That little girl from their pre-K class became a lifelong best friend. Their acts of kindness created a friendship that was truly invaluable.Erin mentioned that Jaymes didn't see this as a grand gesture. To him, it was just helping out a friend. He was surprised that so many people found it noteworthy when all he did was lend a hand to someone in need.How One Little Boy’s Act of Kindness Left a Deep ImpressionJaymes’ small act of kindness reminds us that when we have more than we need, extending a helping hand to alleviate someone else's suffering can make the world a better place. His friend now walks a little taller, knowing that he has a caring friend by his side, and the memory of Jaymes' kindness will likely stay with him for a lifetime.In a world often filled with stories of indifference and discord, Jaymes' compassionate and selfless act shines as a beacon of hope and inspiration. It teaches us that a single act of kindness, no matter how small, has the power to create ripples of positive change that touch lives in ways we may never fully comprehend. It's a reminder that we all have the capacity to make the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time. Jaymes' actions underscore the profound impact of empathy and the beauty of generosity, proving that it's the simplest gestures that often leave the deepest impressions. So, next time you see an opportunity to help someone in need, remember Jaymes and the extraordinary power of a kind heart.More from Goalcast:Student Is Unable to Walk at Graduation, so Teacher Gives Shoes off His Own Feet – But He Asks for a Favor in ReturnPoor 12-Year-Old Is Caught Shoplifting Shoes at Store – Police Officer Has a Unique Response to the SituationStranger Notices Homeless Man Is Wearing Torn Shoes in the Cold – Immediately Removes His Own Shoes and Gives It to Him

Dominos Driver Delivers $1,300 Instead of Chicken Wings to Customer - What He Does With the Money Is a Reminder to All
Uplifting News

Dominos Driver Delivers $1,300 Instead of Chicken Wings to Customer - What He Does With the Money Is a Reminder to All

When a California man ordered wings from Domino's, he did not expect his order to be anything but normal.Mike Vegas had ordered the wings, in addition to a pizza, and had eaten just one slice before putting the rest of the food in the fridge."I ordered some pizzas and I thought I was going to have the day off. I was going to sit at home and enjoy my relaxation," Vegas told ABC News in the 2015 story.The Delivery Driver Couldn’t Reach HimVegas was busy working, so he didn't realize that someone had been trying to reach him for several hours."My phone started blowing up and I wasn't looking at the random messages. I was at work so I wasn't answering," he said.The calls came from the driver who had delivered his food; he had decided to stash some cash in a wings box before heading to the bank. Clearly, he had forgotten that he had put the cash there and had ended up delivering it to his final customer of the night."About 5 a.m., I got home from work and went to my refrigerator and pulled out what I thought were wings. It turned out to be 1,300 bucks," Vegas added.A Moral DilemmaVegas then took to Facebook to crowdsource his dilemma."I wrote a Facebook post and of course there's a long list of people arguing you should keep it, you shouldn't keep it, you should keep it, you shouldn't keep it," he told ABC News. I wanted to keep it, believe me. But I can't, I can't do [that].Mike VegasVegas decided to return the cash, and Domino's Pizza General Manager Zia Mumtaz was grateful."Thank you so much for this, honest people are hard to find these days," Mumtaz said.To show his gratitude, Mumtaz offered Vegas a gift. "Just to thank you, we're going to offer you free pizza for a whole year," he said.Apparently, that's an offer Vegas couldn't refuse. "I'm going to have to start working out more, obviously," he joked.Honesty Is KeyWe all know that accidents are fairly common. But in those times of panic -- like how the delivery driver was feeling -- it is easy for us to fear the worst.Fortunately, Vegas was an honest person who decided to do the right thing. And I'm willing to wager that he isn't the only one who would return the money if faced with a similar situation as most people are kind.More from Goalcast:Family Is Shocked to See 72-Year-Old Fall While Delivering Their Pizza – So They Take Her Career Into Their Own HandsThe Founder of Little Caesars Pizza Has Paid Rosa Parks’ Rent for Decades – AND He Kept It a SecretDelivery Man Sees a High-Speed Chase and Runs to Stop It – All Without Dropping His Pizza