J's Cafe Nette

Archive for the ‘Heart Warming’ Category

Via Breitbart tv:

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Enjoy this brief moment between and Dad and Daughter captured at a recent Phillies game.

It is priceless.

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You can’t define a government run health care system in any simpler terms than this:

Banana peels to heal warts? Who knew?

Bananas to banish veruccas, ginger to ease muscle pain and tea for mouth ulcers – before you visit the chemist, check out the many proven remedies in your own larder.

Contemplating a move? Do you live in Virginia? Give these guys a call:

One of those feel good stories worthy of sharing:

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Life is sure full of little miracles:

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What do you do when you are ninety years old and lose seven hundred thousand dollars due to financial schemes devised by Bernie Madoff.

You go back to work:

What a sad but also inspiring story. Two individuals who should not have a worry in the world are devastated financially, yet there are no tears, no blame being afixed (and they would be more than justified).

Without a doubt, they are living proof that the old cliche,”money doesn’t buy happiness” is true.

The Thiermann’s are a wonderful example of those who have built and shaped this country for over 200 years.

Bernie Madoff and those of his persuasion should pay a huge penalty for what they have done, not only to these folks but countless others.

Related story here.

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Very little could provide more of a rewarding, heartbreaking, confusing, educating or enlightening childhood than being that of a President of the United States.

Jenna and Barbara Bush offer a little advice to Malia and Sasha Obama in this very heartwarming (and if you are like me, tear producing) video:

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This story is one which has many life lessons rolled into its’ text.

It begins as follows:

William “Bill” Crawford certainly was an unimpressive figure, one you could easily overlook during a hectic day at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Mr. Crawford, as most of us referred to him back in the late 1970s, was our squadron janitor. While we cadets busied ourselves preparing for academic exams, athletic events, Saturday morning parades and room inspections, or never-ending leadership classes, Bill quietly moved about the squadron mopping and buffing floors, emptying trash cans, cleaning toilets, or just tidying up the mess 100 college-age kids can leave in a dormitory. Sadly, and for many years, few of us gave him much notice, rendering little more than a passing nod or throwing a curt, “G’morning!” in his direction as we hurried off to our daily duties. Why? Perhaps it was because of the way he did his job-he always kept the squadron area spotlessly clean, even the toilets and showers gleamed. Frankly, he did his job so well, none of us had to notice or get involved.

If you have a few moments read the rest..you might be surprised at what you discover.

HT:Blackfive

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Lots more “little ones”here…be careful your heart just might melt!

HT: Little Green Footballs

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It’s so hard when they go, but oh so wonderful when they come home.

The best Christmas gift ever!

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Sometimes when you hit rock bottom, there is only one way out.

Orson Bean (in his own words) found his way:

“Get down on your knees,” he told me, ” and thank God every morning. Then, do it again at night.”

“But I don’t think I believe in God.”

“It doesn’t matter,” he said. “Just do it.”

“Why do I have to get down on my knees?”

“He likes it,” said Bobby. And that’s all he said to me. He stood there looking at me for a minute and then I said OK and thanked him and he took off.

I was living, in those days, in a little joint in Venice with a Murphy bed. That night, when it was time for me to go to sleep, I got down on my knees beside the Murphy bed, feeling like a complete fool, and spoke out loud.

“If there’s anybody there,” I said, “thank you for the day.” I had finally decided, I suppose, that since all else had failed, I would follow the instructions. That night, I slept like a log and in the morning I got down on my knees again and said, “If there’s anybody there, thank you for my night’s sleep.”

I kept doing this, day after day, and without my even being aware of it, it stopped feeling foolish to me. It started to feel good, in fact. After a while, I began to sense that my prayers were being heard. I didn’t know by who or what, but it was a good feeling. Then, before I knew it, I felt as if there was Something or Someone there who knew me and cared about me. Actually loved me.

Thanks to Mr. Johnson at Power Line for sharing this touching story. Take a moment to read the whole thing..it is well worth your time.

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Even those who have little sometimes have the biggest gift to give…as told by Johnny Cash.

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I’ve seen many a homecoming for deployed US military over the years but never one quite like this:

Sgt. Tyson Two Two stood on a war blanket provided by his family, a traditional Northern Cheyenne Tribe war bonnet perfectly complementing his dress blues, as drummers and singers welcomed him home.

Saturday afternoon in the baggage claim lobby of Billings Logan International Airport, Two Two, 24, a sergeant in the United States Marine Corps and member of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, was welcomed home from a seven-month tour in Iraq by about 50 family members and friends from the Northern Cheyenne reservation.

Welcome home Sergeant..well done!

There are many, many terific pictures at the link as well as the balance of the story. HT: Gateway Pundit

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This past Saturday Connie Talbot performed at the FYE store in the King of Prussia Mall here in Pennsylvania. Amazingly, this little girl was the runner-up in the British version of Idol.

My son happens to be the General Manger of the store which hosted this performance and he gave me the heads up that she would be there along with her Mom and Dad and management team. He said this little wonder is just a friendly and personable as you might imagine when you watch her perform.

Connie and her folks had one more performance lined up on Sunday on the Today show and were then flying back to England for her to attend school.

Lot’s of autographs were signed and fun was had by all and if you are looking for a CD for yourself or children or grandchildren “Connie Talbot, Over the Rainbow” is due to be released this Tuesday. Good Stuff..I have heard the pre-release.

Here is her performance from Saturday:

While I enjoyed watching the performance above, take a look at Connie Talbot and a young lady from Korea performing “You Raise Me Up.” You may not understand the announcer but when you see the blind child on piano it is sure to melt your heart!

*UPDATE: Please substitute the NBC 10 show for the Today show performance. My error! Sorry if this caused anyone any confusion but it seems I misunderstood a bit of the relayed information. Thanks!

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While the video quality may be a bit rough, (no doubt due to age), the message from Bill Gaither to his grandson is pricless in this performance of “We’ll Be There.”

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It has taken me until today to find that feel good story which I look for every week. This one has to rank up there among my favorites.

ENCINO, CA. – Operation Gratitude founder, Carolyn Blashek, and Director of Operations, Charlie Othold, traveled 9,000 miles to surprise an unknowing Soldier with the keys to a 2008 Jeep(R) Liberty at Forward Operating Base Warhorse in Iraq on January 22. The gift of the Liberty was in celebration of Operation Gratitude’s shipment of 300,000 care packages to troops deployed overseas.

Spc. Michael Gallagher, of Company A, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division from Fort Lewis, Washington, was the recipient of Operation Gratitude’s special care package.

The Jeep(R) was donated by the Jeep brand. In a letter addressed to an “American Hero”, John Plecha, Director -Jeep Marketing and Global Communications, said it was an honor to do something special for both a great organization and for the troops in Iraq.

“As the recipient of the 300,000th Operation Gratitude care package, the Jeep brand is delighted to award you a Jeep vehicle of your own as a symbol of our appreciation, as you represent all those who bravely go in harm’s way in service to our country,” Plecha’s letter continued.

While we often thank those who protect this nation, it is individuals like Ms. Blashek and so many of the generous businesses here in the US who often go without notice. In most cases, I am certain that is the way they would prefer it to be.

So thanks to every volunteer and proprietor who has helped make the life of a member of our fighting forces just a bit easier. It is gratitude well deserved.

HT:Lucianne

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There are so many children in this country (especially older ones) who are in need of either quality foster care or adoptive families who can show them the love and support they need.

According to this article in the LA Times, there is real progress in placing many of these children.

Saturday was a day unlike almost any other at the Edmund D. Edelman Children’s Court in Monterey Park.

Children ran about playing with balloon swords outside the courtrooms, bailiffs earnestly opened doors to welcome latecomers, judges happily spoke to reporters, lawyers walked around with wide smiles and photographers snapped shots all over.

“I’m not putting anybody in jail today,” said Pamela Matsumoto, a referee who handles juvenile traffic cases in Los Angeles Superior Court. “They’re all going home.”

The courthouse that typically deals with child abuse and neglect cases was holding an annual Adoption Saturday event, an idea conceived about 10 years ago by Judge Michael Nash, who presides over Los Angeles County’s Juvenile Court, to make it easier for children in the county’s foster care system to be adopted.

The adoption process “was taking too long to complete,” Nash said.

So he created a coalition with the Alliance for Children’s Rights and the Public Counsel Law Center, and began recruiting volunteers from major law firms to help out.

During the last 10 years, the number of children in the county foster care system has been nearly cut in half, Nash said. More than 20,000 adoptions have been completed, about 9,000 of those on Adoption Saturdays, with as many as 650 completed at one such event. And Adoption Saturday has grown into a National Adoption Day that has spread to all 50 states. Last year’s national event provided permanent homes for 3,000 children, Nash said.

These numbers are fantastic and as long as those involved in the placement of the kids are screening these families carefully, then both the adoptive parents and the child are very fortunate people.

For so many volunteers to take part in a program such as this a sign of kindness and real American spirit. I can think of few things which would be more rewarding than to think you helped give a child a new lease on life.

As for the Judge who instituted this program and oversees these adoptions, I say bravo. Giving of your time and energy in this manner is something to be admired.

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Ten weeks after Rebecca Jones of Starke UK, found out she was going to have twin boys she was told one of the boys, Gabriel, had an enlarged heart and would die.

Doctors convinced her it would be better for him to die in utero where he had a twin brother, rather than be born, suffer and die alone. They also told the parents if Gabriel died it could cause Ieuan to die also.

She and her car salesman husband made the agonizing decision to let Gabriel die in utero and the doctors tried to cut Gabriel’s umbilical cord. The cord was too thick and it couldn’t be cut, so they went to plan B. Plan B was to cut the placenta so Gabriel would die and his twin brother Ieuan would live.

Something happened there too. Instead of getting smaller and weaker, Gabriel seemed to thrive in his own sac. As he got older in utero his heart became normal sized, he gained weight and, most of all he is alive today, weighing 12 lb. 6 oz. at the age of seven months.

He’s not as big as his brother, but they are both close, holding hands most of the time.

Here’s the baby who survived two abortion attempts:

The baby who would not die, Gabriel, is on the right and his brother Ieuan is on the left. Both are thriving.

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How fortunate are the troops to have one among their ranks with a Mom like this:

DEPTFORD TOWNSHIP, N.J. – After months of frustration, a mother of a soldier in Iraq has found someone to ship about 80,000 cans of Silly String to the troops, who use the foamy substance to detect trip wires on bombs.

“I am so happy right now, I am shaking. I just think it’s awesome that it’s finally going,” Marcelle Shriver said as boxes were loaded into a truck Monday afternoon.

And huge kudos to the company that came through not only for Ms. Shriver but for all those men and women in uniform whose lives could be saved by this Silly String.

Thom Campbell, one of the founders of Capacity LLC, a New Jersey-based shipping company experienced in hazardous materials, heard about Shriver’s problem and decided to help out.

I have no hazardous materials to ship, but if I did, I would make every effort to support this gentleman and his business.

As for how this product is utilized by the military..well have a look:

Soldiers can shoot the substance, which travels about 10-12 feet, across a room before entering. If it hangs in the air, that indicates a possible trip wire.

What a terrific story. Silly String, who would have thought….?

HT: No Left Turns

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Berkeley, California may never be the same.

Mark this day down folks. It was Wednesday, October 17, 2007 that hundreds of pro-troop supporters turned out for a giant pro-troop rally in Berkeley, CA (one of the most anti-military & anti-war cities in this nation). Not only did the size of the rally shock the San Francisco Bay Area news media, it surprised the anti-war activists at Code Pink who were outnumbered on their own turf!.

Don’t miss the photos and videos of this counter-protest here. Patriotism and support of the troops in full display in this anit-military town. How heartwarming.

Thank you Move America Forward and all other organizations involved in this endeavor. Your support not only of the troops but of American values is appreciated by many.

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An amazing and inspirational video.

This young man is proof that sometimes, if you face adversity head on, you can accomplish most anything.

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Miracles really do happen (medical or otherwise).

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Some celebrities are remembered for the great movie in which they starred, others for that one song that remains associated with them through the ages. Many have worked diligently for or donated to various charities through the years but one man, every year, has raised mega bucks for a worthwhile organization. That man is none other than Jerry Lewis.

Showman Jerry Lewis raised nearly $64 million on Monday during his annual Labor Day Telethon to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association, topping last year’s event by $3 million.
“We did it. We did it. I got my buck more. And more. We can go shopping,” a jubilant Lewis said as the tote board topped $63.7 million for his 42nd telethon. Last year’s record was $61 million.

As in the past, the International Association of Fire Fighters anchored the donations from local fill-the-boot drives with $25.2 million, eclipsing last year’s $23.5 million.

“Whoa, whoa firefighters. They’re all my heroes—every firefighter you see,” Lewis said.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association is blessed to have this man and every individual who contributed to make this fundraiser a phenomenal success. Well done.

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The phrase “A picture is worth a thousand words,” is certainly synonymous with the one shown with this story:

An Arkansas couple had a baby daughter Thursday — their 17th child and seventh girl — and the pair say they’re still not ready to give it a rest.

This couple has been truly blessed and I wish them only the best of luck with this new arrival and the balance of their family.

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Have we forgotten those serving in Afghanistan (both our forces and those of other nations)?

I know I am guilty of focusing primarily on Iraq, as that is where the news seems mired daily.

Via, US Central Command one of those feel good stories we seldom see.

THE REAL KITE RUNNERS FLYING THE AFGHAN SKIES

Even though best-selling books have painted pictures of Afghan children flying colorful kites high in blue skies against backdrops of snow-capped mountains that tower over quaint villages, not all Afghan children are fortunate enough to own such simple, yet wonderful toys.

However, when the Polish Battle Group arrived in Ghazni province’s Andar district near the end of June, the local children were finally able to take part in an activity shared by children in almost all countries in the world: flying kites.

Please take a few minutes to read the entire press release. If you have children or grandchildren, it is sure to put a smile on your face especially when you read how the simplest things we take for granted are cherished by these youngsters.

Everywhere they went, children crowded around the vehicles as the smiling soldiers pulled out boxes of shoes, clothes, school supplies and toys. But the biggest hit of all were the multi-colored kites that the soldiers unfolded for them.

With big grins and excited chattering, the children jumped up and down shouting, “Patang! Patang!” (the Pashto word for kite.)

Soon the sky had several of the yellow, green and red kites with International Security Assitance Forces logos flying, much to the delight of the children dancing around below.

“These kites are so much fun,” said Mahmad-Amid Hahn, a 12-year- old boy, as he made whooping sounds while his kite dipped and swerved in the air. “The Taliban would never give us these things.”

Thanks to the troops who gave these children a little bit of sunshine..that should be a basic right of every child.

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Yaderlin Hiraldo Jimenez is the wife of missing Army Spec. Alex Jimenez, one of three US soldiers missing since May. The body of one of the soldiers was found shortly after their disappearance, but other than seeing an ID card, there has been no definite word on her husband.

Mrs. Jimenez entered this country illegally from the Dominican Republic in 2001.

She married Spec. Jimez in 2004, and he was trying to get a green card for her before he was deployed.

She had received notice to appear before a deportation hearing, but the judge put it aside and waited for the government to do the right thing.

Sen. John Kerry got involved by writing a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Chertoff a couple of weeks ago, and now she has been given a green card, meaning she will be able to stay here as long as she wants.

On Friday, Yaderlin walked into a Citizenship and Immigration Services office in Buffalo, New York. She left with a green card in her hand, guaranteeing she can stay in the U.S. for the rest of her life.

“She was moved to tears,” her lawyer Matthew Kolken, who went with her to the immigration office, told the Boston Sunday Globe.

“Her immigration problems have been solved in their entirety and now her focus is completely dedicated to her hope and desire that she’s going to see her husband again,” Kolken added.

The move came after U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said last month that his agency would “terminate” the deportation case against Yaderlin so she could stay in the country and apply for permanent resident status.

At the time, Chertoff said in a letter to Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., that “the sacrifices made by our soldiers and their families deserve our greatest respect.”

…

Kolken said Yaderlin hopes to apply for citizenship so she can eventually vote. She also hopes to attend college, he said.

“She commented about how much she loved this country,” Kolken said.

The insurgents claim her husband and his comrade are dead and buried. The least we can do is give his wife the legal status he sought for her before he left, and pray he is still alive and will come home to her.

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This video stirred emotions in me which had been dormant for a very long time. It reminded me of a time (and I was one of these kids) when another war became unpopular in this country due to politics and how our returning military members were treated.

From the site which posted and composed the video these words were so touching:

The inspiration for this video comes from the Family Support Group for the unit I supported while I was a recruiter. I finally saw first hand how it isn’t only the soldier who sacrifices for this country. I saw how sometimes the world forgets how much the children of our Armed Service Members really sacrifice.

This video is for the kids… it’s for every concert or soccer game their parent miss. It’s for every band or choir concert their parents watch on video thousands of miles away. This video is for how much we really love our kids – and why sometimes mommy and daddy have to be away. Its because we don’t leave because we don’t love our kids – it’s because we leave BECAUSE we love our kids.

I hope for these children when their Moms and Dads return from Iraq or Afghanistan the people in this country will swell with pride and thank them for their service.

To every military family out there, know that there are prayers said and thoughts of you each day. Know there are those here who do understand your mission and support you and your families without fail. Washington may control policy but they will never control the hearts of those who care.

Note: If you cannot see the video on this post or are having trouble viewing it please go here and view.

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Imagine being a fifteen year old girl in a war torn nation whose father was savagely taken from her and the only home she knew burned to the ground. That was the beginning of a long journey for Jennifer Anyayo a native of Uganda, who was a beneficiary of both the medical expertise and kindness of Americans.

Just before Tuesday’s sunset in Philadelphia, Jennifer Anyayo boarded a jet and ended 15 magical months.
Her life’s next phase began after the sun rose Thursday over her Acholi homeland in Uganda, where war and the wounds the 16-year-old suffered in it are shaping her life in unexpected ways.

I met Jennifer Anyayo on a December 2004 trip to report on a war in northern Uganda that has brutalized children for 21 years.

The combatants are the rebel Lord’s Resistance Army, or LRA, and the government of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni. The LRA, led by Joseph Kony, fills its ranks by kidnapping tens of thousands of children. Boys become soldiers. Girls become sex slaves.

About 1.3 million northern Ugandans remain displaced; countless civilians have died.

Then, there are youngsters like Jennifer. She and her father were at home about seven years ago when LRA rebels attacked. They shot him dead and set the hut on fire with her inside.

Jennifer was rescued after suffering severe burns on her face and left hand. The episode was so horrific, all she can remember are screaming and hearing the rebels laughing outside.

How proud I am to be American and reside in a country which gives so much of its time, experience, dollars and love to a virtually unknown individual, so she may live a relatively normal life as she returns home to reunite with her Mom and siblings. We sure may have our faults in this good old USA, but we also have many with God given talents who perform miracles like this every day. Good luck Jennifer, I am sure those who had the pleasure of knowing you will never forget this experience.

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I just read this short story on CNN.com and it has touched me in a very personal way.

Amid the sounds of mortar and machine-gun fire, a father and son both serving in Iraq were reunited in Baghdad after spending more than a decade apart.

Army Master Sgt. William McGraw and his son, Pfc. Logan McGraw, 21, met last week at Baghdad’s Camp Victory in a two-day reunion arranged by the military, the Los Angeles Times reported Monday.

“Logan, I am your father,” were William McGraw’s first words.

The two last saw each other when Logan McGraw was 8 years old. They met only once before that, more than seven years earlier as his parents were getting divorced. As a child, he moved around with his mother, a Kentucky-based sergeant.

“I have a chance to finally know my son. I’m excited about starting over again,” said William McGraw, 45. “But reality sets in; we know this is a war zone and there are soldiers missing and people dying.”

In Baghdad, they embraced and bantered about sports and family life, including the younger McGraw’s 2-year-old son Douyniall.

“It took a little bit longer than I hoped for,” Logan McGraw said of the reunion. “But at the end, it came down to having a relationship later down the road and finally being able to communicate with each other.”

Logan McGraw’s unit was set to return to Taji, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) north of Baghdad. He was deployed in April. William McGraw had been in Iraq for 24 months and was scheduled to redeploy to Atlanta this week.

I have a similar story and that’s why this touches me so deeply. I pray Logan stays alive and gets out of Iraq in order to get to know the father he has never had the chance to know until now.

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The three women call themselves the All-Broad Fraud Squad.Nearly a decade ago, concerned that mortgage fraud was threatening their pastoral towns, the women — two full-time mothers and a mortgage executive then in their 40s — got together to write down license plate numbers of suspicious cars in their neighborhoods, scour public documents for housing titles and deeds and seek the help of local law enforcement. At first they were ignored, written off as bored housewives.

Today, the three women — Ann Fulmer, Alicia Sheppard and Julia Barrette — are helping train F.B.I. agents, speaking to lending associations across the country and lecturing college students on how to identify mortgage fraud.

“For us in the industry, we could deal with mortgage fraud during the day but go to our homes at night and forget about it,” said Matt Wade with Fannie Mae in Atlanta. “But for these gutsy women, it was personal.”

The women’s upper-middle-class neighborhoods have almost nothing in common with the places where mortgage fraud has recently made headlines — like the more than $40 million scheme uncovered last fall in one of the poorest neighborhoods in Indianapolis

Guts

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