Thanksgiving is probably my favorite holiday. It doesn’t bring quite as much stress for some reason like Christmas does. And I always enjoy a good “feel good” story that we oftentimes hear about during the holidays. Here’s a wonderful heart-warming story I saw while watching the news yesterday.

A woman in Florence, N.J. ran out of gas while driving to Philadelphia. She pulled over on the side of the road and then was approached by a homeless man named Johnny. Johnny told her he would walk to the nearest gas station for help but instead he used his last $20 and returned with gas for her car. The woman had no money to repay Johnny but returned numerous times over the course of several weeks and she and her boyfriend learned more and more about Johnny such that they became friends. They couldn’t get Johnny’s kindness and story out of their minds … how he had served in the Marine Corps and had been a paramedic, traveled across country with a job lined up in Philadelphia, only for the job opportunity to fall through. One day led to the next and a year of homelessness ensued. The couple felt they had to find a way to help Johnny get back on his feet so they finally decided to start a GoFundMe campaign. As of Thanksgiving Day (2017) the campaign had collected $250,000 in donations.

What a beautiful story … one that ends with Johnny hoping to get recertified as a paramedic and work at Amazon in the meantime, as well as be able to find an apartment to live in. Johnny’s story reminded me of one of my favorite songs written by Lori McKenna and sung by Tim McGraw … Humble & Kind …

You know there’s a lot that goes by the front door

Don’t forget the keys under the mat

Childhood stars shine, always stay humble and kind

Go to church ‘cause your mama says to

Visit grandpa every chance that you can

It won’t be a waste of time

Always stay humble and kind

Hold the door, say please, say thank you

Don’t steal, don’t cheat and don’t lie

I know you got mountains to climb but

Always stay humble and kind

When the dreams you’re dreamin’ come to you

When the work you put in is realized

Let yourself feel the pride but

Always stay humble and kind

Don’t expect a free ride from no one

Don’t hold a grudge or a chip and here’s why

Bitterness keeps you from flying

Always stay humble and kind

Don’t take for granted the love this life gives you

When you get where you’re goin’

Don’t forget turn back around

Help the next one in line

Always stay humble and kind

Here’s hoping to always be humble and kind and praying I’m never the next one in line needing help like Johnny but if I am, I believe in humanity and those always willing to make difference in this world.

 

Kate McClure and Mark D’Amico you are my 2017 Thanksgiving heroes.