It’s during times of darkness that we need to look for fireflies. That was the sentiment that sparked the idea behind this month’s blog. While we would never want to take away from the significance of what our country is and has been going through, we realize that it's easy to get stuck in a dark place. It’s during times like these when encouraging words and uplifting stories not only help us get through but know that we're not alone. Here are a few articles that brought smiles to our faces and warmth to our hearts.
Since the pandemic began, so many children have had their whole world turned upside down. From missing out on recess with friends to canceled little league games and no more story time at school, kids have been through a lot.
That’s where 7-year-old Bryan Rumfelt comes in. Taking his love for reading, Bryan decided to launch his own Facebook group, "Bryan's Book Corner,” where he reads his favorite books to anyone looking for a good story.
The idea was born after Bryan began reading to his grandmother every night. She suggested he turn his attention to other children who may be missing out on story time due to the coronavirus lockdown. So far, more than a thousand people have joined him.
In the wake of the devastating fires that ravaged much of Australia earlier this year, there is renewed hope.
The Australian Reptile Park in Sydney recently welcomed a new addition! Meet Ash, the first koala joey born at the park since the ‘Black Summer’ bushfires.
Ash’s arrival has been “a sign of hope for the future of Australia’s native wildlife,” the park said.
Overall, Australia’s New South Wales in particular lost an estimate of more than 800 million animals from the blazes.
Photo credit: Facebook/Australian Reptile Park
During a time when get-togethers were discouraged and social distancing was necessary, one North Carolina community came together to make a little girl’s third birthday memorable.
Elizabeth Guthrie’s parents wanted their daughter’s big day to be special but weren't sure how. Then the brilliant idea of a social distancing dog parade came to mind.
Knowing how much Elizabeth loves dogs, the family posted a sign in their front yard inviting neighbors and their pups to stop by at a specified time to wish her a happy birthday.
The day arrived and within fifteen minutes, there were 17 dogs and 41 people gathered on both sides of the street. As the minutes passed, the numbers steadily grew.
Some held signs for Elizabeth while others dressed up their dogs in cute outfits and party hats.
“I think everybody needed a pick-me-up, a little positivity,” her mom said. “This has been the biggest birthday of her life.”
Photo credit: Woody Marshall / News & Record
Growing up without a father can be difficult, as Rob Kenney knows firsthand, so he has set out to make a difference in the lives of children who are in the same boat today.
Using his YouTube channel, ‘Dad, How Do I?’, Rob steps in to help young men and women learn valuable lessons a father is meant to teach. He offers step-by-step instructions on how to do things such as change a car's oil, iron a shirt, shave their face, jumpstart a car and more.
Launched in April, his DIY channel already has nearly two and a half million subscribers, and with its unexpected monetary success, he’s even told fans that he is planning to give his earnings to a number of international charities.
Now there’s just one more reason to love the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, besides the fact that he’s a Red Raider like both of my children.
Announced on Memorial Day, Patrick’s Mahomies Foundation pledged to provide 15 scholarships to families of fallen U.S. Navy SEALs.
“It is truly a privilege to support the children of the Navy SEALs through the Honored SEAL Legacy Foundation Scholarship Program,” he said in a news release. “The 15 and the Mahomies Foundation and I are committed to the SEAL Creed that no one will be left behind.”
The foundation said it wanted to honor the work and sacrifice of the SEALs and their families.