Ellen E

My sister Ellen is my hero. We came from a somewhat poor family with three boys and my sister. My father died when we were pretty young. After my father died, my sister took care of my mother and us. She had just gotten married and she would have my mother stay at her house most weekends because she knew she was lonely. When my mother died years later, she took care of her brothers. She always had family gatherings and helped me and my brothers in numerous ways. She taught us how to love and care, never through preaching but always by example. She personally saved my life when I was going through hard times with drugs and living an irresponsible lifestyle. No matter how many times my brothers and I went to her, she was there for us, and believe me, we went a lot.

She has taught third grade for 30 years now and she always treated and spoke of her students as if they were her own children. Many of the children she taught come back to see her regularly because she made such a difference in their lives. The number of people and the lives she has touched can't be measured. She has never looked for rewards and accolades. She understands that life is about caring and loving and she is truly a ray of sunshine in this world.

Submitted by Anonymous


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Your Comments
Rubirosa Roxas from navotas, Philippines MAY 19, 2012
Very nice story!

Michele S. from Jackson, MS MAY 2, 2009
A kind, gallant man but honestly I do have to say that I see this type of act on an almost daily basis. You see, I live in Mississippi where we still say grace, there's a laid back pace and we LOVE to help our fellow man out whether he's from Mississippi or Minnesota. Come on down y'all :)

Margret G. from Salt Lake City, Utah USA FEBRUARY 6, 2008
I just want to thank you ever so much for writing this amazing story, it has brightened my day so much, and it is truly inspirational! It really makes you appreciate all the small acts of kindness in your every day life. I feel so cheerful. I recommended your story to all my colleges at work who were also very appreciative. Thank you so much!

D. Winslow from Virginia, USA AUGUST 31, 2007
I would love to see the day when this type of behavior is common and not at all unusual. That would mean that my children truly do live in a better place and hope has been restored. Thank you for the reminder that we can make a difference - one instance at a time.

Sakina H. from Pakistan AUGUST 31, 2007
A nice example of helping others.

Gujal U. from India AUGUST 30, 2007
I am touched!

Cyrus N. O. from Barcelona, Spain AUGUST 4, 2007
I stongly agree with the comment of 12 july, Pay It Forward!

Alex from Phoenix JULY 12, 2007
Pay it forward. A small kindness may change a moment or a life, and it may be yours!

Rafael A JUNE 14, 2007
This is a good story because the man did not insist on her getting in the car with him. He took her feelings into consideration and handed her an umbrella. It was very courteous.

Gillian from Kenya JUNE 5, 2007
this story has reminded me that these small things in life make a big difference

Juanita B. from Australia MAY 27, 2007
How beautiful! I love the hearts in some people, it goes beyond words to describe the joy and love I feel when I read such simple acts of humanity! And it reminds me too to reach out and offer all I can do too..

kati b from mesa az APRIL 30, 2007
I really like this story. It is a very good example of class and grace. It's nice to know that there are some people out there who are still that thoughtful and who still go out of their way to do something nice for someone.

Solange Z from Rwanda APRIL 26, 2007
The same thing happened to me one day a long time ago. It was also raining and my 2 years old daughter and I were on the street car coming from her school. It was mardi gras in NO and traffic was blocked for parades. They told us to get off because the train was going to return in the other direction. I had only 10$ and we were too far to walk home with that rain pouring. I stopped a taxi anyway thinking that if it's not enough, I will pay once I get home. It was a Somalian or Ethiopian male driver and he was very very nice. He drove us home and when I was about to ask him to wait there, he smiled at us and said that is not necessary!!! I am from Rwanda, I had been there nearly a year and that was the first time I saw humanity, genuine kindness around me!! I went in my apartment and cried. My heart was filled with gratitude, not just for that man but for everybody around me in that foreign place. He made me realize that kindness, humanity and hospitality is also possible even in that hectic world I was living.

JS from Iowa APRIL 15, 2007
It makes me feel good to read about the good, it seems we are always hearing the bad. It made me smile, thanks.

Anonymous MARCH 20, 2007
This story makes me think that doing even the smallest thing can have a big impact on someones life. I also like the fact that the umbrella guy just drove off instead of waiting for his thank-you's.

Anonymous FEBRUARY 15, 2007
What a wonderful story, and a wonderful gesture. This story, of someone doing something nice, for no recognition is a really great example to all of us. He saw that you needed help, and itstead of just driving by and thinking to himself, 'oh, that poor person is getting soaked,' he went out of his way, stopped, gave you his own umbrella, and left. This story will remind me to hold the door open for someone, help someone with an armful of groceries, help someone shovel their sidewalk, and many other little things we can so easily do to help someone. It's just a matter of doing it and we can all lend a hand more often than we do. Thanks for this story.


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