It’s that time of year again and I am writing this post because I have noticed that people get excessively grumpy, moody, angry, and depressed over the holidays.
And why not?
You keep being force-fed messages of how wonderful this time of year is, while simultaneously reading the news about hundreds being killed in a flood, child abuse, wars, murders, starvation, and torture. Hearing about the world we live in doesn’t really give you that warm and fuzzy feeling you should have over the holidays.
But every once in a while, every once in a blue moon, you turn on the television or crank up the ye olde Internet, or (shock) turn the page of the New York Times, and find…a happy story!
Wow, you didn’t know there was such a thing!
Today, I have compiled a list of some “happy” news stories – things you just don’t see all the time.
These stories are the reason I write. These stories give us a glimpse into the human experience. And these stories remind us why we can be joyful this time of year.
1. Tis the Season to Be…A Blind Dog
Source: Screengrab
It must be one thing to be blind, never able to see the world, guide yourself through it. It must be a whole different ball game to be a blind dog. Luckily, Lily, the Great Dane, not only had a best friend named Maddison, but she also had a lot of good luck.
You see, Lily was born with a condition called entropion, which required her eyes to be removed when she was just a wee pup. That was when Maddison stepped up to be the guide dog she always wanted to be. She would guide Lily and help her around, oftentimes taking her by the leash. The two have been inseparable ever since.
This year however the pair ran into a little bad luck. Their owner, who had had them since they were pups, realized she just couldn’t care for them anymore. The two were transported to a dog welfare charity (Dog Trust UK) where they remained for several months. They put the word out about the blind and guide dog duo and the next thing they knew they had TV cameras and an inundation of phone calls.
Finally, it was a nice couple from the countryside in Cheshire who adopted the beautiful Danes: The Williams. The two are finally able to run free again together. And Anne Williams, the new proud owner told the Daily Mail, “We’ve also got a lovely big garden so it’s the perfect setting for two huge dogs.”
2. ‘Tis the Season to Be…Married
When I read this story I literally cried in my office. It is such a sweet tale. 72 years together and this couple died holding hands. They never wanted to be apart, so in many ways it was the best that they went out together. Even stranger- they died exactly an hour apart. See the video for more.
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3. ‘Tis the Season to Be…a Good Samaritan
Last week I was really dumb. In my rush to grab food and get out of the mall I left a big bag of brand new make up from the MAC at the counter in the food court. When I discovered this I started literally trying to kick myself. How could I be so stupid? That was a lot of money to waste!
So I called the mall- in the really, really slim chance that someone had picked it up. The man on the other end of the line said, “yes a black bag? Yes it is here.”
I was shocked! Someone actually picked it up and left it there for me?? Wow. There really are good people in the world.
Check out this news story of a man who found a wallet with over $500 in cash inside it. And guess what? He gave it back!
There is still good in the world
So remember: even though this time of year can give you the blues, or maybe battling those lines at the mall have you wanting to punch people, or maybe you can’t afford any gifts this year and it has you feeling depressed, there IS still good in the world.
There ARE still wonderful blessings out there, there ARE still good people in this life. And you are probably one of them.
As you go about this holiday season remember that there are new horizons for all of us. Next year is a new year. Live it to the fullest.
And always remember the good out there. Even though it is easy to get sucked in to the bad.
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