A Daily Antidote to Everything Else
After reading stories from Teacher Appreciation Week, one former teacher sent us a gift from his students that he’s kept for more than half a century. Here’s his story of student appreciation.
Source: Why a retired Anacortes teacher kept a piece of paper for more than 60 years | The Seattle Times
So many teachers are under-appreciated, it’s great that this one was recognized by his students, way back when. Clearly it meant a lot to him.
The couple got married that day at 17,500 feet elevation. It was a dream fulfilled for the adventurous couple …
Source: This couple hiked Mt. Everest to get married. The photos are nuts.
Shared passions, of the extreme variety. The photo album, also linked to by the article linked above, is amazing.
Lola the doggie had spent 8 years chained up in a dark garage just lying on cold concrete floor, prior to being rescued by AMA Animal Rescue. For the last seven weeks she has been living with her new human mom, Charlène von Saher, in Manhattan. During that time, the abused doggie has already perfected the art or relaxation, taking the concept of ‘comfort’ to the next level.
Stories of recovery after animal abuse are always touching. I love that Lola not only ended up in such a perfect home, but that she’s set about making it even more … comfortable.
Prince William certainly has a knack for making these young patients smile.
Source: Prince William Follows in Mother’s Footsteps, Brings Smiles to Patients – Good News Network
For those of us who remember his late mother, this is both encouraging … and not surprising. 
… Amazon will donate more than 47,000 sq. ft. of space within Amazon’s newest headquarters building as a permanent location for a Mary’s Place Family Shelter.
Source: Amazon to Build a Family Shelter for Mary’s Place Within its Seattle HQ
Amazon has had a pretty amazing impact in and around the downtown Seattle area. It’s nice to see them “give back” in a substantial and tangible way to the community in which they live.
Bryson William Verdun Hayes, decorated for WWII heroism, completes tandem jump with son, grandson and great grandkids
I’m not so sure about jumping out of airplanes, but it’s his attitude I want to have when I grow up. 🙂
SEATTLE – Fundraising efforts in Seattle, Everett, and Marysville have significantly eased school lunch debts for thousands of kids across the region.Last week, Jeffery Lew, a Seattle parent, created a gofundme account with the goal of raising $21,000 to …
Source: Father’s mission to pay off school lunch debt in Seattle inspires kindness from strangers | KOMO
Here’s where the debt comes from (from the GoFundMe page):
Many children depend on a nutritious lunch to help them through their school day. Per the 2015-16 report by Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction for Washington State, 36% of Seattle Public School District students are on free or reduced-price meals (Report). This is based on parents filling out meal applications. If a child is unable to pay for their meal, a debt has started. Families will receive an invoice from the school district to pay the debt.
Seems that by definition the very people in need of this program are those least able to be able to pay off the debt. I love the idea of independently stepping in and helping out…
“Wait…it’s been in there the entire time?”
Source: Woman unknowingly wore her engagement ring hidden in necklace for a year – ABC News
Sometimes, ya just know. Best quote, not in the news article, but in the video: “I COULD HAVE LOST IT YOU F****** IDIOT!” 🙂
Driver Phil Broussard leads a German shepherd onto the Rescue Express bus in San Fernando, Calif. The organization tries to save animals by transporting them to adoption groups in the Pacific Northwest, where euthanasia rates are lower. (Patrick T. Fallon for The Washington Post)
Source: From death row to adoption: Saving animals by car, van, bus and even plane – The Washington Post
The first rule, of course, is to spay or neuter your pets. And that message seems to be getting out there, which is great. Besides transport organizations, there are numerous formal and informal networks of pet owners that will come together to transport pets — sometimes long distances, often via relay — in order to reach their “forever homes”. Truly inspiring.
The Dublin student who mislaid his laptop in a taxi last week has been reunited with it after a viral search campaign headed by JK Rowling.
Quoting the student: “It’s amazing what the internet can do. … I feel so thankful to know that there are such good people in the world.” Indeed. But I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that perhaps he should have had a backup? 🙂