Faith in Humanity

[Mel]

Been too long....



(CNN)It was a story that moved Stan Lee, the creator of many of the best-known superheroes in history, into action: a Spider-Man-loving boy with autism named Jamel Hunter.

According to the New York Times, a December Times article about the child, who reportedly didn't say a word until he was in preschool, caught the eye of one of Lee's neighbors, jazz musician Corky Hale.

That would be the same Stan Lee who co-created Spider-Man (as well as Iron Man, the Incredible Hulk, the X-Men and so many other Marvel characters).

The Times story described how 8-year-old Jamel, who loves Spider-Man, had a birthday party at an East Harlem community center. The place was full of Spidey images. His struggling mother put everything she had into the party.

Upon hearing the tale at his home in California, Lee decided to pitch in.

"After hearing of the boy's situation, how could I not?" he told CNN.

Lee decided to draw a sketch of Spider-Man for Hunter. Lee, it should be noted, isn't an artist; Spidey was first drawn by Steve Ditko. But he can do the character in a pinch.

New York Times writer Michael Wilson delivered the drawing to Jamel, with Lee's signature in the corner.

"(Spider-Man) is a teenager, not an adult so (young people) can relate to him," Lee explained.

"He has many of the problems they themselves have, such as not enough money."

Excelsior!

[kelroy55]

A touching story.

When Hannah Schmid and Garrett Chaney met in preschool, they instantly gravitated toward each other without saying a word.

Hannah, who has cerebral palsy and is non-verbal, and Garrett, who suffers from a rare neurological disorder called Cohen's syndrome, became instant friends – and over 13 years later, on April 11, they went to prom together and were crowned king and queen.

High School Disabled Couple Celebrates at Prom : People.com

[turnpup]

Kelroy, that's such an awesome story! About made me cry.

[MsProudSooner]

I'm sure Samsung will eventually make money out of this, but it's still a great thing to do for the young man.

He's Deaf, But One Special Day Something Unbelievable Happens - Daily Megabyte

[kelroy55]

I'm sure Samsung will eventually make money out of this, but it's still a great thing to do for the young man.

Very cool. It's my understanding the ASL is the more recognized sign language but I wonder what's used most in different countries.

[kelroy55]

This is a cool program and a great Preschool teacher.

Lolly's Locks Helps Preschool Teacher Keep Her Class a Happy Place - NBC News

[kelroy55]

CNN)Faced with a homeless man standing outside a restaurant, what would you do? And what do you tell your children if they ask why he's standing out there?

Ava Faulk of Prattville, Alabama, knew what to tell her 5-year-old son a few weeks ago.

Faulk and her son, Josiah Duncan, were eating dinner at a local Waffle House when they spotted a man with his bike holding a bag outside the restaurant.

Noticing that the man wasn't clean, Josiah started doing what children do: asking his mom a lot of questions.

"He's homeless," Faulk told her son, according to CNN affiliate WSFA. But Josiah didn't know what that meant.

"Well, that means he doesn't have a home," Faulk said.

Faulk said he was most troubled by the fact that the man looked hungry.

She sent an email about her son's reaction to WSFA, which featured him in a "Making a difference" segment.

Josiah told his mother that she should buy the man a meal, which she agreed to do.

"He came in and sat down, and nobody really waited on him," Faulk told WSFA. "Josiah jumped up and asked him if he needed a menu because you can't order without one."

While the man started out by choosing a low-cost burger, they told him to order whatever he wanted. "Can I have bacon?" was his question, Faulk said. "I told him get as much bacon you want."

That's when Josiah brought the restaurant to tears.

"I wanted to say the blessing with him," he said.

With 11 other patrons in the restaurant, Josiah started to sing: "God our Father, God our Father, we thank you, we thank you, for our many blessings, for our many blessings, amen, amen."

"The man cried. I cried. Everybody cried," Faulk said.

The man went on his way shortly thereafter, but Faulk says the gifts she got from his visit will remain with her.

"You never know who the angel on Earth is, and when the opportunity comes you should never walk away from it," Faulk said in her email to WSFA. "Watching my son touch the 11 people in that Waffle House tonight will be forever one of the greatest accomplishments as a parent I'll ever get to witness."

Parents whose kids are curious about such issues can tell them an age-appropriate version of the truth and take direct action, as Faulk did with her son.

Another option is to carry snacks or bags with nonperishable food and toiletries in the car to hand out to people on the roadside when the need arises. A deeper commitment would be volunteering in a local soup kitchen or food bank and tackling the problem of homelessness and hunger in a more sustained way.

[jerrywall]

A good time for a reminder that these vouchers are also great to carry around. Even if they're not used, money is going to support the shelters.

Real Change « The Homeless Alliance ? Oklahoma City, OK

[kelroy55]

After years of saving and fundraising, the graduating class of New Hampshire's Profile Senior High School finally had $8,000 for their senior trip.

It was supposed to be a getaway to Ridin' Hy Ranch and Resort -- four days of revelry and relaxation in New York's Adirondack Mountains.

But about a week before the trip, Principal Courtney Vashaw told students about a personal battle: she has an aggressive form of cancer, CNN affiliate WMUR reported.

So the seniors took a vote -- and told her about their unanimous decision:

"We decided not to go on our senior class trip this year and donate all of our funds to your cause," class treasurer Ian Baker said.

Vashaw shook her head and covered her eyes, overcome with emotion.

"It is very hard for me to accept help, and I have no idea what to say to you," she said.

The principal doesn't normally like to talk about her private life, but knew she had to tell students why she'd be gone from school for a while.

Baker said the decision was easy.

"She's just very caring, very selfless, and we wanted to be selfless, too," he told WMUR.

Class president Christopher Sirois said every senior at the school, which has about 180 students, has a connection to Vashaw.

"She has given so much to us that we just wanted to give back," he told the affiliate.

Once Vashaw was able to speak again, she praised the seniors

"They are (a) pretty remarkable, fun, astonishing group of people," she told WMUR.

The seniors are planning a different senior class trip, but one that is local, the affiliate said.

And just because they're graduating on June 5 doesn't mean they're leaving Vashaw. The seniors said they plan to have more fundraisers for her.

[kelroy55]

RIESEL, Texas -Four young brothers helped out an elderly Texas woman by mowing her lawn after a warrant was issued for her arrest over her high grass, reports CBS affiliate KWTX.

Several weeks ago, Gerry Suttle, of Riesel, east of Waco, was issued a notice to appear before a judge because the grass on a lot she owns across from her home was more than 18 inches high, violating city code. After she didn't appear, a warrant was issued for her arrest, reports the station.

Suttle, 75, told the station she never received the notice.

Four brothers who didn't know Suttle but learned of her plight through a news report decided to pitch in and help by mowing the lawn.

"We haven't met her yet but she's 75 years old and she needs some help mowing," said Blaine Reynolds, one of the boys. "That's the least we could do."

Suttle told the station she's grateful for the boy's help.

After the boys mowed the grass, Suttle was told Wednesday she needed to go to court and sign documents indicating she didn't receive the original notice to appear about the lawn in order to have the warrant dropped. But Thursday, she received another court summons,reports the station.

"It is very heartbreaking to see that someone that I didn't even know came out and spent two hours in the sun doing what we thought the city wanted done and then them turn around and say 'no,'" Suttle said.

City representatives haven't returned calls to KWTX. She's due in court June 16, and Suttle says she's prepared to fight the city.

Meanwhile, the Reynolds brothers have offered to help again.

"I'd do it for her a second time, or a third time," Blaine Reynolds said. "Anything to keep that lady from having to go to court."

[RealJimbo]

Thanks to all who have contributed to this thread. This is just what the doctor ordered for me today.

[kelroy55]

LONGMONT, Colo. – A little girl from Longmont is inspiring random acts of kindness all over the world.

Maddy Grayless was a spunky curious 8-year-old. She played soccer and had dreams of becoming a paleontologist, cupcake baker and a singer.

Two weeks ago she got a nosebleed that would not stop. Her parents brought her to the emergency room. After a night of testing, Maddy was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, a deadly form of bone cancer. Doctors gave her two months to live.

“She was so sad,” her mother, Jessica Grayless explained. “She talked a lot about the things she was going to miss. And she said to me at one point, ‘Mom, I just wanted to be able to make a difference.’”

Thanks to a group of strangers on Facebook, Maddy is making a big difference. Someone started a page called “Maddy’s Mighty Minions.” It is a “pay it forward” campaign designed to inspire people to brighten someone’s day.

Maddy did not live to see the good that she has inspired. She died at home Tuesday morning, exactly two weeks after being diagnosed with cancer.

Her parents say although they are heartbroken without her, they find comfort in the fact that Maddy’s legacy will live on.

“It’s been helpful and very comforting to us that what made her special, everyone else is taking up the gauntlet for her and spreading the same kind of kindness that she would have had she been able to live longer,” explains her mother.

Little girl from Longmont inspires random acts of kindness all over the world | FOX31 Denver

[Dustin]

I don't really like kfor, but I just happened upon this news story last night that really made my day.

Oklahoma man honored for helping those in need | KFOR.com

[kelroy55]

In a heartwrenching display of strength and mercy Friday, relatives of the men and women massacred at a black church in South Carolina told the racist madman who murdered their loved ones that they forgave him.

“Although my grandfather and the other victims died at the hands of hate, this is proof — everyone’s plea for your soul — that they lived in love and their legacies will live in love. So hate won’t win, and I just want to thank the courts for making sure that hate isn’t winning,” said a granddaughter of retired pastor Daniel Simmons, 74.

“I just want everybody to know, to you, I forgive you,” said Nadine Collier, a daughter of victim Ethel Lance, 70.

“You took something very precious away from me. I will never talk to her ever again, I will never be able to hold her again. But I forgive you. And have mercy on your soul. You hurt me, you hurt a lot of people. But God forgives you, and I forgive you.”


Shooting victims? families forgive gunman in court | New York Post

[kelroy55]

CINCINNATI — The University of Cincinnati will give the three children of fallen Cincinnati police officer Sonny Kim a free education if they choose to attend the college.

“As a small token of gratitude to Officer Sonny Kim, UC will cover full undergraduate tuition for his 3 sons should they matriculate at UC,” UC President Santa J. Ono tweeted Monday morning.

As a small token of gratitude to Officer Sonny Kim, UC will cover full undergraduate tuition for his 3 sons should they matriculate at UC
— Santa J. Ono (@PrezOno) June 22, 2015

The average cost for a four-year degree at UC is about $50,000, Ono said.

Ono said UC's offer goes beyond what is covered by an Ohio law that states "the child of a public service officer killed in the line of duty" and "who is admitted to any state university or college" "shall not be required to pay any tuition or any student fee for up to four academic years of education, which shall be at the undergraduate level."

"Our scholarship to the Kim children we will be on top of any support from the Ohio Safety Officers fund," he said. "They can use it for room and board, books and study abroad."

Kim, 48, a husband and father of three boys, died after being shot while responding to a call of a gunman acting erratically Friday morning.

Police said Kim's shooter, 21-year-old Trepierre Hummons, called 911 at 9:03 a.m. to report a black man in his early 20s "walking around, getting belligerent with a gun" at the corner of Whetsel Avenue and Roe Street in Madisonville. They said he called again a few minutes later.

Kim was the first officer on the scene at 9:19 a.m. Hummons started a fire fight with Kim, Cincinnati Police Chief Jeffrey Blackwell said. Both men died in the encounter.

Kim, a 27-year veteran of the Cincinnati Police Department, also worked as the owner and main karate instructor at the Japanese Karate-Do dojo in Symmes Township.

One of Kim’s sons left a powerful message left on Instagram Saturday telling his father goodbye.

In it, Kim's son remembers riding bikes, running 5Ks and laughing at his dad's "stupid jokes that (he) would purposefully make a straight face at even though they were actually funny."

UC's offer of free college educations isn't the only thing being offered to the Kim family. Mason Police Association President Derek Bauman started a GoFundMe page that topped $100,000 in donations for the family Monday morning.

A public viewing and visitation for Kim will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Cintas Center at Xavier University for Officer Kim. The Queen City Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 69 will hold services at 7 p.m.

The funeral service will be held at the Cintas Center at 11 a.m. Friday, followed by a procession to the Gate of Heaven Cemetery for burial.

[kelroy55]

London (CNN)Sir Nicholas Winton, who saved hundreds of children from the Holocaust, has died at the age of 106, his son Nick Winton confirmed to CNN Wednesday.

Winston organized the rescue of 669 children from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia in the months before World War II broke out in 1939, according to a website maintained by his family.

The story became known to the public in 1988, when it was featured on a BBC TV program.

Winton was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2003 for services to humanity.

He was sometimes called Britain's Oskar Schindler, after the German businessman who was credited with saving the lives of 1,200 Jews during the Holocaust -- in which 6 million people were killed.

"The world has lost a great man," tweeted British Prime Minister David Cameron. "We must never forget Sir Nicholas Winton's humanity in saving so many children from the Holocaust."

[ljbab728]

A story of local interest.

Birthday woman?s frown turned upside down by Oklahoma City police | KFOR.com

[catch22]

A story of local interest.

Birthday woman?s frown turned upside down by Oklahoma City police | KFOR.com

Great story. My girlfriend and I are dropping a card to her in the mail in the morning.

[kelroy55]

Wonderful story

[kelroy55]

An Owner's Tribute to His Dying Dog Comes With a Bucket List - NBC News

[kelroy55]

The number one thing people think you miss out on if you don't have arms is a hug.

At least, that's what Jessica Cox says.

The world's first armless pilot gets the same question over and over again from strangers: "How do you hug?"

Last week, a 3-year-old girl named Ruth Evelyn (RE) Pranke answered that question for her. The toddler, who was also born without arms, embraced the 32-year-old in a way not many have seen before.

The emotional hug, shared by thousands, "redefines the definition of hope," Cox told CBS News.

"You can give someone a hug without arms -- two people without arms can give a hug," the motivational speaker said. "It inspires people that anything is possible."

RE's mother, Karlyn Pranke, hoped her daughter would also be inspired.

When Pranke was 20 weeks pregnant, she found out RE would be born without arms.

"I started googling 'without limbs,'" Pranke explained. "That's when Jessica's name popped up. I wanted one day to be able to meet her."

She wanted her little girl to meet her, too.

Two months ago, when RE made a heart-wrenching request, Pranke decided it was finally time.

"She just said, 'I want arms,'"Pranke said. "She's never really said it before."

So, the Saint Paul, Minnesota, mom and RE drove six hours to AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to meet Cox at the premiere of "Right Footed," a documentary based on Cox's life.

Within minutes of meeting each other, RE asked if she could see the airplane Cox flies with her feet. With a big grin, Cox led the way.

"I wanted to show her there's someone else who doesn't have arms who is happy," Cox said, explaining how she copes without arms. "You don't need arms to be happy."

If there's one thing RE focuses on, Pranke hopes it's her "ability," not her "disability."

She thinks her daughter is now beginning to realize that she can do things like everyone else -- it just might be different.

Like Cox, RE is going to continue doing the things she loves, like riding horses and taking clogging classes.

"She's only 3-years-old, so looking out to the future is not something in her thinking -- she's living in the moment," Cox said. "But I want her to know she [can] do anything."

Toddler born without arms hugs first-ever armless pilot in viral photo - CBS News

[kelroy55]

Every morning, Josh Cyganik gives Leonard Bullock a smile and a wave as he walks past the 75-year-old man's house on his way to work.

For four consecutive years, the 35-year-old track inspector for the Union Pacific Railroad has nodded to the Pendleton, Oregon, resident, who sits on his porch all day long, but not once has he ever said a word to the man.

Last month, he finally broke his silence.

As Cyganik stepped out to the curb to fill a garbage can, he overheard two teenage boys walking past Bullock's house yell, "Look at this crappy house. They just need to burn it down!"

As Cyganik glanced over, he saw Bullock with his head down.

"I couldn't believe what those kids had said," Cyganik told CBS News. "It was Leonard, this elderly, old man, who never hurt anybody a day in his life -- sits there all day long."

Later that day, Cyganik went home and stewed about the boys' rude comment.

After a couple days of thinking, he decided to do something about it.

He called a friend who runs a lumber and paint store, asking him if he'd be willing to donate materials to fix up the stranger's house. His friend agreed; "anything you need," he said.

Once Cyganik knew he had enough materials, he moved on to the next item on his check list: workers.

He posted a Facebook status, explaining his call for help.

To his surprise, more than 6,000 people shared the post and dozens commented.

With a little bit of faith, Cyganik knocked on Bullock's door the next day and asked him if he would like his house repainted.

"He was just flabbergasted," Cyganik said. "He was excited and he said he would love that!"

The following Saturday, Cyganik and his five coworkers headed over to work on Bullock's house, unsure how many people would join them.

One by one, people started coming. In fact, the number exceeded Cyganik's expectations so much, he stopped counting at 95 people.


"It was amazing. That's the only word I can say," Cyganik said proudly. "I had no plan. I had no guidance. The way it all fell together -- the way it turned out."

It took nine hours to finish the job, but they did it.

Bullock can now sit proudly outside of his freshly painted house and call it "home." Even better, he can now call Cyganik not a "stranger," but a "friend".

Pictures at Strangers repaint 75-year-old man's house after teens' cruel comments - CBS News

[kelroy55]

NEW YORK -- Lenny Robinson lost his life on a Maryland highway last night. It was an accident involving his custom-made Batmobile.

Robinson was an extraordinary man who became extraordinary the moment he put on a cape and cowl.

Some superheroes are born. Others find their calling later in life. Lenny B. Robinson was the latter.

But this "Batman's" mission wasn't to fight crime, it was to put smiles on the faces of children.

Robinson dedicated his life to visiting kids who were fighting life-threatening diseases. But he had fans of all ages.

"I love you, man," said one supporter. "You're the best! You're doing a great job, awesome job!"

"I want you to do me a favor, okay, and get better, okay," he told one kid. "And that will make me very happy."

Fourteen years ago the Baltimore native sold his cleaning business. He used the proceeds to buy a Lamborghini, which he modified to resemble a Batmobile. Robinson became internationally famous when a video was posted of him being pulled over by police.

"A black Lamborghini and a driver dressed as Batman," said a cop on dashcam video. Instead of issuing a ticket, the officers asked for a picture.

He later bought a replica of the Batmobile from the 1960s TV show.

There's no way of knowing how many lives this Caped Crusader touched. But judging by the number of photos on social media, there were plenty.

"At the end of the day, you must ask yourself, did I make a difference? And the answer had better be yes."

Asked -- and answered.

RIP Batman

[Mel]

A story I read this morning that I found touching. https://gma.yahoo.com/california-str...lifestyle.html

[kelroy55]

Not so much humanity but maybe catmanity....

Surprising catch shocks fisherman - CNN Video