Home at Last: A Soldier, His Dog, and the Love That Waited Two Years.
After two long years of serving overseas in the military, my husband finally walked back through our front door. I can hardly find words for the emotions that flooded over me at that moment — relief, overwhelming joy, and a…
A Birthday Gift of Gratitude: Nine-Year-Old Supports Detroit Police.
At Detroit’s 11th Precinct, police officers were in for a truly special surprise last Saturday — a birthday celebration unlike any other, courtesy of a remarkable young girl named Samya McLaughlin. Samya, just nine years old, decided that for her…
Untangled: A Humpback Whale’s Journey to Freedom and Thanks.
A female humpback whale had become trapped in a terrifying web — a tangle of crab traps and lines weighing down her massive body. Hundreds of pounds of traps clung to her, making every breath a struggle as she fought…
A $14.99 Piano and a Dream: Jacob’s Musical Journey Begins.
This is Jacob. He’s only seven years old, but already, he carries a spark of something special. Today, at a local thrift store, I happened to hear him trying to play “Chopsticks” on an old, slightly worn piano tucked away…
A Message for Those 60 and Above: Embrace This Beautiful Chapter of Life.
A Message for Those 60 and Above: Embrace This Beautiful Chapter of Life If you’re 60 years old or older, this message is just for you — a gentle reminder to cherish the time you have now and live it…
A Shoutout to Kindness: Woodstock Officer Goes Above and Beyond.
I want to give a HUGE shoutout to a Woodstock police officer whose name, unfortunately, I never got. Recently, my mom was pulling into the Sam’s Shopping Center when her car suddenly ran out of gas. She was stranded, unsure…
More Than Enforcement: Serving Community with Care.
Recently, Crystal Officers were dispatched to conduct a welfare check on a resident who had reportedly not eaten for several days and was struggling with basic daily needs, including preparing meals. Upon arrival, Officer Vang quickly assessed the situation and…
More Than Exes: How I’m Teaching My Sons to Love and Respect.
It’s my ex-wife’s birthday today. I got up early, picked up some flowers, a card, and a small gift, then drove over to her place so our kids could give them to her. I even stayed to help them make…
A Quilt, A Promise, and the Man Who Taught Me to Sew.
My grandfather is 89 years old, and he’s one of the most remarkable people I know. Whenever I visit him, he loves to sit back in his old armchair by the window and tell me stories about his youth. One…
A Farmer, His Dog, and 92 Years of Home.
I still have my old 1966 Chevrolet truck, the one that’s been with me through so much of this long life. Just about every week, you could find me and our loyal dog Gunner riding down the gravel roads, heading…