MAN DONATES KIDNEY TO WIFE ON 20TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

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Celebrating a 20th wedding anniversary is a big deal in itself, to be able to look back on 20 years of memories that one another were able to share is truly a special connection that is not just given. It requires hard work and whole lot of love to hold that together. Traditionally, at this momentous point in a relationship a husband may spring for a beautiful set of china for his wife to impress her family and friends on special occasions. For Scott Chafain that just would not do. When he said his vows 20 years ago, he intended to keep them for as long as he live, and that is just what he is doing. In ‘sickness’ and in health he will be there for his wife Cindy.

Cindy, 45, has a polycystic kidney disease that has left her surviving on dialysis. She was diagnosed with the disease when she was just 22 but really started to feel the effects when she was 38, by 40 she was on a transplant list. Scott went right in to see if he was a match. As it turns out he was. Expectedly, Cindy was not ready to make that leap, asking for a donation is no easy task, and when the one you love most is involved it becomes even harder. However, her health declined, dialysis left her in pain and feeling as if she was unable to do her job as a mother. Scott began pushing the issue and doing his part encouraging her to take the next step.  When she was finally ready, Scott was already waiting. Cindy was overcome with emotion by the purest act of love she could have ever imagined. Certainly a hard gift to follow, however, it is one that will be enjoyed by Scott, Cindy and their children for a lifetime to come.

POLICE OFFCIER FLIPS THE SCRIPT AND SAVES A LIFE

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In today's day and age the media has made it seem so easy for a man to be killed by a police officer. So easy and efficient in fact, that one may use it as a means of suicide when unable to pull the trigger themself. However, when Lt. Dan Selkman is on the call, the outcome is quite the contrary.

Coy Williams of Wilmington, Delaware had lived a long, hard life. Starting at a young age, it was hard for Williams to connect with people, to find closeness. He lived the greater part of his 62 years feeling alone, protected by the wall he had built up around him. Until one day he felt he could no longer go on. The life was not worth living anymore. He went to a gun shop and picked up a .22-caliber hand gun, thinking this would be the last purchase he would ever make.

As he sat on the couch with the gun in his clinch, holding it up, he was unable to pull the trigger, something inside him just could not go through with it, but his feelings were still there. So he instead picked up the phone and called who he thought would be able to go through with it, the police, informing them he was armed and dangerous  Lt. Selkman took the call, and instead of arriving with guns loaded, he came with a gentle tone, doing all he could to convince Williams of all he had to live for. To Williams disappointment, Selkman was not the same man he was perceived to be in the media, Williams turned his back and fired a shot into his own stomach.

He woke later in the hospital with thoughts at first of failure, for he was unable to be successful in his suicide attempt, and then replaced with thoughts of wonder, on how he could do this to himself. He was unable to think straight because he had so many thoughts. But what was special was who was there by his side, Lt. Selkman. He gave Williams his word that he would help him get through this, with no time frame in mind. A failed suicide would not get in his way helping Coy get back on his feet and moving in the right direction. Lt. Selkman has continued to do just that for months now, and their relationship has grown into a true friendship. Coy is a regular at family dinners with the Selkman family. Coy also now has someone he is comfortable opening up to and sharing meaningful conversation with.

With all the negative preconceived ideas of who a police officer is, it is a breath of fresh air to see the positive light Lt. Dan Selkman has brought to the media. It is important to recognize people flipping the script and encourage others to share stories like this.  

WOMAN IS THERE FOR A STRANGER WHEN SHE NEEDED HER MOST

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It is important to remember that it does not take a grand or laborious act to touch someone's life, make a difference, and be recognized. However, often it is the little things that people shy away from. They are not always planned or convenient and requires one to divert from the path or schedule they have for the day. They also don’t always get the attention that more extravagant gestures do although they can be just as important and impactful. Stephanie Uhlenberg however, did not let these things get in her way from touching the life of someone in need.

Amongst the havoc of a mall on Black Friday, Stephanie saw a stranger, Angel Mott, sitting on the shelves of a store crying, sobbing in fact. Rather than walking past in wonder or conjuring up possible explanations for Angel actions, Stephanie stopped, sat down next to Angel and embraced her. Angel had just received the news that her mother, only 57 years of age, had passed away. Perhaps the saddest, most difficult time in one's life would have had to be experienced alone had it not been for Stephanie. “I didn't want to be alone at that time, and I wasn’t “ Mott said. She was comforted by the warm embrace of a stranger that stopped to help one in need. Stephanie did not stop to get her name in the paper or because it was convenient, she merely did what she would hope someone would do for her or her daughter in a time of need. We recognize you Stephanie Uhlenberg for recognizing one in need and living in the moment.

SIMPLE ACTS OF KINDNESS INSPIRE A COMMUNITY

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It takes a special person to go out of their way to make complete strangers’ days a little easier or better, but it takes a truly remarkable person to have the desire to inspire a community to spread kindness to all those around.

Cate Cook started small; leaving change taped to parking meters, flower bouquets in public  spaces, and bubbles on park benches, just things that she felt would improve other people's days. Her actions have inspired those around her, or those impacted by her good deeds to create a “kindness community”. Over 2800 people in the community have anonymously identified as a ‘kindness warrior’, passing on the gestures that Cate started.

Cate celebrated her 62nd birthday last week, she could think of no better way to celebrate than giving back to her community. She went around doing 62 different acts of kindness to improve other people's day. It took just over 7 hours to complete but she says it was well worth it.