It’s easy to feel jaded amidst the chaos of life, but we need to find ways to stay connected to the goodness of it.
Whether it’s by doing inner work or stepping up to help someone, try to find ways to invite more positivity in your life.
Remember everyone can have an impact!
“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes, your smile can be the source of your joy.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
Unfortunately, many people tend to project their negative beliefs onto others and incite hatred. That’s exactly why we need more and more people to put positive energy out there.
Tune in to this week’s edition of uplifting stories and celebrate kindness, love, and joy with us!
- Strangers help a young boy begin his astrophotography journey
- Woman goes above and beyond to help neighbors
- Recreational retreat is helping disabled veterans discover solace
- Stray cat finds healing in a loving home
Weekly Uplifting Stories – April 15th, 2024
Kind strangers help make a budding photographer’s wish come true
Matthew Taylor is an avid stargazer.
However, his journey has not been an easy one. Due to his health struggles, he can’t do many of the things his friends can.
That’s why his mom was determined to get him a telescope when he showed a keen interest in astrophotography.
She went into an online astrophotography group to buy the required pieces of equipment.
When the group members learned about Matthew, they offered to help make his wish come true. Within days, Matthew received a telescope, star tracker, camera, and other equipment from kind strangers.
And kindness kept pouring in!
“It gives me a really great feeling, knowing that I can help somebody like Matthew do what he loves, taking pictures of the stars. It’s so unique. It’s amazing, and I feel honored to be able to be the one to help him,” said Jaiden Fox
Jaiden Fox, a local resident and a skilled astrophotographer offered to help Matthew set up the telescope.
“As a mom to a kiddo with additional needs, it really makes me feel good when people go out of their way to want to help him and understand him. And Jaiden went right to his level and didn’t make him feel like he was any less. Matthew just loved it,” mom Briana Taylor said.
Woman’s acts of kindness are bringing comfort to community members
Lyn Story is a 64-year-old retiree from Fort Worth, Texas who likes to refer to herself as a “bad-weather friend”.
She is always ready to help members of her community in any way possible.
Through the community app Nextdoor, she befriended Apryl Goodwin and Kevin Horrigan.
Apryl Goodwin had been diagnosed with uterine cancer and she had no transportation for healthcare trips.
Lyn has taken Goodwin to more than 25 radiation appointments, six chemotherapy treatments, and countless doctor visits.
“She’s my guardian angel because I didn’t have any family to help me fight but had a new family to help me fight,” said Goodwin.
And, since Kevin Horrigan is legally blind, Lyn drives him to his workplace.
Lyn goes above and beyond to lessen the burdens of her neighbors during difficult times.
“The best way for me to feel good is to help other people feel good, just to make it easier for them,” Story said.
Disabled veterans find a renewed sense of hope and belonging at this hidden sanctuary
Many disabled veterans lead very lonely lives.
As a veteran himself, Richard Melching Sr. is closely aware of the struggles of those who have experienced intense trauma.
That’s why Richard created Dude’s Playground, a retreat that supports the well-being of veterans. It’s named after Richard’s best companion, Dude the dog.
Dude’s Playground is a hidden sanctuary in Waterloo, Illinois where disabled veterans are encouraged to rediscover a spirit of camaraderie.
Nestled in nature, this safe haven allows visitors to unload their burdens, and find friendship and a renewed sense of hope.
“I get nothing but peace. Peace of mind and peace of self. It’s the best therapy that I could ever get, even if I was in a hospital,” said retired Marine Corporal Robert Weigand.
Stray cat becomes cancer-free after being adopted
Debbie Sath adopted a three-legged stray cat after learning about her story on an Instagram post.
Princess Charming had lost one of her legs due to cancer. The doctors said she only had six months to live.
Debbie wanted to provide her with a safe space to heal and give her a loving home for the time she had left. Princess Charming was initially averse to human interaction.
Debbie patiently worked towards building a bond with her. She showered her with kindness and love, gave her new pet treats, and helped her adjust to her new surroundings.
Debbie kept speaking loving words to Princess Charming every single day.
Her perseverance paid off!
Princess Charming has been cancer-free for over a year now. A true miracle and a testament to what love and kindness can do!
“I just realized the hope and the love and positivity that it gave people. I had people reaching out who had lost pets, or family to cancer. People that were going through cancer messaged me saying that how much the video helped inspired them, and it’s giving them strength,” exclaimed Sath.
What’s Your Uplifting Story?
And that wraps it up for this week!
Do you have any Uplifting Stories of your own? You can contact us in the comments below, or reach out on our Instagram page. We might just share your story in a future article.
Thanks everyone for reading, and have an uplifting week ahead. Take care and see you next week!
Photo by RDNE Stock project
