By Nanci Dixon
In the midst of an abundance of bad news – rising COVID numbers, unemployment, evictions, homelessness and hunger – some good news stories still bubble to the surface.
We find ourselves mostly posting bad, sad or frustrating news in our Sunday newsletter. It’s not our fault, of course, but we want to make sure you come here and smile too. That’s why we’re bringing you this “Good News” column.
“You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” —John Bunyan
Peter Mutabazi is a foster dad in Charlotte, North Carolina, who is helping kids with serious illness receive a positive message. He is designing hospital gowns with a puppy and the words, “You are chosen,” “You are enough,” and “You belong.” The hospital gowns are high quality, soft, have snaps on the sleeves and ties to easily be removed for medical procedures.
Mutabazi said he didn’t hear those words when growing up until someone that took him in began saying those words to him. It transformed his life and now, as a foster dad, he knows the importance for his adopted son, his foster children and all children to hear them.
The gowns are made and delivered through partnership with Starlight Children’s Foundation. They are accompanied by a soft plush puppy with the same message.
Why didn’t the sun go to college? Because it already had a million degrees!
More good news
Elon Musk has just donated $5 million to an online educational organization that helps students and teachers. Khan Academy is a free educational program that has exploded during the pandemic from 20 to 30 million students using it every month.
The academy charges no fees, accepts no advertising and relies strictly on donations. With a yearly deficit reaching $3 million, the donation from Musk is much needed.
Sid Khan, the academy’s founder, thanked Musk, saying that his donation will allow more online learning, bring in more science content, early learning and practice software to the platform.
It is a win for students and teachers across the globe. To donate, but perhaps not match Musk, you can check out Khan Academy here.
“Money can buy you a fine dog, but only love can make him wag his tail.” —Kinky Friedman
Good news about the rescue of Sage – a close call
When 14-year-old Sage, a beloved golden retriever, went missing, the community of Lopez Island, Washington, sprang into action to help Sage’s owner, Jane Albrecht, find him. For days they searched on foot, in cars, in boats and kayaks, and even used drones. Six-year-old Leif searched in tight areas that adults couldn’t fit into.
The longer it took, the less likely it was to find him alive. He has arthritis, an enlarged heart and seizures. On day five, Sage was spotted lying on a rock on the beach at the bottom of a steep hill, unable to stand. The water was up to his chin. His rescuers rowed over in a kayak and boats and pulled 110-pound Sage to safety. Sage was taken to the vet and is now comfortably recovering at home.
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” —Mahatma Gandhi
“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” —Oscar Wilde
Perhaps they watch us more than we know!
Trying to get kitten to come to bed
by u/Popular-Profile in aww
“Clearly animals know more than we think, and think a great deal more than we know.” —Irene M. Pepperberg
WOW! These goats are incredible!
“Snow provokes responses that reach right back to childhood.” —Andy Goldsworthy
This has been a week of heavy snows, particularly in the Northeast. Hoping these videos will bring a smile even if you are the one having to shovel out.
i LOVE snow
by in aww
Pandas at the Smithsonian National Zoo love the snow too! Mei Xiang and Tian Tian slide and roll their way down a hill.
Until next week, stay warm, stay safe, and enjoy a hot chocolate or two. And don’t forget the marshmallows.
Read last week’s Good News post here.
The dog bounding through the snow made me tired just watching! Thanks for some uplifting stories.
Omg, this was such a fun trip through your smiles stories! Thank you. I’d love to see smiles about RV related moments too if your readers send in their smile times.
Love these!! Keep them coming!
This is always an enjoyable part of the newsletter! This week was no exception. Thanks.
Always a great collection of things to make you smile!