A Surprise Homecoming

From WKMG in Oralndo, FL:
Soldier Returns Early To Surprise Children

When 11 year-old Luis Otero and his 10 year-old sister Christine went to school on Wednesday morning they were ready for what they thought would just be another ordinary day. It turned out to be anything but... and sweeter than they could have ever imagined. Their father, Sgt. Pablo Otero, who had served a year long tour of duty in Iraq, made a surprise homecoming a few days earlier than his children had expected.

We've all seen a lot of these stories over the last few years. Videos of children and other loved ones jumping into waiting arms of a returning hero. It brings me to tears every single time. It's such a beautiful moment. The video that accompanies this story is no different.

Take a few moments and check it out. It will do your heart and soul some good.

Two Nice Guys

Check out this link from ABC News:
College Students Dish Out Free Flattery

These two guys (currently sophomores at Perdue University) just felt the need to make their college campus a better place. It started on a whim last September and they've been at it ever since. A couple of hours a day they stand outside with a sign that reads "Free Compliments" and they shout flattery at passers by. Apparently, people on campus love these guys and have sought to return the favor in various ways... baking cookies, writing them thank you notes... etc.

According to interviews all these guys have ever wanted was for others to pay it forward and do the same for someone else. It just goes to show you what simple acts of kindness can do.

An Angel in Queens

Check out this story on CNN.com...
Bus driver delivers free home-cooked meals

Very inspiring. It's amazing what this man and his family have been able to do on his bus driver's salary.

Best quote from the article...

"I have a stable job, my mom, my family, a house... everything I want, I have. And these guys [don't]. So I just think, 'OK, I have the food.' At least for today they're going to have a meal to eat."

Check out their website...
AnAngelInQueens.org

Welcome!

I guess the big question is, why did I start this blog? The reason is a simple one. I am always a little disappointed when news stories about people doing "good works" are buried below all the daily death and destruction stories.

In tough times, like what we're in now, those stories seem to float up a little closer to the top, but never close enough.

We need these stories. They are uplifting, inspiring, and most important... they give us hope. Because when all we see on the nightly news in murder, war, starvation, and economic collapse, these stories serve as beacons of light showing us the path out of the darkness.

There's no religion behind this. You won't be preached to while you're here. I just wanted to create a place where people could come and get a little injection of hope and happiness during their day.

So, check back often and if you see a story on the web that you'd like to see posted here please send it to me at jthompson519(at)gmail.com