In a world that is often laden with crime, cruelty and tragedy I have to say it's so refreshing to hear stories of compassion and caring. It reminds us that there are good people out there and that if we all do our part, kindness can be contagious.
Chairs for Charlie... what a simple but touching story.
Houston, Texas area resident Charlie George is 64. A man who loves to walk, Charlie is quite well known around his close-knit neighborhood. For exercise he walks the block daily with his two dogs and even his cat by his side.
"He's done so much for the neighborhood that people don't even know about," says one of his neighbors fondly. While most people won't know the extent Charlie has gone to be a good neighbor, one can only assume he is a kind soul. Sometimes, for whatever reason, unfortunate circumstances happen to good people though. Charlie has been stricken with leukemia. Over the past several years his walks have become more difficult and Charlie has slowed down.
On the bright side, this is where his neighbors have stepped in. "They've brought us meals and checked on our house. They come to the hospital. We have a great neighborhood here," says Charlie.
But that's not all. Seeing Charlie's walks become increasingly shorter because the need for rest won out, neighbors are lining the streets with "Chairs for Charlie" so along his route he has plenty of resting spots as he makes his daily trek.
"We saw the first chair and we were like, wow!" says a grateful Charlie and his wife. "It's like oh my God, all these chairs. Can you believe this?... When I saw that, you know, it makes you want to cry..." There are now 15 chairs lining Azalea (Charlie's) Street - all thanks to the thoughtfulness of good people.
There are lots of people out there like this and I sincerely hope there always is. Way to go friends of Charlie! You warm the heart and inspire.
"Here are the values that I stand for: honesty, equality, kindness, compassion, treating people the way you want to be treated and helping those in need. To me, those are traditional values." - Ellen DeGeneres
Well said.
