Give A Little Love

Can't say anything better than that.  I watched it twice.  Enjoy.  

Watch out Santa! You've got some Competition!

Hey All!  Happy December!  Hope your week is going better than mine... Cold season hit me hard this week.  But It's another hard hitter that I would like to shout out to today.  Andre Johnson, Receiver for the Houston Texans has made the list of awesome good deeds this holiday season.   

During his rookie season, Johnson created a charity for at risk children in the Texas area.  This year he provided them with almost 20,000 worth of Christmas gifts from a local Toys-R-Us.  The 12 children that were sponsored had 80 seconds to put anything they wanted into a cart for themselves and their siblings.  What I wouldn't have given to see that mad dash!  

This is such a great way to kick off the season of giving, providing some joy for these kids, all of which are currently in Texas Child Protective Services.  Childhood goes by so quickly, and its nice to see someone out there helping these kids save a little piece of those years.  They go by to fast for everyone, but even more so for children dealing with issues that many of these children face.  

If you are interested in donating a toy to a child this year your local Toys for Tots would be happy to accept them.  This is a good reminder to us all that the Holidays aren't just about the eggnog french-toast  mistletoe, and spiked punch at holiday parties... though that's what most of us look forward to the most!  Give a gift to someone you don't know this year.  It will make their day... and likely yours too.  

Four Legged Hero

They say that dogs are a man's best friend.  In this story, Geo a 7 month old Shepard collie mix is a boy's best friend.  This loyal pet saved his 10 year old owner's life last week as an out of control truck jumped the curb where the family was walking.

As the truck was hurtling straight towards the boy, Geo jumped in front of him and knocked him out of the way.  As a result of his heroics the dog sustained severe injuries to his spinal cord, a broken leg, and numerous internal injuries, but his veterinarian says Geo will make a full recovery.

This dog has the eternal gratitude of a loving family who is so grateful that he was there that day.  Carly Riley, the boys mother, says that "Geo must have sensed it (The truck) as he leapt on Charlie and took him out the way.  It could have wiped us all out. If it wasn't for Geo I am 100 Percent sure it would've been Charlie"

As someone who is desperately missing her pups, who are miles away on the east coast with the parents, this story warms my heart.  There is nothing more pure than the love of an animal.  Asking so little in return, they love in what is truly an unconditional way.  People could learn so much from them.

So the next time your dog covers you in slobber with their kisses, remember that she will always be there for you.   No matter what happens, she loves you.  Appreciate that feeling, because it's rare.  And give her an extra milkbone from me ;)

- Original Story on Huffington Post

NYPD Officer Helps Out

This story posted by the NYPD is amazing.   This is the type of individual that we need in law enforcement. 

Jennifer Foster of Florence, AZ was visiting Times Square with her husband on Nov 14^th when they saw a shoeless man asking for change.  She wrote to the NYPD to tell them what she saw next. 

Her Letter:

“Right when I was about to approach, one of your officers came up behind him.  The officer said, “I have these size 12 boots for you, they are all-weather.  Let’s put them on and take care of you.”  The officer squatted down on the ground and proceeded to put socks and the new boots on this man.  The officer expected NOTHING in return and did not know that I was watching*.  I have been in law enforcement for 17 years.  I was never so impressed in my life.  I did not get the officer’s name.  It is important, I think, for all of us to remember the real reason we are in this line of work.  The reminder this officer gave to our profession in his presentation of human kindness has not been lost on myself or any of the Arizona law enforcement officials with whom this story has been shared.”

NYPD extended their thanks to the Fosters for their attention and appreciation, and especially to this officer who remains anonymous.

I would like to thank them for sharing this wonderful story.  And I would like to thank Jennifer Foster for catching it on film.  Her words capture beautifully how an act of kindness can inspire others to reexamine their own values.  

Cell Phone Epiphany

The other day as I was walking to meet my friends for a fun night out, a woman sitting on the sidewalk asked if I had a cellphone that she could use.  I was in a rush.  I quickly said No and kept walking.  As I got further down the street my mind was still with that woman.

Was she stranded?  Was she alone? Scared? Feeling hopeless?  Of course I had a phone.  It's not like its a finite commodity.  The only thing that I would have lost is a few minutes of time at the bar.  What kind of person could have walked away.  But it was too late now.  The damage was done.  My karma would come kick me later right?

As I neared the door to the bar I still couldn't let it go.  My guilt was swirling in.  It had been such a simple request.  Wasn't I someone who believed in helping others?  I turned around and walked back.  She must have thought I was crazy as I handed her my held-together-by-rubber-band dumb phone out of breadth from my quick trot back to the corner.  She smiled though and I know that I had been able to help.

Sometimes its so easy to help make someones day.  Sometimes its a smile, or the use of a cell phone.  Sometimes its bigger.  The important thing is that every day there are people out there going out of there way to help someone.  Maybe someone they don't even know.  This experience made me remember that the people who go out of their way to help others, they think the same way that I do.  They have lives, and responsibilities   and families to care for.  They have their own troubles.  But they know that if they can help, they should.  And they are the heroes of this broken world.  They are the ones who will build a new world from the pieces.  This blog is dedicated to them.