Pass It On®
The values we live by are worth more when we pass them on to others. Throughout this site, you can pass things on to your friends, family or co-workers—anyone who might enjoy our site.
Use the red Pass It On® arrows or the easy-to-use social networking links below. Thanks for passing it on!
Your Everyday Heroes
People do extraordinary things every day. They share their time, resources, or love. They show incredible strength and courage. They inspire us by their example. Here are true stories about real-life heroes, written by visitors to the site. You can also share a story of your own hero.
The following hero stories have been tagged with Common Ground
Tyra W
In 2006, after about 3 years of taking care of my son Chance as a single mother, his father finally stepped back into his life. At first it was very difficult to let go and trust that he would be a steady presence in my son's life. Since our separation he had remarried and I was unsure of how my interaction with his new wife would go.
For some women, this situation could be difficult, but i... read more→
Values:
COMMON GROUND
Vincent J.
One Christmas Eve my husband was on his way home from work. He drove down the street and made the turn to go home. On the side of the road, with his hand raised, and his thumb out, stood an older man drenched to the bone from the heavy rain. My husband stopped, and asked him where he was going. It was about five miles past our home, but he told him to get in. My husband drove past our house and... read more→
Values:
COMMON GROUND
Mark F.
Mark is one of the most incredible men I have ever known. He came to me when the rest of the world seemed to abandon me. He was selfless, giving, decent, gentle, kind and honest, when he didn't have to be. As I lived my life dying of alcohol and drug addiction, he humbly shared with me his own experience. He showed me another way to live. His love for people and for life gave me hope. Hope I ha... read more→
Values:
COMMON GROUND
Mary Ellen C.
There are so many people doing wonderful things to encourage individuals to recover from or live their best life with mental illness. For me though, one person stands out for me and this one person gave back to me my "hope" that I could achieve what I desired and live a happy life.Mary Ellen inspires individuals around the world and her impact on people’s lives is felt by many. ... read more→
Values:
COMMON GROUND
Rashmi K.
My daughter is an ESL teacher. She teaches adult refugees who have never spoken English in their lives. She narrated me this one instance which brought tears of joy to my eyes. This is what she told me...this is her story in her own words."About a year ago, I walked into my classroom to prepare for my lesson only to find one of my students already there, 30 minutes early. My student, Hawa... read more→
Values:
COMMON GROUND
Vivian R.
My hero, Vivian R., died last July of breast cancer. An older African American woman who never married or had any children, she devoted her life to helping others. I was fortunate enough to have known her for the past 30 years. Since she hired me as young 20 something year old working in the aging field. We came from different backgrounds and were as different as night and day, but we bonded fr... read more→
Values:
COMMON GROUND
Kelly K.
Kelly is a one of a kind person. With a heart that she opens to all, Kelly is counted on by many. But what really has set Kelly apart and made her my hero is her non-stop optimism and dedication. Kelly has dedicated her life to helping people, and to helping spread awareness for an array of causes.Let me start by giving you a brief history of Kelly's caring life. It really started from her birt... read more→
Values:
COMMON GROUND
Amanda G.
Ms. G. teaches everyone to love who they are and she has never judged anyone. She is a very talented teacher and mentor. Ms. G. is not afraid to do anything. She's always willing to defeat fear. She's always there for anyone who needs to talk. And she's always willing to give another chance. She truly wants everyone to get along, and that is how she lives. She is my hero! read more→
Values:
COMMON GROUND
Rachel S.
My hero is Rachel Scott. She was killed in the Columbine shooting, the first one killed. Before she died, she always made sure to included everyone and anybody in whatever she did. She helped numerous kids before they hurt themselves. Because of her example, I am in the program Rachel's Challenge. Compassion, pass it on. read more→
Values:
COMMON GROUND
My Mother
My mother is my hero because she chose me. I am the only adopted child out of four children; all three of my siblings are my mother’s biological children. So why me? You don’t just adopt a child in 1965 with no story. Yet here I am—a part of the most wonderful family you could ever dream for. My mother made me who I am, she taught me right from wrong, she stood proud no matter... read more→
Values:
COMMON GROUND