Swandeh Terhide

An ordinary shift at the bar became an exercise in heroism for one bartender in South Africa recently. Tongai Matandirotya, who works at Brass Bell Restaurant near Cape Town left behind any thoughts of his own safety—and of the drink he was pouring for a customer—to dive into the cold Atlantic Ocean to rescue a mother and daughter swept off the pier by a rogue wave. It was a relatively calm day in the fishing village of Kalk Bay. Several people were walking by the window of Brass Bells looking out to the water. Then the scene changed dramatically. “I saw this wave come over the harbor and it covered the people, dragging them into the ocean. I immediately ran outside, undressed myself, and dived into the water because I saw a child go in as well. I have a very soft spot for kids, and my instinct just kicked in to see if I could help,” Matandirotya told News 24 Cape Town. 37-year-old Clair Gardiner and her 8-year-old daughter Arya van Hilten were two of the people swept away. Gardiner knew they were being pulled into the water as soon as the wave rushed over them, and she managed to wrap her arms around little Arya. By now Matandirotya had dropped the drink he was pouring, taken off his belt and jumped into the water—followed by a tourist unnamed by the news reports.  By then the ferocity of the waves, even just a few meters from shore, had pulled Gardiner and Arya apart; he used his belt to rescue Arya who wasn’t able to stay afloat by herself. “I recently went to the restaurant to thank him,” Gardiner told local news. “My daughter recognized him immediately, and we all embraced each other. We are so thankful to Tongai and the tourist man who risked their lives to save ours; we’ll forever be grateful to them.” Tongai noticed he had been badly scratched up by the concrete wall of the pier, but only after finishing his heroics, and reckoned the mostly-cosmetic damage wasn’t anything to worry about. When things like these happen, they reach down into the souls of people and rekindle the hope for humanity. May kindness continue to influence our every decision.

A young woman found herself in a life-threatening situation when she accidentally drove her Subaru Outback into the Atlantic Ocean. Eighteen-year-old Mia Samolinski mistakenly pressed the accelerator instead of the brake while pulling out of a parking spot at Patchogue Bay on Long Island. Seventeen-year-old Anthony Zhongor, a classmate of Samolinski, witnessed the incident and immediately jumped into action, diving into the water to rescue her. “I just heard a huge splash and saw everyone running toward the dock,” Zhongor recalled. Concerned for her safety as she struggled inside the sinking vehicle, he quickly shed his clothes and entered the chilly waters. “She was banging on the door and trying to break the window, which made me nervous,” he said. It’s crucial for drivers to understand that a vehicle’s doors and seatbelts may not function properly when submerged. Fortunately for Mia, she was able to escape through the back of the car, aided by Zhongor, who noticed that his weight shifted the vehicle’s angle, allowing her enough time to crawl to the back of the car and get free. They both swam to safety. Zhongor, set to graduate this year, will be heading off to South Carolina for Marines boot camp with the good graces of the Samolinskis, who spoke to a news outlet about their gratitude for Zhongor’s bravery. “The real hero of the day is Anthony, without a doubt. A car can be replaced, but my daughter is irreplaceable,” he stated, emphasizing the miraculous nature of the rescue. When one’s heart is naturally predisposed to kindness, it shortens the time for them to set up the saving gear as can be seen in what Anthony Zhongor did. In a world where you can be anything – be KIND.

A kind, honest mechanic can be invaluable, especially in a small country town of just under five-and-a-half thousand people. In this case, a local mechanic’s skills saved the day and provided a wheelchair-bound child with the vacation of a lifetime. Nine-year-old Cooper Greenwood from Sydney has Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome, a rare condition akin to cerebral palsy. While enjoying an outback adventure around Northwest Australia’s Kimberly region in a motorhome, his electric wheelchair broke down. This chair was essential for Cooper, allowing him the freedom to explore and enjoy life. Without it, his mother noted, he became frustrated and withdrawn. Determined not to let the breakdown ruin their trip, Cooper adapted by hitching rides with his dad in a special backpack. As the family prepared for the next leg of their journey, they turned to social media, seeking help in the small town of Kununurra, Western Australia. They asked if anyone could repair sophisticated electric wheelchairs. Fortunately, someone recommended Mick Scott, a local mechanic. “When they brought it in, I took a quick look and saw the size of the chair. I thought it must belong to a really young fella,” Mr. Scott recounted to ABC News. He quickly assessed the situation and realized the urgency of the repair. Mr. Scott got to work immediately, diagnosing the issues with the wheelchair’s electrical system. He meticulously repaired the wiring and replaced a damaged battery, ensuring that Cooper’s chair would be safe and functional. Within a few hours, he had the wheelchair back in working order. When the Greenwoods returned to pick up the chair, Cooper’s face lit up with joy. His mother expressed immense gratitude, saying, “Mick didn’t just fix a wheelchair; he restored Cooper’s independence and happiness. ” With the wheelchair repaired, the Greenwood family was able to continue their adventure through the breathtaking landscapes of the Kimberly region. Cooper was thrilled to regain his mobility, exploring the beautiful surroundings and participating in activities he had missed while the chair was out of commission. This is no doubt a heartwarming reminder of the impact a kind mechanic can have on a family’s life. Thanks to Mick Scott’s quick thinking and expertise, Cooper was able to enjoy the vacation of a lifetime, proving that sometimes, heroes come in the form of skilled tradespeople who care deeply about their community.

The owner of this flipped pickup truck has one of his dogs to thank for saving his life, after a loss of control in the mountains of Oregon saw him turn over into a ravine. Injured, but alive after his crash on US Forest Service Road 39, one of Brandon Garrett’s four dogs ran 4 miles to get help. According to a statement from the Baker County Sheriff’s Office, the dog managed to negotiate 4 miles of wilderness and trails to make its way back to a campsite where some of Garrett’s family had been staying. He hadn’t returned to camp that night, so they were already worried and on edge, and the appearance of the dog covered in cuts from broken glass confirmed their fears. Meanwhile, Garrett was able to crawl approximately one hundred yards from the vehicle, where he spent the night on dry ground. The rest of the party continued to search for him, and family members located his vehicle on the morning of June 3rd, calling emergency services at this time. Members of the Baker County Search and Rescue Ropes Team set up their rescue equipment and began the difficult task of reaching Garrett. With help from the Forest Services’ chainsaws which cleared their path to him, they loaded and secured him in a rescue basket. He was connected to a highline rope system and pulled across the ravine, where he was transferred to medical personnel who in turn transported him to the Life Flight helicopter for airlift to a regional hospital. His three other dogs were all unharmed. With all their experience performing rescues in searches in the mountains, the rescue service members said that without Garrett’s dog, there was a very good chance he would not have been found. It’s a harrowing reminder that not all heroes wear capes, or clothes at all—some have fur and bark. This makes me reflect: if dogs can demonstrate such remarkable empathy and kindness, then it is our responsibility as humans to embody and promote greater compassion and kindness in our own lives.

England has recently been shaken by a series of riots, vandalism, and violence, with some incidents specifically targeting the Muslim community. However, one man’s actions have gone viral on social media, demonstrating that such reprehensible behavior is not representative of the broader society in Jolly Olde England. Last Tuesday, a mosque in Southport was tragically set ablaze, but local bricklayer Tony Hill has earned the title of “legend” for his tireless efforts to help the community rebuild. Working under the sweltering sun, Hill laid bricks with remarkable speed and efficiency, embodying the spirit of resilience. In a viral video clip shared on X, Hill can be seen laboring intensely, sweat pouring down his face as he mixes mortar and explains his motivations. His words, slightly edited for clarity, reflect a deep commitment to his community: “We spoke to the company we work for, and the [other building crews] were coming down, so we just joined them. And yeah, just try and get it done before someone comes back. ” He continued, emphasizing the importance of community safety: “We just really want to get this up so that the community is safe. It’s just a community, isn’t it? You can tell by… just looking at everyone here, it’s quite diverse. ” The mosque’s destruction followed a tragic incident where three young women were stabbed to death on Monday. The riots in Southport were fueled by a surge of misinformation circulating on social media, particularly a false claim that the perpetrator was a migrant from a majority Muslim country on the MI6 watchlist, as reported by the London Economic. Despite the racial tensions surrounding the events, Hill maintained a generous and diplomatic stance. When asked if he had a message for those responsible for the mosque’s destruction, he responded with empathy: “Get your facts straight before you start doing stuff. Facebook’s a dangerous thing.” His words serve as a reminder of the importance of truth and understanding in times of turmoil. May we always stick to the kindness, truth and sincerity that unite us while we work tirelessly to silence the voice of disharmony.

Many years ago, during the early days of my sobriety, I sought help by joining a support group. They provided me with valuable advice, urging me to avoid becoming too hungry, angry, lonely, or tired—an acronym known as HALT, which is also a common reminder for parents of small children. After a card game at the group’s clubhouse, I stepped outside to gather my thoughts and calm my nerves. I was torn between satisfying my hunger at a nearby burger joint or returning inside to combat my loneliness. In that moment of uncertainty, I decided to follow the group’s guidance and offered a quick prayer: “God, I really don’t know what to do right now. Please help me. ” Just five seconds after my heartfelt plea, I heard a distinct “flump-flump-flump.” A young woman had pulled up across the street with a flat tire. Looking up, I realized the message was clear: “You want me to change a tire? Alright… I guess I can do that. ” As I changed the tire, my hunger still loomed in the background, creating a tension between my immediate needs and the comfort of the support group. Before long, the tire was fixed. The young woman turned to me and said, “I don’t have any money, but I feel like you deserve something for helping me out. ”I waved her off, saying, “Oh no, it was no trouble at all. I’m just glad to help.” I didn’t mention the strange twist of fate that had accompanied my prayer. To my surprise, she continued, “I may not have money, but I do have a cheeseburger you can have, I accepted the burger and it did serve a great purpose.” This could be rightly described as an arrangement by the Universe to address simultaneously, two issues from two people that each needed what the other had at that point in time. Truly each other is all we’ve got. Let’s keep being kind to one another in a very consistent manner.

No age is too small or too big to embrace selflessness and act kindly. The story of 7-year-old Eli Davidson courageously rescuing his baby sister from a house fire is a powerful testament to this truth. On December 8, in New Tazewell, Tennessee, a 7-year-old boy named Eli Davidson emerged as a hero by rescuing his baby sister from a devastating house fire. The evening began like any other for the Davidson family, with parents Chris and Nicole putting their three children to bed by 8:30 PM. However, in the still of the night, Nicole was awakened by the smell of smoke. Within moments, their home was engulfed in flames, trapping 22-month-old Erin in her room. Chris Davidson recounted the harrowing situation, stating, “The smoke and fire were so thick that there was no way I could get to her.” Despite the danger, young Eli did not hesitate to act. Chris and Nicole managed to get their son Elijah out, but they were unable to reach Erin. In a remarkable display of bravery, Eli climbed through a window and successfully retrieved his sister from her crib. Eli’s courageous actions saved Erin’s life, and their parents expressed immense pride in their son’s heroism. Chris remarked, “He did something a grown man wouldn’t do,” highlighting Eli’s extraordinary bravery in the face of danger. Tragically, by the time firefighters arrived, the house was completely lost. The family, who has fostered 34 children and adopted two, is now facing significant challenges, including the loss of their home and possessions. They have started a GoFundMe campaign to help rebuild their lives. Reflecting on the ordeal, seven-year-old Eli shared, “I thought I couldn’t do it, but then I said, ‘I got her, dad.’ I was scared, but I didn’t want my sister to die.” Chris Davidson emphasized the gravity of their loss, stating, “We lost everything that we have ever had. Our entire lives were in that home.” On the other end of the spectrum, older individuals are often the ones who have the wisdom, resources, and life experiences to make a profound impact through altruism. Whether it’s volunteering, mentoring, or simply being a kind and supportive presence in the lives of others, people of all ages can embrace the transformative power of selflessness.

Breanna Bethke, a teenager from Fort Dodge, Iowa, recently received a delightful surprise when her bedroom was transformed into a dream space designed to help her relax and recover during her battle with a rare autoimmune illness. Breanna had been diagnosed with Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) after experiencing symptoms like high fevers, body aches, and constant fatigue starting last August. She underwent chemotherapy treatment until mid-October following her diagnosis and has been stable since January, not requiring further treatment unless her HLH flares up. The bedroom makeover was organized by Kari Swisher, who leads My Happy Place in Fort Dodge, an organization that has completed makeovers for around ten sick adults in the local area. Breanna was selected for the room makeover after being nominated by fellow students from Fort Dodge. Kara Ocenasek, a volunteer at My Happy Place who had experienced a bedroom makeover herself while dealing with breast cancer, spent the past two months designing Breanna’s room. The new space features an LED fireplace, a stylish vanity, and numerous faith-based decorations. Breanna expressed her gratitude and excitement for the surprise, saying, “This is fantastic. It’s incredible. I love it, and I’m extremely grateful. “HLH is a serious condition characterized by widespread inflammation that can be life-threatening. It frequently accompanies other medical conditions, termed secondary HLH, which may be associated with diseases such as infections or cancer. While treatments like bone marrow transplants can provide some extension of life, the prognosis for primary HLH remains challenging. It is essential to show compassion and support for those around us, particularly the sick and those who are most in need of care.