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Restaurant Owner Drives 6 Hours Across State Lines - All to Fulfill Dying Womans Final Request
Everyday Heroes

Restaurant Owner Drives 6 Hours Across State Lines - All to Fulfill Dying Womans Final Request

Like many restaurants, Mama Kwan's Grill and Tiki Bar in Outer Banks, North Carolina, is used to getting calls for take-out.However, when owner Kevin Cherry received a long-distance call from Mary Simmons in late February, it wasn't for your typical to-go order.Simmons was desperately trying to make her best friend's dying wish come true — one final meal from her family's favorite vacation restaurant.The problem? Her friend, Heather Bowers, lived six hours away in West Virginia. Knowing it was a long shot, Simmons hoped the food could be shipped.Cherry did one better. He delivered. Literally.Mother of Two Young Children Is Diagnosed With Stage 4 CancerThree and a half years ago, registered nurse Heather Bowers received the news no one wants to hear — she had cancer. Diagnosed with Stage 4, she spent the remaining years of her life valiantly battling the disease.“Right out of the gate it was Stage 4,” Simmons said. “What she went through in three-and-a-half-years would’ve brought down the strongest man.”The cancer, combined with the aggressive chemotherapy treatment, took its toll. In late February, Bowers, 47, was in hospice, preparing to say her final goodbye.Bowers had one last wish on her deathbed: a pork plate from Outer Banks restaurant Mama Kwan's.Simmons knew it was nearly impossible. She made the call anyway. A Restaurant Owner Delivers Just in TimeWhen Cherry heard about Bowers' dying wish, he didn't think twice. He dropped everything to make it happen.Shortly after reaching out to the restaurant, Simmons received a call back. The meal was packed up and on its way.“She calls me back about 5 o'clock. She says, 'Kevin already has it packed up. He’s in the car and he’s on his way there,'” Simmons recalled being told. “He’s on his way.”Nearly six hours later, Cherry showed up at Bowers' door. Despite being emotionally wrought over his mission, he was determined to deliver the meal with a smile.“About halfway up, I had to turn the radio off and had to talk to myself, saying, ‘You can’t walk in here like this,'” Cherry shared. “You’ve got to walk in with a little bit of sunshine from the Outer Banks.”He made it just in time, delivering what ended up being Bowers' last meal. Less than 24 hours later, she passed away.When he heard the news, Cherry honored Bowers by putting the words "Heather, Rest in Peace" on Mama Kwan's restaurant sign. A Final GiftIn a Facebook post, Simmons shared a heartfelt tribute to Cherry, writing:"Kevin at Mama Kwans is one of the most genuine people in the world. He still has never met me in person and traveled over five hours to bring my best friend’s favorite meal to her, after one simple phone call."She went on to say:"He literally delivered it to her house the same day I called to see if they could possibly ship food. This ended up being her last night on Earth as she passed away from cancer the next evening- less than 24 hours after he was able to meet her, her husband, and her two young children."Simply put- he made one of her last wishes come true."Mary Simmons via FacebookAccording to her post, Cherry didn't want any recognition for what he had done. As he told WFLA News, "anyone in his position would’ve done the same thing."Simmons hopes that sharing her story will inspire others.“I just think maybe, if people see that kind of kindness, it’ll start spreading,” Simmons said. “That’s the hope. He made her smile — one of the final smiles of her life.”Our society has an uneasy relationship with death. It carries a heavy emotional price tag. But it is also an honor to be a part of someone's dying process. Cherry didn't have to drop everything and travel six hours. After all, it's a long way to go and a lot of effort for a complete stranger. But by being there for Bowers and delivering her last request, Cherry didn't just give her a favorite meal; he gave an incredible final gift of compassion and humanity to a woman about to say her hardest goodbye. There is no greater gift than that. More from Goalcast:Woman’s First Job Was to Scrub Toilets at McDonald’s – Now, She Owns 12 Restaurants“Homeless” Man Insists on Paying for an Expensive Lunch at Restaurant – So the Server Tells Him a LieMan Leaves Restaurant Without Tipping Server – Days Later, They Receive a Surprising Letter

Blind Man Walks 5 Miles to His Job at Walmart Daily - A Stranger Notices Him and Comes Up With a Plan
Uplifting News

Blind Man Walks 5 Miles to His Job at Walmart Daily - A Stranger Notices Him and Comes Up With a Plan

Bill Moczulewski doesn't let anything stop him from getting where he's going in life. Including to his overnight job as a janitor at Walmart in Cabot, Arkansas.Legally blind, Bill doesn't drive. So he walks. Five miles there, and five miles back, a total of four hours of walking roundtrip — rain, snow, or shine."I don't call out. I want to work," Bill said.But now, thanks to the kindness of a stranger, Bill's walking days are over.How a Stranger Gave a Blind Man a LiftBill has been religiously making the same trek every Tuesday through Friday, at sundown and sunup, for years. And it isn't without its perils, as part of his journey includes crossing a four-lane interstate bridge (without sidewalks).He used to ride his bicycle to work until he was struck by a vehicle and was forced to trade in his bike for a walker (because there is seriously no stopping this guy). And when he was hit again, a few years later? He just kept on walking. A couple of years ago, Christy Conrad was driving by when she noticed him and stopped and offered him a ride. Bill gratefully accepted. Since then, she has driven him as often as she could. But with her own family to care for, she "couldn't always be there."So, two months ago, she had an idea. A crazy, wonderful idea. She decided to start a community Facebook page, Mr. Bill's Village, hoping to find one or two other people willing to help with his commute. "If you are ever out and about and you see him please pick him up and take him to or from work," her Facebook post read. "Let’s be the village he needs!"Well, she found more than two. She found 1500. In an explosion of kindness, more than a thousand people stepped up, inspired by the man's perseverance and dogged determination."Now it's like everyone is competing to give Mr. Bill a ride," one group member shared.It Takes a Villagehttps://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02TU3py5sT2rwymNq18w7EWbvpjzTwtWzDsYKyTfUDMsVTraXrG7WEU1PZmaHwniQZl&id=61555478772266In what may be the most heartwarming display of community EVER, someone inevitably shows up for Mr. Bill, EVERY SINGLE DAY."It's never the same person from one day to the next," Bill said."There's a lot of good people in this world, all over the place."Bill Moczulewski via CBS NewsBut especially in a small town in Arkansas. When Chris Puckett, owner of local car dealership, Puckett Auto Group, heard about Mr. Bill, he decided he wanted to get in on the action. An Air Force veteran with 17 years of service and 14 tours under his belt, he epitomizes their motto to "Aim High." Initially, he wanted to gift Bill a car but when he found out that he was seeing impaired, Chris decided to give it to Christy instead (and who says karma isn't real??)“When You See a Need, Fill It.”And the kindness, it seems, keeps right on rolling. Other local businesses have also hopped aboard the giving train, providing meals, clothing, and gift cards. After news of Bill travelled far and wide, Christy decided to start a GoFundMe campaign to raise money to make Mr. Bill's life a little easier."We have set up this Go Fund Me Account for Mr. Bill for everyone that doesn’t live locally, but would like to help," she wrote in the description. So far, it's raised $405 of its $500 goal.Christy hopes that her actions, and the actions of those involved in Mr. Bill's Village will inspire others to become a part of their own neighborhood village.“I hope if anyone takes anything from this, it would be: use the Golden Rule. Treat others the way you would want to be treated,” she wrote on Mr. Bill’s Village Facebook page.“When you see a need, fill it if possible!”In a world where you can be anything, be kind. More from Goalcast:Employee Refuses to Help Tired Blind Woman Pleading for Assistance – Then a Cop Escorts Her Outside After Uttering Four WordsBoy Defends Blind Classmate From Bullies – Instead of Applauding Him, He Is Nearly SuspendedMan’s Wife of 50 Years Starts Going Blind – So He Goes to College to Learn How to Do Hair and Makeup

Man With Special Needs Continuously Goes up to a Buff Stranger at Gym - Firefighter Takes Secret Photos of His Response
Uplifting News

Man With Special Needs Continuously Goes up to a Buff Stranger at Gym - Firefighter Takes Secret Photos of His Response

Sometimes, when you’re working out at the gym, you just want to do your own thing. After all, when you’re lifting weights and focusing on your reps, having someone come over for a casual chat can be all kinds of distracting.So when one man showed incredible patience and kindness to a stranger with special needs who kept approaching him during his workout one day, it caught the attention of a firefighter. The firefighter was so touched by what he witnessed that he shared the story online, where it went viral.A Workout InterruptedA firefighter named Ricky Derouen was getting his workout in at Planet Fitness in Pascagoula, Mississippi, one day when he noticed a man in an orange shirt doing his own workout. It wasn’t the workout that grabbed Derouen’s attention but the fact that a second man, later identified as Derek Medjesk, kept approaching him.“A special needs man constantly approached him about 10 different times in a 45-minute time span with handshakes, hugs, questions and interactions,” Derouen recalled in a social media post, as per Yahoo News.“Not only did this man smile, laugh, give him workout advice multiple times and joke back with him while getting in his own workout, but he didn’t care who was watching while doing it.”Derouen was so touched that he began taking secret photos of the interaction, knowing he wanted to call attention to the kindness he was seeing.“His patience, compassion and friendliness was next-level admirable,” Derouen continued.A Memorable DayWhen Derouen got home, he shared the story online with the purpose of others recognizing the man in the orange shirt and sharing some love for how he treated Medjesk.“Towards the end of the workout, the special needs man approached me, pointed to the man in the orange shirt, and said, ‘That’s my friend,’ with a huge smile on his face,” Derouen continued in his post.“The pics aren’t the best, but they were the best creeper pics I could take at the time, and this guy deserves recognition. The world needs more people like this man in the orange shirt, well done, sir.”After several news outlets picked up the story and hundreds of thousands of others shared it wide on Facebook, the man in the orange shirt was identified as David Samuel.Later, Samuel confirmed to The Sun Herald that he and Medjesk formed a friendship that day, and they have since worked out together. Samuel has shied away from the spotlight following the recognition, but he did tell the publication that the post going viral has been a nice boost.“The best part is where all those people speak positive things,” Samuel said. “[The response] is a blessing.” Always Be KindWho knows what kind of mood Samuel was in that day at the gym or how he really felt about being interrupted by someone else during his workout. At the end of the day, he led with kindness, and it made a big difference in Medjesk’s life.Not only that, but a beautiful friendship emerged from it, and the pair inspired thousands of other people in the process. It’s a nice reminder that it’s always important to be kind to others, no matter the circumstances.After all, we never really know what other people are going through, or when we might need unexpected kindness in return.More from Goalcast:Stranger Gives Woman Advice About Her Toxic Relationship – Receives an Unexpected Email From Her 6 Years LaterWoman Does 26 Random Acts of Kindness for Each Life Lost in School Shooting — Ripple Effects of This Generosity Still FeltWaitress Brings Firefighters to Tears With Her Selfless Gesture – They Pay Back Her Kindness in an Incredible Way

Freezing Homeless Man Goes to a Closed McDonalds - Manager Defies All Rules and Does This
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Freezing Homeless Man Goes to a Closed McDonalds - Manager Defies All Rules and Does This

McDonald's general manager, Paloma Robles, knows that it's strictly against company policy to open a locked door, she did it anyway.That open door didn't just give a freezing homeless man a temporary respite, it opened the door to an entirely new life. What Happened When a Couple Discovered a Homeless Man Freezing in the ColdIt was a frigid day in Lewisville, Texas when Doug and Kylie Evans happened upon a man shivering in the cold. They immediately got out of their car to offer help.“I couldn’t even believe it,” Kyli Evans said. “I said, ‘Is that somebody sitting on the side of the road?’ The human heart in me could not allow somebody to just sit outside in 12-degree weather, so I just wanted to do something.”The man was Derrick Mounter. Once a college student studying graphic design with a dream of becoming an animator, he had fallen on hard times after a break-up and a car accident that nearly killed him.The couple decided to take him to the nearest McDonald's to warm up and get something to eat. Upon arriving at the restaurant they discovered that the dining room was closed but the drive-thru was open. Not one to be dissuaded, Doug knocked on the locked door and asked to be let in, explaining that they had just picked up a man they found under a bridge. Luckily for Mounter, Robles was on the other side. Knowing full-well that she was breaking the rules and could potentially lose her job, she opened the door. “I needed to help him,” Robles said. “I would not let him be outside in the cold.”First, She Opened the Door, Then She Opened Her HeartRobles didn't just take the time to fill Mounter's empty stomach, she took the time to hear his story.After his life imploded, Mounter found himself on the streets. “I prayed to God every single day, ‘God, please help me out of this situation.’” Derrick MounterBut God didn't seem to be listening. Mounter, who doesn't struggle with drugs or alcohol, desperately tried to get a job. No one would give him a chance. Instead, all he got was condemnation and scorn from passersby.“It made me not want to live anymore and it made me feel like God was not on my side anymore because (of) some of the things that they were saying,” He added.He had almost given up. And that's when his "guardian angels" walked into his life.Opportunity Knocks and a Homeless Man AnswersAfter hearing Mounter's story, Robles knew exactly what she needed to do. She offered to hire him on the spot. “I said, 'I’m going to give you that job,’” Robles said. “'I’m going to give you that opportunity that you’re looking for.’"Mounter broke down in tears. “She knew I had something better to live for and she didn’t want me to be in this situation anymore,” he said.He gratefully accepted. Now, weeks later, Mounter is a beloved addition to the team and a model employee, showing up at least 15 minutes early for every shift.And it's all thanks to three compassionate people willing to step up and help a stranger in need. Robles didn't just offer him a job, she offered him a fresh start, a chance to completely turn his life around. And it begs the question, "What would happen if we all gave someone a chance?""We'd change the world."Paloma RoblesMore from Goalcast:Little Girl Starts Screaming at McDonald’s – Mom Burst into Tears After Seeing One Employee’s ActionsWoman Takes Brother With Autism to McDonald’s – One Employee’s Behavior Towards Him Goes ViralAngry Customer Throws a Drink at Pregnant McDonald’s Worker – But One Stranger Witnesses Everything

Stranger Learns 70-Year-Old Is Raising Grandkids by Herself - Then a Familiar Man Shows Up at Her Doorstep
Uplifting News

Stranger Learns 70-Year-Old Is Raising Grandkids by Herself - Then a Familiar Man Shows Up at Her Doorstep

No matter how much we may plan for the future, we never really know what life is going to throw at us. Sometimes, we end up far from where we thought we’d be, and we do the best we can to get by. That’s the situation a 70-year-old grandmother named Meri found herself in after she became the main caregiver to her two grandchildren.When Meri and her family stumbled upon hard times, however, the kindness of a stranger lifted her right back up.An Exemplary HumanMeri is one of those people that just wants to do right by others. According to East Idaho News, she has spent countless hours volunteering and helping others in her community, particularly the youth.Over the years, she has received awards for community service and volunteerism, including being named Idaho Falls Citizen of the Year and one of the Eight Who Make a Difference. She has also won the JC Penney Golden Rule award and been named Grand Marshall of the 4th of July parade.At home, the 70-year-old widow is also the primary caregiver to her seven and 13-year-old granddaughters due to difficult family circumstances. Meri loves her grandkids and wants to provide for them, but it isn't always easy since Meri is retired and lives on a fixed income.A Rough WinterThings got especially rough one year when the timing chain on Meri’s car went. It ruined the engine, and as a result, the car was toast. The grandmother had no way to fix it, and her income didn’t allow her to buy another one, which put the family in a tough spot.No car meant Meri had to either borrow one or walk everywhere with the girls: the store, school, and their counseling appointments. At one point, her youngest granddaughter was ill, and Meri walked to the store at 11 p.m. to get her some supplies.To make things worse, Meri had relied on her car to bring in extra income: when she needed to make ends meet, she put in hours as a DoorDash driver. Without her car, that revenue source disappeared.A Kind StrangerWhen a stranger heard about Meri’s plight, they decided to anonymously help. They contacted East Idaho News and asked for their help in gifting Meri a new car for her family. Through the outlet’s Secret Santa program, they put a plan in place.In a video shared on the outlet’s site, host Nate Eaton knocked on Meri's door.Immediately, Meri began tearing up, wondering why the familiar host was there. “There’s nothing special about me,” she said, adding that she wished the girls were there for the big moment.“You know, it was not what my retirement was supposed to look like, but sometimes things need to get broken before they can get fixed,” she explained as Eaton handed her a box with a check in it. Then, Eaton made the big reveal: Meri was the owner of a new Honda CR-V.“Oh my gosh you guys,” Meri said, fighting back tears and covering her face. “My gosh, you’re really amazing. You don’t know how ecstatic my girls are going to be… you’re totally incredible. Thank you so much. I don’t even know what to say.”We’re All Just Doing Our BestAs Meri’s story proves, sometimes our lives don’t work out exactly the way we thought they would, but that doesn’t mean we should give up. Sometimes, just by pushing through and being the best people we can be no matter what life throws at us, we can inspire others on their journeys, too.Sometimes, it’s also just nice to be seen. That’s why a stranger gifting Meri a car is so powerful: someone saw her and her struggles and did what they could to help. It’s a good takeaway for our own lives and a reminder that sometimes helping people feel seen is a strong motivator for them (and us) to keep going.We may not all be able to gift cars, but kind words are free. Offering small financial support, used items, some baked treats, or even just an ear to someone going through a hard time can be a big game changer.At the end of the day, we’re all just doing our best. And by doing our best together, we can help create the sense of community that we all need deep down. More from Goalcast:Man Walks for 3 Months With Son in Search of a Better Life – Stranger Gifts Him a New Home, but That’s Not AllSingle Mom Gives Stranger $7 for Christmas – Then, He Leads Her to the Parking Lot Where His “Special Friend” Was WaitingParents of 12 Kids Work Multiple Jobs to Make Ends Meet – So a Stranger Gives Them a New Van and $1,000 for Christmas

Little Girl Starts Screaming at McDonalds - Mom Burst into Tears After Seeing One Employees Actions
Uplifting News

Little Girl Starts Screaming at McDonalds - Mom Burst into Tears After Seeing One Employees Actions

Being a parent can be tough. Being a parent to a child with special needs can be especially tough. So often you’re just trying to go about your day and to get by, but strangers can be judgemental or give you a hard time when you’re just doing your best.That’s why, when someone unexpectedly steps up with kindness or empathy, it can mean the world. Just ask this mom from Birtley, England.A Rough StartCandice Hudspith decided to take her daughters to the local McDonald’s one weekend for a quick bite. As she entered the restaurant with Harper, 4, and Indy, 2, Harper began to scream and shout. Harper had been diagnosed with autism just before her fourth birthday, and Candice knew her daughter had been triggered.“I don’t know what had triggered Harper. When I got out of the car, I knew she was hungry, but there was just something triggering her, and the difficult thing is you can’t ask what it is,” Hudspith recalled to Chronicle Live. “Walking in she was screaming, saying, ‘no no no.’ Everyone was looking at me like I was the mother with the screaming child.”Normally, Hudspith would get the food and go, taking her daughter out of a stressful situation like that. But, thanks to the kindness of someone working there, her family’s whole day turned around, and she was even able to enjoy a cup of hot coffee.A Compassionate EmployeeAs Hudspith felt the eyes of everyone on her, an employee named Rachel approached them. “She said, ‘Oh wow, I think I have a flag, would you like one?’ and she looked at me and said, ‘You’re doing an amazing job,’” the frazzled mother recalled.At that point, Harper ran off and hid under one of the seats. Hudspith wasn’t sure what to do next, but Rachel continued doling out the unexpected kindness. She grabbed some paper and crayons and got down on the floor with the little girl.“You could see Harper slowly coming out of herself. She was back in her little world, being happy Harper again,” Hudspith said. “I literally burst into tears. I felt like I didn't even have to say that she has autism, it was like she read my mind. It was so lovely what she was doing,” she continued.“I don't think Rachel realized how good her customer service was. It may sound like nothing to others, but it meant the world to me. Absolutely outstanding service.”A Public Thank YouLater, after Hudspith returned home and had settled the girls down, she knew she wanted to share the story about the employee who had meant so much to her. So she hopped on Facebook and reiterated the difference kindness can make to struggling parents like her.She added how important it is for people to be understanding of autism and explained how she was initially in denial about her daughter’s diagnosis. Having it though, wasn’t a label: it became a tool so that she could get the help her family needed.“All the doors open up, and you are able to get the best for your child. If I had still been in denial, I don't know where Harper would be now, but with me being the mum I am and having the support around me, she's come on so much,” she wrote, as per Chronicle Live.“If you do see a situation like that in public, you really shouldn't judge. I think our generation is starting to understand a lot more about autism; back in the day, it would be seen as 'naughty children' but I think there is more understanding now.”Remembering EmpathyParenting is a wonderful and weird journey, but it can also be overwhelming at the best of times. That’s why the kindness and empathy of strangers can make such a big difference in our lives. This story reminds us of that power, and how amazing it can be when someone tries to put themselves in a parent’s shoes — particularly a parent who has a child with autism.Educating ourselves about others’ differences is the best way to understand what they may be going through. Whether you ask questions, read books, take courses, or watch documentaries or news programs, surrounding yourself with information is beneficial to you and those in your corner of the world.You never know when that information may come in handy. Or, if it could one day allow you to be that empathetic person a struggling person may randomly need in their lives.More from Goalcast:Little Boy With Autism Fails Test – So His Teacher Writes Him a Letter That “Broke” His MomWoman Takes Brother With Autism to McDonald’s – One Employee’s Behavior Towards Him Goes ViralLittle Girl With Autism Tries to Blow Out Stranger’s Birthday Candles — His Reaction Goes Viral

No One Shows Up to Boys Birthday Party TWO Years in a Row - Then Policemen Knock on His Door
Uplifting News

No One Shows Up to Boys Birthday Party TWO Years in a Row - Then Policemen Knock on His Door

When you’re a kid, birthdays are a big deal. Many of us grow up surrounded by parties and cake, and it’s nice to think that other people want to celebrate with you when you grow another year older. On the flip side, hosting a birthday party only to have no one come can be devastating — especially when you’re a kid.That’s what happened to a ten-year-old boy named Toxey in Arkansas. Luckily, some unexpected friends showed up to save his big day.A Huge DisappointmentToxey and his mom, Angela Andrews, had invited Toxey’s whole class to come and celebrate his birthday with him. On the big day, he got ready and waited for his friends to arrive… except nobody came. Not even the one kid who promised that he’d be there.It was heartbreaking for Toxey and devastating for his mom. No parent wants to see their child in pain and to feel so helpless. So she did the only thing she could think of to vent her frustration: she went on social media.“For the second year in a row, no one has come, no one,” she wrote on Facebook, as per Inside Edition. “It is absolutely heartbreaking watching him watch out the window all night for people to arrive and watch him cry when no one comes.”A Call to ActionAndrews’ post was noticed by a few people, including some Arkansas State Troopers. They decided to do something memorable for the little boy and remind him that he is indeed special. So a few days later, they showed up at his door bearing gifts.“[I was] scared but like, trying to figure out why they were there at the same time,” Toxey told KTHV. “They had just come to give me all that stuff and make up their own birthday party for me.”The officers brought a giant cookie birthday "cake" and presents ranging from video games to a Razor scooter. They also let Toxey try out the sirens and horns and check out their dog.“I cried a little bit because I was just so happy that they did that for me,” Toxey added.A Grateful MotherAndrews was also touched by the beautiful gesture and wrote a thank you note to the police department explaining how much it meant to her and her son.“I don't even know where to start because saying 'thank you' just doesn't seem good enough!” she wrote in a note the department then shared. “Not only did they bring him a birthday cookie cake, but they also brought him all kinds of presents, let him play with Rhino, the K-9, and play with the sirens in their cars.”She added how they took the time to play basketball with Toxey and shared his cake. Now, it’s a birthday this little boy won’t soon forget.“They made my sweet baby's day and his year!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” the mother continued. “I will never be able to repay the kindness you showed my family today!! Come on friends, let's make these guys famous! They deserve to be recognized for the wonderful people they are!!”The Importance of CommunityEveryone deserves to feel special on their birthday, so what happened to this boy was disappointing for him and his family. It reminds us of the importance of showing up and being there for one another to celebrate the big and small moments.This story also reminds us of the importance of community, and how big a difference a small gesture can make. These officers showing up for a boy they didn’t know meant the world to him, and probably restored his faith in humanity.It’s a sweet reminder in our own lives to show up when it matters and to make other people feel special when the occasion warrants. We’re all the main characters in our own lives, and by being there to celebrate or to remind someone else how much they matter, we too can help others feel like a beloved hero rather than an outcast.More from Goalcast:Little Boy Invites Friends to His Birthday Party, but No One Attends – Then a Cop Shows Up and Asks Him to Get in the CarNo One Shows Up to Excited 5-Year-Old’s Birthday Party – Until a Heartbreaking Post Gave Strangers an IdeaLonely 8-Year-Old Has No Friends to Invite to His Birthday Party – Then His Mom’s Plea Brings 65 Truck Drivers to Their Doorstep

Woman Loses Her Baby in an Ectopic Pregnancy - Then Her Whole Neighborhood Shows Up
Uplifting News

Woman Loses Her Baby in an Ectopic Pregnancy - Then Her Whole Neighborhood Shows Up

They say it takes a village to raise a child. And while we generally associate it with parents who are knee-deep in raising littles, never is the village more important than in times of hardship and sorrow.In a TikTok seen around the world, mother of two, Tessa Truman, shares touching doorbell camera footage of her "village" showing up for her after suffering an ectopic pregnancy. And it proves just how powerful that village can be. A Mother's LossTruman, who is studying to be a nurse, was 11 weeks pregnant when she realized that something was drastically wrong. "All of a sudden, ten minutes after I woke up, I was having extreme pain in my stomach and I felt super nauseous," Truman explained."My vision started going black and so I called out to my fiancé, who had just gotten home from working night shift, and he rushed to the bathroom and actually caught me as I passed out." Paramedics rushed Truman to the hospital where she underwent emergency surgery.“The fetus implanted … and was growing in my (fallopian) tube. It grew so big that it ended up rupturing, leading to internal bleeding,” she told Today.com.According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus, most often in a fallopian tube.It can be life-threatening. "If I hadn't had surgery when I had it, there's a good chance that I wouldn't have made it because of how much blood I was losing. It was a lot to process, and it still is a lot to process ... and I also had to process losing my baby at the same time."Tessa TrumanEnter THE VILLAGE.A Mother's Village Shows UpTwo days after undergoing surgery, Truman returned home. And that's when people started showing up. One by one, dozens of neighbors, friends, school classmates, co-workers, and acquaintances appeared on her doorstep, bearing meals, flowers, and household supplies.The incredible outpouring of community support was captured on Truman's ring camera and she uploaded footage of it onto TikTok where it has been viewed by more than 16 MILLION PEOPLE and counting. It has also amassed 3 million likes and more than 8,000 comments. The video, set to the song Little Life, starts with Truman being wheeled out on a stretcher by first responders. It quickly morphs into clip after clip of women and men (and dogs!) bringing gifts. She simply captioned it,“Couldn't be more grateful for my village.”Response to the Video Was StaggeringDespite the fact that pregnancy loss is common — according to statistics it occurs in one out of four pregnancies — it is often shrouded in secrecy. By pulling back the curtain, Truman opened up the floodgates to hundreds of women sharing their own stories of loss. And hope. "Going through an ectopic pregnancy was the scariest thing ever! Happy you have your village," wrote one."I had an ectopic pregnancy back in Feb and it’s one of the most traumatic things to go through. I’m so glad you have people who love and support you," wrote another.A third commenter shared, "Just in case you need a little hope, I had an ectopic pregnancy in March 2021 & had a fallopian tube removed. By July 2021 we were pregnant again and she was born Feb 2022 🙂"And another wrote, "Had an ectopic pregnancy in 2018 was told could never have kids again 2019 aug I found out I was blessed again. u will be ok u got this it’s so hard."Hearing about others' experiences and knowing that she wasn't alone went a long way in helping her heal. "Sharing my life on social media is almost a way for me to heal, by telling people what's going on," Truman said of why she wanted to post about her experience. "Once I shared it on social media, I was reached out to [by] so many moms. I would say hundreds of moms told me they had a similar situation happen … and I'm so glad that I did end up sharing on social media because I was reassured and supported."Paying It ForwardNot only did her village (in real life and online) help her to heal emotionally and physically, but it also gave her a newfound perspective on the importance of reaching out to others who are struggling. "It truly has changed the trajectory of my whole healing process by having people that loved me, and were nurturing to me, and cared for me by just showing the small acts of kindness that they did."Tessa Truman And she plans on taking that lesson with her and paying it forward.Despite what we may have been taught about keeping silent when it comes to pregnancy loss (isn't this why we wait 12 weeks to share the news?), no one should ever have to suffer the loss of a child alone. At a time when she needed it most, Truman was surrounded by love and compassion. It's a touching reminder of the power of collective support and the incredible difference just showing up can make. More from Goalcast:Woman Sits Next to Pregnant Stranger on Flight – Ends Up Adopting Her Newborn BabyPregnant Woman Walks Out of Her Own Baby Shower – Strangers Come to Her DefenseAngry Customer Throws a Drink at Pregnant McDonald’s Worker – But One Stranger Witnesses Everything

Stranger Approaches Woman in a Store - Hands Her Something That Completely Shocks Her
Uplifting News

Stranger Approaches Woman in a Store - Hands Her Something That Completely Shocks Her

Hard times can fall on anyone, no matter how hard they work or how much they’ve sacrificed. We never know when an injury, illness, or unexpected expense can suddenly change our lives. That’s why, no matter what kind of situation we find ourselves in, we should always try and help others.One woman reminded the world of this recently when she went out of her way to help a stranger despite being in a tough situation herself. Not only did the woman warm hearts around the world, but she inspired them to give back, too.A Routine Shopping TripA woman named Dina was at a department store one day grabbing a few items when a stranger approached her. He apologized for interrupting her but explained that he was starting a job at a restaurant in a few days and he needed to purchase a specific pair of shoes. But, he had no money and needed help paying for them.Dina asked the man how much the shoes were and said she had a couple of extra dollars on her. She then reached into her wallet, pulled out the few bills she had, and handed them over.The man introduced himself as Jimmy and asked Dina what she did. “I was in nursing for 31 years,” she said, adding her favorite part of the job was when her patients were able to be discharged and finally go home to their loved ones.The Ultimate SurpriseJust as Dina was about to continue her shopping trip, Jimmy handed her the shoes.“What if I told you these shoes were for you?” he asked, handing them over. At first, Dina looked confused, but then Jimmy revealed the big surprise: There was $500 stuffed inside.“Are you serious?” she responded, a look of awe on her face.“Yes, because you were being awesome to a stranger. I don’t need your help, I just wanted to bless you today,” he explained. “You’re a sweetheart. Is this going to help?”Dina explained that her car needed repairs, and her husband had hurt his back. They weren’t sure how they were going to fix it, so the money was a huge blessing.“I carpooled with one of our neighbors,” Dina said. “It’s hard being 60 and being on a fixed income.”Inspiring a CommunityDina didn’t realize the Jimmy she was speaking with was social media celebrity Jimmy Darts, who is known for making a positive impact in communities and spreading joy through random acts of kindness. He was so touched by Dina that he decided to start a GoFundMe for her.As her story spread, more people responded to the kind lady who was willing to give a stranger a few extra dollars even though she didn’t have much herself. Before long, Jimmy had raised more than $21,000 for her.He later surprised her with the news and captured her reaction in the video.“Are you serious? Are you serious?” she said. “Oh, you don’t know… I might be able to get a new jacket. Who are these people?” she added, fighting back tears.We’re All in This TogetherDina’s story reminds us that no matter where we are in life, it’s always important to help each other out. We never really know what someone else is going through, so helping when we can and leading with kindness is always a good idea. Sometimes, there’s someone who needs our help more.So donate a few extra bucks to a charity the next time you’re prompted at a checkout. Or bring over a little treat to a neighbor or friend. If someone looks like they’re having a rough day at a coffee line, maybe grab their tab. Or, if someone you know is struggling, ask yourself what you can do to help.At the end of the day we all go through hard things, but it’s the small acts that can make a big difference in our lives. Remembering that we’re all in this together and that everyone deserves kindness will only result in a happier place for everyone.More from Goalcast:Poor Student With “Nothing to Give” Surprises Teacher With an Unforgettable Christmas GiftSingle Mom Gives Stranger $7 for Christmas – Then, He Leads Her to the Parking Lot Where His “Special Friend” Was WaitingHomeless Man Tells Stranger It’s His Daughter’s Birthday – Instead of Walking Away, He Helps Plan a Surprise Party

Mom Visits Store to Buy Diapers for Her Baby - Finds a Letter That Shocks Her
Uplifting News

Mom Visits Store to Buy Diapers for Her Baby - Finds a Letter That Shocks Her

*Featured image contains photo by Craig AdderleyWhat happens is so shocking, that she goes online in a frantic attempt to find out who is behind it.The Crushing Cost of ParenthoodPhoto by Nicola BartsRaising a child is pricey business, and the cost is only rising.As per CBS, "The cost of raising a child from birth to age 17 will set you back by about $310,000." It's pushed more and more families into homelessness. One of the biggest infant expenses is diapers -- and lots of them. So when Brisbane native Michelle Patricia Bennett is strolling down the aisle at Woolworth's to buy some for her baby one day, she's price-watching. After all, she doesn't want any surprises. Fast forward a couple of days later. Bennett recalls that she was "having a day at home just trying to catch up on the mountains of housework," when a surprise is exactly what she gets. A Stunning Surprise From Aisle 5Photo by Eduardo SoaresThat's because, as she opens up the box of diapers, she discovers something else inside. It's a five-dollar bill -- with a note. What it reads gives her the motivation to share her experience online and it quickly goes viral.Bennett's post is titled 'My Wealthy Wednesday.' "To the kind person that has done this, thank you!!! It is such a wonderful gesture and certainly brought a smile to my face," she writes.She includes a picture of the note which reads:If you having a tough day, I thought maybe I can brighten it up with this little surprise. Go buy a coffee or a scratch ticket. Practice some self-care today. Always remember you are much loved and you are amazing :)Bennett continues, "I'll definitely get a coffee or a scratchy soon."The story had the internet gushing with awestruck comments. "Oh, that's so sweet," posted one woman. "So nice of someone to do such a thing. Lovely little surprise -- a little bit of kindness goes a long way.""This is absolutely beautiful," added another. How a Mother Reminds Us That the Small Things MatterIt doesn't take an economist to know that it's not just parents who are feeling the financial crunch. Per Business Insider, "bankruptcies, foreclosures, and other money problems like car repossessions and loan defaults" have consumer stress levels the highest in four years. While the struggle is real, it's no match for kindness. Among the quotes on kindness, one by Abraham Lincoln reads, " Kindness is the only service that will stand the storm of life and not wash out." It might be a little legal leniency for a single mother, making a waitress's wish come true or repaying a treasured teacher. No matter the situation, through all of life's waves and ripples, kindness endures. Let's all keep that close to heart the next time we're in a bind.More from Goalcast:Single Mom’s Biggest Fear Is Regarding Her 14-Year-Old Son – So His Teacher Makes Her an OfferSingle Mom’s Driveway Is “Stolen” in Broad Daylight – Then a Stranger Makes an Offer She Can’t RefuseBoy Suddenly Goes Missing During Routine Walmart Trip – His Mom Finds Him in an Unlikely Place