-
Shoes for the Boy with No Legs?
I was a little disappointed when I saw the old buildings were now gone that I had known as a young boy. Every one of them replaced with a high-rise. It had been a long time since I had been to my hometown since moving North. I had driven to town hoping to see the old barber shop where my hair had been cut as a child. The orphanage would bring us kids downtown for a free haircut by the new barbers being trained.As it was very early and hardly anyone on the street, I parked my truck and decided to try and locate a telephone to see if the Florida Barber College had moved to a new location. Hopefully it was sill in business.
As it was rather cold, I put on my coat and began searching for a telephone. After walking about a block I saw an open shoe store. I walked inside and asked if I could use their telephone book. Not finding a listing for the Barber College I picked out the number of a local beauty salon, hoping their might tell me if the barber college was still in business. The number was busy so I decided to wait and try again in a few minutes.
“How about moving on down the road?” said the salesman, in a loud, harsh tone.
I turned to see if he was talking to me.
“Damn homeless guy always wanting to use our bathroom,” he replied.
I saw a poorly dressed man standing outside the store, gazing through the large plate-glass window. The salesman motioned at the man, with his hand, in a backward motion, telling him move on down the street.
Several more times I tried to dial the number but it was continually busy.
“Like a cup of coffee?” the salesman asked me.
“That sounds great. Thanks.”
As he and I stood talking the front door opened and a young man about twenty came into the store pushing his self in a wheelchair.
The salesman sat down his coffee cup and walked toward the young man.
“I need a new pair of shoes,” said the customer.
As he turned the corner there was a blanket across his lap. I was shocked to see that the young man had no legs.
The salesman stood there having no idea what he should say.
“A gift for a friend?” I asked the boy.
“No,” he replied. They are for me,” he continued, with a smile on his face.
I just smiled back and watched to see what would happen next.
“What type of shoe would you like?” asked the clerk.
“How ‘bout a pair of cowboy boots. You got any cowboy boots in here?”
The man pointed to the back wall where three or four pairs of boots were displayed.
“Let me have a look-see at those black ones in a size 10.”
The salesman, sharply turning, headed off to the backroom
“Isn’t this fun?” the boy asked me.
“You mean going into a shoe store, when you have no legs, and seeing the response?’ I replied.
“Of course not.”
I moved my hand to let him know that I did not understand his question.
“When I was a kid, my parents use to buy me a new pair of shoes every year. That was such a wonderful feeling. Something I have never forgotten. The smell of the leather and the pride I felt when I walked around the store showing off my new shoes.”
The salesman came walking down the aisle with a large box. He sat it down on the floor, took out a single boot and handed it to the young man. The boy closed his eyes. Placed the boot against his nose, tilted his head backwards and drew in a large breath.
I did not know what to say as tears began to fall on the young man’s cheeks.
“What type of accident did you have?” I asked him.
“Farm accident,” he said, as he tried to clear his voice.
“MOVE ON DOWN THE ROAD,” yelled the salesman, as he once again motioned his hand at the homeless fellow looking in the window.
The youngster looked at the old man and then turned to face me.
“Will you walk out there and see what size shoes that fellow wears?” he requested.
Slowly, I walked to the front door opened it and asked the old man to come in.
“What size shoes do you wear?” the boy asked the man.
“I don’t know,” he replied, as he looked down at his old tennis shoes.
“I would say about a nine and a half,” I replied.
“What’s your best hiking boot in nine and a half,” the boy asked the clerk.
The salesman turned and once again walked to the back of the store.
The homeless fellow stood there looking down at the floor.
Within a minute, the clerk returned with a pair of hiking boots, the insides lined with wool. The boy reached out, took the boot, placed it to his nose and drew in a large breath. Once again, tears came to his eyes.
“Sir, would you mind trying on these boots for me,” the boy asked the old fellow, as he held out the boot.
The old man sat down, slid off his tennis shoes, using his feet, and took the boot. The boy motioned for the clerk to aid him. The salesman slid his small, knee-high seat in front of the man and began tying the boot straps.
The old man’s eyes never left the floor the entire time. After the boots were tied the young boy asked the gentleman if he would walk around so that he could see the boots at a distance.
“How do they feel?” he asked the man.“They feel wonderful,” replied the man.
“I’ll take’m,” the young boy told the clerk.
“Those are $189.00 boots,” the clerk advised the boy.
The boy pulled out his wallet and handed the clerk two one-hundred dollar bills.
Do you want the cowboy boots?” the salesman asked him.
“I don’t think so.”
“Don’t you have to use the bathroom?” I asked the old man.
He stood up and walked toward the back of the store. The clerk motioned his head, giving him the okay.
“I see buying a new pair of shoes still gives you that good feeling you talked about,” I told the young man, as I smiled.
“Yes it does.” he said “And now I have someone, and feet to share it with.”
————————-
Like this story? Would you like a friend or two to read it? Well, then hit the LIKE button below and it will automatically share it with your FaceBook friends. Or, go straight to them by using our Tell a Friend form below. Just add their emails and we’ll take care of the rest for you!
-
Get the Best Stuff Ever on Daily Kindness!
-
6 Feel-Good Foods That Naturally Boost Your Mood
Editor’s Note:
Over the past few years we’ve identified that in addition to making the world a kinder, better place that our readership of Kindhearts like you also want to live longer and healthier lives. As such, we’ve gone on a recruiting mission to find great new writers who can give us ideas so that we can all “Live well. Be kind.”
Today is our first of many great ideas for living better. Enjoy!
6 Feel-Good Foods That Naturally Boost Your Mood
When we’re feeling down, we often turn to our friends for solace or look for an activity that can distract us from our worries. Our first instinct isn’t usually to turn to food — unless it’s to dig into a pint of ice cream for comfort— but eating the right diet can actually boost your mood and your happiness overall. Whether you’re stressed out and anxious or you just don’t have the energy or motivation to get through the day, picking the right foods can help keep you feeling relaxed and upbeat.
It might sound farfetched that food can so greatly affect your mood, but research shows that certain types of diets can have a significant effect on your happiness levels. One study from the Journal of Psychosomatic Research found that people who ate a typical Mediterranean diet filled with whole and unprocessed foods such as fruits and vegetables, nuts, legumes, and olive oil were much happier than those who ate a standard Western diet that included a lot of fast food, dessert, and soda.
Eating healthy foods can provide you with the nutrients your body needs to help fight off depression and keep your stress levels at bay. If you need a little boost in your mood, try eating one of these six feel-good foods that will have you smiling in no-time.
1. Dark Chocolate
As if you need another excuse to eat the sweet treat: dark chocolate has been found to fight off anxiety and depression. One study from the Journal of Proteome Research found that daily consumption of chocolate led to lower levels of stress hormones. Cocoa also contains antioxidants called polyphenols which can help fight against depression and other mental disorders.
Make sure you opt for chocolate with 70 percent cocoa or higher, and avoid kinds with added sugar, which can actually have the reverse effect.
2. Berries
Berries such as raspberries and strawberries contain a natural ingredient that closely resembles valproic acid, a chemical used in prescription mood-stabilizing drugs. One study from the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine also found that daily consumption of goji berry juice increased people’s general feelings of wellbeing
3. Turkey
Turkey contains two important nutrients that help play a role in your mood: selenium and tryptophan. Research from the journal Biological Psychiatry found that subjects who received selenium supplements experienced a decrease in anxiety and elevated mood. Additionally, tryptophan is an amino acid that is responsible for synthesizing serotonin, the “feel-good” neurotransmitter. Increasing your intake of tryptophan results in higher levels of serotonin, which can not only improve your mood, but even your behavior.
4. Nuts
If you’re a fan of snacking throughout the day, start chowing down on some nuts. Like turkey, nuts can also help boost your serotonin levels, and it only takes one ounce of nuts such as walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts to improve your happiness.
5. Fish
Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and sardines contain omega-3 fatty acids, an important mood-boosting nutrient. Research shows that increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids can help relieve symptoms of depression. One study from the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry even found that omega-3 fatty acids are just as effective at improving mood as an antidepressant.
6. Leafy Greens
Greens such as spinach, kale, broccoli, and other lettuce contain folic acid, an important B vitamin that plays a role in mood regulation, including the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Research from the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry shows that increasing your intake of folate can help reduce depressive symptoms.
When in doubt, you’re always best sticking to whole, unprocessed foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals, but the above foods especially can help keep you calm and positive overall.
-
“I’m Going to be The Best Dad”
Get ready to watch the most adorable video of 2015! This wife loves to g...
-
A 70-Year-Old Love Letter Finally Find’s Its Way Home
Bill Moore was just 20 years old during his time at war. He sent letter aft...
-
The Most Beautiful Wedding Singer
Continuing our February theme of love, we have a tear-jerker for you today!...
Meet Your Soulmate!
Recent Stories
-
-
-
14 Jul 2016
6 Feel-Good Foods That Naturally Boost Your Mood
Editor’s Note:
Over the past few years we’ve identified that in addition to making the world a kinder, better place that our readership of Kindhearts like you also want to live longer and healthier lives. As such, we’ve gone on a recruiting mission to find great new writers who can give us ideas so that we can all “Live well. Be kind.”
Today is our first of many great ideas for living better. Enjoy!
6 Feel-Good Foods That Naturally Boost Your Mood
When we’re feeling down, we often turn to our friends for solace or look for an activity that can distract us from our worries. Our first instinct isn’t usually to turn to food — unless it’s to dig into a pint of ice cream for comfort— but eating the right diet can actually boost your mood and your happiness overall. Whether you’re stressed out and anxious or you just don’t have the energy or motivation to get through the day, picking the right foods can help keep you feeling relaxed and upbeat.
It might sound farfetched that food can so greatly affect your mood, but research shows that certain types of diets can have a significant effect on your happiness levels. One study from the Journal of Psychosomatic Research found that people who ate a typical Mediterranean diet filled with whole and unprocessed foods such as fruits and vegetables, nuts, legumes, and olive oil were much happier than those who ate a standard Western diet that included a lot of fast food, dessert, and soda.
Eating healthy foods can provide you with the nutrients your body needs to help fight off depression and keep your stress levels at bay. If you need a little boost in your mood, try eating one of these six feel-good foods that will have you smiling in no-time.
1. Dark Chocolate
As if you need another excuse to eat the sweet treat: dark chocolate has been found to fight off anxiety and depression. One study from the Journal of Proteome Research found that daily consumption of chocolate led to lower levels of stress hormones. Cocoa also contains antioxidants called polyphenols which can help fight against depression and other mental disorders.
Make sure you opt for chocolate with 70 percent cocoa or higher, and avoid kinds with added sugar, which can actually have the reverse effect.
2. Berries
Berries such as raspberries and strawberries contain a natural ingredient that closely resembles valproic acid, a chemical used in prescription mood-stabilizing drugs. One study from the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine also found that daily consumption of goji berry juice increased people’s general feelings of wellbeing
3. Turkey
Turkey contains two important nutrients that help play a role in your mood: selenium and tryptophan. Research from the journal Biological Psychiatry found that subjects who received selenium supplements experienced a decrease in anxiety and elevated mood. Additionally, tryptophan is an amino acid that is responsible for synthesizing serotonin, the “feel-good” neurotransmitter. Increasing your intake of tryptophan results in higher levels of serotonin, which can not only improve your mood, but even your behavior.
4. Nuts
If you’re a fan of snacking throughout the day, start chowing down on some nuts. Like turkey, nuts can also help boost your serotonin levels, and it only takes one ounce of nuts such as walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts to improve your happiness.
5. Fish
Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and sardines contain omega-3 fatty acids, an important mood-boosting nutrient. Research shows that increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids can help relieve symptoms of depression. One study from the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry even found that omega-3 fatty acids are just as effective at improving mood as an antidepressant.
6. Leafy Greens
Greens such as spinach, kale, broccoli, and other lettuce contain folic acid, an important B vitamin that plays a role in mood regulation, including the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Research from the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry shows that increasing your intake of folate can help reduce depressive symptoms.
When in doubt, you’re always best sticking to whole, unprocessed foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals, but the above foods especially can help keep you calm and positive overall.
-
28 May 2015
“I’m Going to be The Best Dad”
Get ready to watch the most adorable video of 2015!
This wife loves to give her husband little pep talks and make him repeat all the beautiful things she says about him!
As if that wasn’t heart-warming enough, this certain pep talk has a surprise and hilarious ending!
0
19 Comments
Mr. Dale L. Neill
A true story out of London, England
God’s most perfect gift
Matt. 20- 13
But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
God cares for all little ones as He cared for His own Son born in a manger so long, long ago.
This young couple wanted children; they had just about given up on having their own and were preparing themselves to adopt a baby, but God heard their prayer and now it was after Thanksgiving and almost time for the delivery of their little one, a little girl.
The soon to be mother and a lady friend were shopping for Christmas when she began having some labor pains, so she hurriedly paid for their purchases then left for home immediately.
Arriving at home she called her doctor the doctor advised her to go to the hospital where he would meet her.
The labor was long and difficult but finally the baby girl arrived. But,
It was immediately discovered that the baby was very sensitive to the touch
And the crying continued until a solution was found. They used the softest material to lie on and she was placed in an incubator that had a safe and secure environment she was so tiny weighting only three pounds, wrinkled with lots of curly soft blond hair.
Still no one could touch her with their hands for to do so would cause her to cry and break out with a fire red rash. So the care of little Mandy had to be done through special gloved-like pockets in the canopy. All waste material was placed at the foot and bottom end in a plastic bag that could be closed before removing so no contaminated air would enter the incubator.
The mother was recovering well but was sad because she could not touch her little Mandy and she could only look at her and shed her silent tears. As little Mandy was fighting for her very life, a constant vigil was kept at all times.
The surprising thing about Mandy was that at times she would laugh, smile and kick up her feet like someone was playing with her. But, of course everyone knew that there was no one inside of that canopy to play
With Mandy! Or was there?
Perhaps Mandy was so special that only God could and would touch her for her first few months of life, a case of “only touched by God.”
Both parents and the caring hospital staff would see Mandy kicking up a fuss and laughing at different times of the day and night so it could only be that God had a special interest in that little one who like His own Son was so special.
The mother reluctantly went home when discharged but came back to the hospital every day to spend as much time as possible with Mandy, sometimes staying way beyond the regular visiting hours as the nurses did not notice her unless someone complained.
The life at the hospital of those attending to Mandy, as well as the other nurses, always started their shift with a happy tune as they went to Mandy’s room to check on her. She was growing and her eyes were focusing on and following people as they moved about.
The doctor would check and see if Mandy could be removed from the incubator and touched by human hands, but she remained sensitive to human touch.
The days rolled by – the days became weeks and the weeks became months. Three months after Mandy was born, to every ones surprise, Mandy did not cry or raise a fuss when touched!!!!
It was early in the morning when Mandy’s mother came to the hospital. To surprise her, the staff decided to leave Mandy under the canopy, as if nothing had happened.
Upon arriving at the hospital and going to the cafeteria for a cup of coffee, the mother spotted a nurse that was on the team who took care of Mandy, someone who would know about M andy’s condition at that particular time. Approaching the nurse, she noticed a sly smile but quickly forgot it when she ask about Mandy; the nurses reply was that nothing had changed as of yet.
Arriving on the floor where Mandy was; the nurse at the reception desk just smiled and waved her on by; the room was well marked there was a pink sign hanging above the door which read “Mandy’s room”.
Opening the door and entering she noticed one of the nurses had just hung up the phone, but paid no attention to that for Mandy was laughing and kicking with her feet in the air, not noticing the difference in the canopy she stopped and looked at Mandy she was wearing dippers for the first time and now she noticed that the canopy was different.
The nurse lifted off the canopy and there for the first time Mandy
Was seen without a canopy and could be touched, but the mother hesitated because she just wasn’t sure what to do; the nurse spoke in a soft voice pick up your baby she is fine now and can go home with you when the doctor comes in this morning for his final check up on Mandy.
Mandy’s room was filling up fast with the hospital staff as Mandy’s Mother picks her up for the first time although everyone was smiling there was tears of joy for mother and Mandy who was the baby that only God could touch.
By Dale L Neill of Lewiston, Idaho
December 14, 2004
29 Jul 2010 09:07 pm
Mr. Dale L. Neill
A wonderful story: SHOES FOR A BOY WITH NO LEGS
29 Jul 2010 09:07 pm
Patricia Unger
This was a wonderful story.
Thank you!
Patricia
29 Jul 2010 10:07 pm
lynne
“Shoes For A Boy With No Legs” was a wonderful story. Thank you so much for sharing it!!
30 Jul 2010 01:07 am
Nadine F.
Thank you for a touching and inspiring story..It holds a profound message for all of us..
30 Jul 2010 03:07 am
pradeep k sinha
This story tales about the live happy n make other happy……..
30 Jul 2010 04:07 am
aarti
i don’t have anything to comment on this . you will not believe I have a 17 yrs. old boy who is wheelchair bound, who cannot walk but w have made it a point that on every birthday we gift him a good pair of shoes. So that he is one of us…………………………………………….
30 Jul 2010 11:07 am
dr jayant baride
EXCELLENT. WISH SUCH PERSONALITIES ARE FOUND COMMONLY
30 Jul 2010 01:07 pm
Lu
thank you, once again, for touching my heart…may i always be kind and charitable to people i meet just like the young boy in the story is…
30 Jul 2010 01:07 pm
michelle
very inspiring stories…good stuff to share…thank you for sharing wonderful stories of kindness
01 Aug 2010 11:08 pm
renee
we need inspiration s like this everyday….thank you so much!!!
02 Aug 2010 06:08 am
lola
when HE touched you, you will never be the same. May the good Lord touch everyone of us. HE has a special hands
02 Aug 2010 07:08 pm
Wayne Crowder.
I have spent years helping homeless and the challenged. this really touched me and reminds me of thinking of other before myself.
02 Aug 2010 11:08 pm
Dalene
Daily Kindness.com is Wonderful!! We definitely need more Kindness in this World!!
03 Aug 2010 05:08 pm
charlene
This was a wonderful story with so much heart in it. Reading a story with such kindness is so good for the soul. I always feel God send you what you need and wisdom to remember God teaches us love & kindness to all things, Bless each and everyone who takes time to read something worthy.
05 Aug 2010 05:08 pm
Jeanne Thune
Sad but beautiful story
09 Aug 2010 09:08 pm
UGG Boots
Great!This article is creative，there are a lot of new idea，it gives me inspiration.I think I will also inspired by you and think about more new ideas
28 Aug 2010 08:08 am
ugg boots
This is a good,common sense article.Very helpful to one who is just finding the resouces about this part.It will certainly help educate me.
02 Sep 2010 04:09 am
Ugg Boots
This is all very new to me and this article really opened my eyes.Thanks for sharing with us your wisdom.
08 Sep 2010 09:09 am