I think we can all agree that the past few weeks have been incredibly hard. With the fatal shooting of Christina Grimmie, the mass shooting in Orlando, and then a 2-year-old boy being snatched by an alligator, my heart has been hurting more than normal. Every time I turn on the news, look on Facebook, or even talk to someone, it’s about something negative -- something that shakes me to the core. We live in a world filled with tragedy, heartbreak, and loss, but we also live in a world filled with good people doing things out of compassion, kindness and love. These are the stories that we need to be focusing on. If you need some reassurance that there is still good in the world, then keep reading. I found some stories that will, hopefully, restore your faith in humanity.
Bird Nest 911
In April, officers from the Parma Police Department in Ohio walked out to one of their patrol cars and realized that a mommy bird had found the perfect place for her nest -- the windshield of their car. They had two choices to make and, thankfully, chose to show kindness and compassion. Allowing her to keep her nest on the windshield was amazing enough, but they went above and beyond. They used caution tape to tape off the entire parking spot and helped protect mama bird and her babies from the elements. They fixed an umbrella to the windshield to keep them dry and shady. Awesome job, Parma police officers!
An Adoption Fit For a Princess
On June 8, Danielle Koning, 5, was about to have the best day of her life. This was the day that her adoption would be finalized in court. Her adoptive parents had been fostering her since March 2014 and the adoption was about to become official. As if this wasn't special enough, Danielle had a few extra special visitors with her in the courtroom. Danielle's caseworker suggested that they allow some of her favorite Disney princesses to attend the hearing. In attendance were Cinderella, Elsa, and Ariel, among others. Danielle was shocked and over the moon, as any little girl would be. The judge even participated and wore a Snow White costume underneath her robe. Danielle will never forget this day.
A Second Chance at Graduation
Several days before graduation, a Pennsylvania teen was injured in a car accident and remained in a coma for several days, including the day of his graduation. Several weeks after graduation and well into summer vacation, Scott Dunn woke up and was back on his feet. According to the article, no one is sure who organized it, but half of the graduation seniors returned to the gym, with caps and gowns, to give Scott his proper graduation ceremony. Scott was able to walk across the stage and officially receive his diploma, with nothing but cheers and applauds. The video is truly inspiring!
It's no secret that our world has some awful people in it, but when you look around, you will see kind and compassionate people. What have you done today for someone else?