A small act of kindness…I recently watched a video that was filmed inside someone’s car. It appears to be just two men sitting in the car ordering food via a takeout window. The passenger wearing a hat that clearly let the world know that he served his country and was a veteran, the other man, the driver, never showed his face, but spoke to the woman at the drive through and made sure his passenger got everything he wanted. Then the driver told the veteran that he came by the fast food place every day around 4:00 p.m. on his way home from work. He then told his new friend that if he would meet him there at 4:00 p.m. every day, he would buy his lunch or early dinner. The veteran thanked him and said he would be there…and then he started to cry. He explained how no one had shown him such kindness in a very long time. The driver told him he valued his service and he valued him as a human being and that it was just a little act of kindness. The veteran could no longer contain his emotions and began to weep. He promised the driver he would be there, every day…before leaving the vehicle he also told him, “man, there are a lot of us out there.”

We never know what brings a person to be homeless, this veteran and many others are living on the streets, meal to meal when they can get something to eat and often times never knowing kindness.

I am one to always think about the “why” behind the situation. I see the individuals on the corner with a sign that says hungry or need work or homeless, and I always want to stop and ask them, “how did this happen to you?” Sometimes we can be quick to judge and trust me, I know there are a few who have made a living out of panhandling, but I am talking about those who may suffer from depression or crippling anxiety, health issues, who can’t make ends meet or have no family. What is there story, how did this happen…how can I help?

I will say to everyone, that showing a small act of kindness to someone every day may not change the world…but it will change someone’s world. Challenge yourself to one small act of kindness starting today; before you know it…it will become a way of life.

What “kind” of day will you choose?

What seemed like “just the right thing to do” turned into an opportunity to see the kind and loving side of people and the reassurance that people still care!

We got a call from a UPS delivery person who let us know that a cat had been stuck in a tree for four days. She had called others to rescue the cat, but they were not able. A well-meaning couple showed up to help out, but their bucket truck wasn’t tall enough to get the job done. That’s where we come in…we received the call and took action. One of my crews was in close proximity and headed to the location to see what they could do. Our bucket truck reached high into the very tall tree and our team member took his time talking to the kitty, helping him stay calm and encouraging him not to venture higher into the tree. After a short period of time, he was able to reach out and gently remove him from the branch. Tucked away safely in a cat carrier, the tabby got his first, and hopefully last, ride in a bucket truck. Needless to say, after four days in the top of the tree, the orange and white tabby wouldn’t have lasted much longer without food and water. He’s safe, warm and once again back on the ground! Our team members go above and beyond in the work they do, even if you’re a feline!

It’s almost here again, the time of year when we take time to reflect on the past few months. Time to count our blessings and list our reasons to be thankful, but sometimes it might be difficult to find that thankful moment, times when life becomes too much to handle. That’s when the faces at the table play the most important role ever! It’s time for them to tell you why they are thankful for “you” and what a difference you make in their lives. If you know someone this year that’s struggling to find the joyful peace of thankfulness, reach out and help them to understand that even though they can’t find their “thankful” self, you will help them to understand how important they are and how much they mean to you. It’s all about family and friends and helping others to feel included, safe, loved, appreciated and yes grateful. Life can be stressful, challenging and difficult, but it can also be amazing, even in the hardest of circumstances.

This year, try something different. Share what you love most about the people who complete your life. How do they tie into your thankfulness? What makes them special and unique? It only takes a few kind and sincere words to completely change the way someone feels.  Just like harsh and unkind words can push a person deeper into despair, kindness and love can be the lifeline that pulls them out. We really do have the responsibility to lift each other up…the greatest of these is love!

Enjoy the meal, enjoy the season, enjoy each other and don’t forget to be a lifeline! We’ve only got one life on this earth; make it a beautiful, meaningful, loving and generous journey!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

With the election over and most of the barrage of politics behind us for a while, it’s time to get back to treating each other with love, kindness and respect. The question is why did the presidential race bring out the worst in most? Social media was and is, riddled with unkindness and harsh remarks. It’s sad to see friendships split, families separated and relationships strained because of the strong difference of opinions. I say, it's over…and it’s time to remember that “the greatest of these is love” and we need to put that into practice now and forever forward. We are approaching a day that is set aside for being thankful and grateful for the blessings in our lives, shouldn’t we get our hearts and minds heading in the right direction so that the day truly is one of thanks! Thanksgiving will be followed by Christmas, another day set aside to be thankful for the greatest gift of all and to celebrate friends and family in whatever fashion you choose to celebrate the day. Why not start by choosing a “pay it forward” way of thinking in an area of your life where you can put that into practice several days during the holiday season. I can assure you that if you replace anger and distress with kindness and generosity, you will see this season in a whole new light and in turn, you will choose it for the days that follow. Anger, resentment, fear and distress will make you feel negative, tired, worn out and sad…but changing that mindset will turn your life around!

Please don’t let politics dictate your life now or in the future. Change your mind about the way you think, be kind, pay it forward, speak gently and love loudly…you can be the first link in a chain that changes the way others think!

This tree company “went the extra mile” to save some baby woodpeckers! The company was called to take down a tree, when the tree was down they realized there were two baby woodpecker in a knot hole. So they did the most humane thing they could think of, they duct taped the portion of the tree with the babies in it to the tree next to where the old tree had stood. Minutes later…mama was back feeding the little ones. Heartwarming story of kindness and humanity! McCullough’s Tree Service gives a huge thumbs up to this tree company!