Articles – Lumin Story https://luminstory.org It is to shine light where it is dark Thu, 21 Oct 2021 14:35:04 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.1 https://luminstory.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/cropped-lumin_story_favi-32x32.png Articles – Lumin Story https://luminstory.org 32 32 More than Just Coffee https://luminstory.org/2021/10/21/more-than-just-coffee/ Thu, 21 Oct 2021 14:35:04 +0000 https://luminstory.org/?p=10356 “This is Daniel. He sells the Big Issue outside Hillhead library. Each week, I stop and have a chat, give him a couple of quid,...]]>
“This is Daniel. He sells the Big Issue outside Hillhead library. Each week, I stop and have a chat, give him a couple of quid, if I have it, and buy him a coffee from the place I go to for a breakfast. Then, when I finish my breakfast I’ll usually take him over another coffee and pay for a few in advance (or suspended, as some folk call them) so he can get warmed up when it gets chilly.
Today, I did the same as usual but when I went to pay for my breakfast, the girl in the cafe told me it had already been paid for……..by Daniel.
He’d won £20 on a scratch card and decided he was going to treat me for a wee change. As I took a coffee over to him, his face was an absolute picture and he told me that it had made him happy that I’d had a nice surprise and it was his way of showing his appreciation for the coffees and the chats.
If you’re over Byres Road way, take a minute to say hello to him, even if you don’t buy the magazine.”
Credit: Joe Wilson
]]> Remembering on Memorial Day https://luminstory.org/2021/05/31/remembering-on-memorial-day/ Mon, 31 May 2021 16:20:59 +0000 https://luminstory.org/?p=10316 This is a picture the Defense Department has never let the public see until now. This is a behind-the-scenes look at Dover Air Force Base...]]>
This is a picture the Defense Department has never let the public see until now. This is a behind-the-scenes look at Dover Air Force Base where the bodies of fallen service members are prepared for burial. That includes being properly dressed, all the way down to the smallest detail.
In this picture, Staff Sgt. Miguel Deynes is making sure the uniform is just right for a U.S. Army pilot who was recently killed in Afghanistan.
There is a very specific process once a fallen service member is returned home. The bodies are flown back to the United States on a cargo jet. A team of service members wearing white gloves carry the flag-draped coffins to a white van that takes them to the Armed Forces Medical Examiner.
The remains are washed, hands are scrubbed clean, and hair is shampooed. If necessary, the bones are wired together and damaged tissue is reconstructed with flesh-toned wax. Sometimes, they will use photos. Sometimes, they just intuition to recreate the wrinkles in the faces and the lines around the mouth or the corner of the eyes.
“It has to look normal, like someone who is sleeping.”
Once the body is ready then the uniform is prepared. That includes putting medals in the proper order on the ribbon rack above the uniform’s breast pocket.
During the height of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan 10 to 20 bodies were arriving every day.
The embalmers often worked all night to get the bodies home on time. This can take an emotional toll on them, so the mortuary has a large gym to allow workers to blow off steam. Many say they are haunted by how young the fallen soldiers are and by how many of them leave behind small children. That’s why Sgt. Deynes says they are advised not to do research into the backgrounds of the soldiers.
“If I knew the story of every individual who went through here, I would probably be in a padded cell.”
The dress uniform being prepared in this particular case will be in a closed casket. Even so, it will be perfectly tailored, starched and pressed. Everything will be checked down to the last detail.
Sgt. Deynes says, “[The family is] not going to see it. I do it for myself. It’s more than an honor. It’s a blessing to dress that soldier for the last time.”
Memorial Day is about these service members and the families they left behind.
(Originally Posted by Marine WO2 Sherman Gillums, Jr.)
]]> A Gift from the Repairman https://luminstory.org/2021/03/03/a-gift-from-the-repairman/ Wed, 03 Mar 2021 18:44:22 +0000 https://luminstory.org/?p=10282 Dear Spectrum Internet, Today your technician Robert came to our home to upgrade our internet and help us start up TV streaming. He walked into...]]>
Dear Spectrum Internet,
Today your technician Robert came to our home to upgrade our internet and help us start up TV streaming. He walked into a mess. My son, Sailor, is three years old. He was born with two rare brain defects and he is blind. He is unable to communicate his needs, and today has been rough for him. He has been crying all morning. I’ve been trying to soothe him while also meeting the needs of my two year old daughter, cleaning, washing dishes, and doing laundry while my husband works. It’s just been a tough day. When Robert walked in and started talking, Sailor ran to him and reached up. Robert didn’t seem bothered at all and, instead, held my son off and on for the whole 45 minutes he was in our home. He snuggled him close while I folded laundry. It was a huge relief to this tired momma. Robert could have walked in, rushed, and left but instead he saw a need greater than internet and met it. That’s beyond customer service- it’s humanity at its best. Robert deserves a raise… a promotion… something! He’s an asset to your company and I will never forget his kindness.
Sincerely,
Jessica
Credit: Jessica Nash Donnahoo
]]> The Returned Wallet https://luminstory.org/2021/02/17/the-returned-wallet/ Wed, 17 Feb 2021 22:55:34 +0000 https://luminstory.org/?p=10259 When you lose your wallet somewhere, you can pretty much kiss that wallet, and anything that was in it, goodbye. But 20-year-old Hunter Shamatt had...]]>
When you lose your wallet somewhere, you can pretty much kiss that wallet, and anything that was in it, goodbye. But 20-year-old Hunter Shamatt had a Good Samaritan watching out for him. Hunter was on his way to his sister’s wedding in Las Vegas recently and realized far too late that he had lost his wallet on his flight from Omaha. That wallet had his ID, $60 in cash, a debit card and a signed paycheck.
But just a few days later, after Hunter had arrived back home, he received a package in the mail. Inside it were his wallet and everything he had lost along with it, as well as a little more money.
The package also included a letter with only initials. Through the return address on the package, and with the help of a news station, Hunter and his family were able to track down the kind man who sent him back his wallet.
His mother, Jeannie Shamatt, posted this on her Facebook page: “I personally want to thank Todd Brown and his wife for restoring faith that there are amazing people out there, the world is not as grim as it’s being made out to be.”
Todd later said he thought about turning the wallet over to the flight crew but then he decided to handle things himself to make sure it got back to Hunter.
Says Todd: “I saw he was just a kid, 20 years old, he had a paycheck in there, so I figured, ‘Well, he’s doing his best to make ends meet,’ but I was 20 once, and that’s a lot of money for a kid. I imagined what it would be like to get your wallet back, so I added a little bit so he could celebrate.”
Photo courtesy: Jeannie Shamatt
]]> A Meaningful Breakfast https://luminstory.org/2021/01/10/a-meaningful-breakfast/ Sun, 10 Jan 2021 18:08:30 +0000 https://luminstory.org/?p=10227 I completely lost it today (publicly, which is not my style) in a restaurant in Noosa. A frail older couple and their family came in....]]>
I completely lost it today (publicly, which is not my style) in a restaurant in Noosa. A frail older couple and their family came in. A dad taking his two kids out for brunch offered to hurriedly clear his table so they could sit there instead of the high bar stools (the only table available). They weren’t even finished but they were willing to move because of their kindness.
The gesture was so considerate. Timing was on the family’s side and a table opened up. The girls there hanging out saw the family needed it so cleared out.
I was having a crap start to the day. A tree branch fell on to my car, several people cut me off (I blame the storm), and arguing with people regarding business deals. Wasn’t a good start.
Instead of projecting out I decided to shift the yuck feeling I had and went up to the counter to offer to pay for the breakfast the young man and his girls had. It was only $58. I wanted to reward kindness and encourage his girls to create a better world bit by bit, day by day. They were all being so sweet to each other.
I continued on writing out a business plan… I can’t keep a straight face so when he was happily surprised someone had fixed his bill he came up to me and asked. I went bright red (guilty) and said I didn’t know what he was talking about (with a smile). He and his girls thanked me profusely and had a chat.
I continued on writing…
Then the waitress came up and said she noticed what I did and my breakfast was on the house. At this stage I could hold back the happy tears. I was super grateful and wasn’t expecting anything in return.
I continued writing…
THEN! The gentleman and his girls came back with a gift bag. Inside was a gift voucher. I didn’t see it at first mostly because I was saying thank you so much and talking to the girls about spreading kindness (something I don’t think they need too much advice on).
As soon as they got out the door I lost it. The sweetest waitress rushed over and gave me a big hug. After I got myself together I looked at the voucher. It was double what the breakfast cost! I lost it again. I followed the gentlemans request and got something cuddly for myself (some nice pjs).
I went back to the restaurant to say thank you. They told me the frail couple in the beginning asked what all the fuss was about. The waitress explained.
Turns out the lady was really suffering that day from a chronic illness and the older gentleman was celebrating his birthday. His family had surprised them from Melbourne. Gaaaaaaaah. He said apart from seeing his kids it was the best gift he could ask for. He is 90 today.
See, one little act of kindness, depsite what is going on in your day, can really make the difference for a lot of people.
Be kind, even when you’re hurting.
Source: Facebook / The Kindness Pandemic / Katie Johnston
]]> Pulling Over to Help https://luminstory.org/2020/12/13/pulling-over-to-help/ Sun, 13 Dec 2020 05:07:20 +0000 https://luminstory.org/?p=10213 I met a man today. His name is Marcus. On my lunch break, I had the urge to go get slimjims and off I went...]]>
I met a man today. His name is Marcus. On my lunch break, I had the urge to go get slimjims and off I went because I just had to have them. On my way there, I noticed a man laying in the road and a bicycle. Everyone was going around him and I immediately pulled over and jumped out of my car.
He was trying to keep his head off the hot road but was talking about his neck and back hurting. His foot looked to be broken as well as it was stuck between the wires in the back wheel of his bicycle. He had been hit by a car and I sat there with him, had him rest his head on my leg while one hand kept his head still and the other blocked the sun from his eyes. Paramedics and fire rescue showed up and I stayed…and was even able to help get him into a neck brace and onto a back board.
Once he was on the stretcher, I grabbed his backpack and told the EMT his mom had called and to please let her know which hospital they were taking him to and we parted ways.
Originally, my coworker took this photo to show our boss as proof in case we were late back to work.. I had no intention of keeping it but I love how natural it was for me and how calm I was able to keep him…and it makes me SO MUCH MORE excited to get into the fire academy.
So Marcus, if you see this, I hope you are okay and have a speedy recovery🌻❤
Credit: Tiffany Mills
]]> The Gentle Giant https://luminstory.org/2020/12/13/the-gentle-giant/ Sun, 13 Dec 2020 05:06:48 +0000 https://luminstory.org/?p=10210 Sitting in McDonald’s carpark waiting for an appointment, a gentleman who I later found out was named Tony, approached my car window. He asked if...]]>
Sitting in McDonald’s carpark waiting for an appointment, a gentleman who I later found out was named Tony, approached my car window.
He asked if I knew about the state of my tyres.
I explained that I knew I needed new ones but at the moment simply couldn’t afford it.
He asked me if I would follow him to Bridgestone Pimpama across the road to see what they could do for me.
This complete stranger, Tony explained he couldn’t live with himself if he walked away from the situation knowing they were about to blow at anytime.
Tony didn’t expect anything in return, just asking that one day when I’m in the position where I’m able to help someone that I pay it forward.
535 dollars, a lot of tears on my behalf, a few hugs, three brand new tyres, a wheel alignment and the offer to fuel up my car.
Then he left.
No last name, no contact number.
Just Tony the gentle giant with his two beautiful sons teaching them a life lesson.
Tony if this ever reaches you, thank you!
Thank you for your utterly selfless act, your kind words, for restoring my faith in humanity.
From the bottom of my heart thank you!
Also a big thankyou to Bridgestone tyres Pimpama for fitting me in on a fully booked out day and for the great service, you guys are champs!
Credit – Tegan Langley
]]> The Carry On Bag https://luminstory.org/2020/11/15/the-carry-on-bag/ Sun, 15 Nov 2020 00:38:06 +0000 https://luminstory.org/?p=10192 “WOW okay so the most amazing thing just happened to me and I can’t help but share it with the world. American Airlines instituted a...]]>
“WOW okay so the most amazing thing just happened to me and I can’t help but share it with the world. American Airlines instituted a new policy where you have to pay to take a carry-on onto the plane. Which is ridiculous but off topic.
I consolidate my bags into one and they measure it and say it’s just a little too big. They proceed to charge me $50, except they only take credit card, no cash. Since I just got back from Europe all my cards are being declined as Chase doesn’t know I’m back.
They tell me that I’m going to have to miss the flight and head back to the ticket counter to pay down there. I’m pleading, devastated after a long day of travel. Then, this man walks up and says, “How much is it?” They tell him $50 and he says “I got it.”
I’m astonished and tell him it’s fine not to worry and he hands the lady his card as the American Airlines employees stand in silence shocked by this man’s generosity. They swipe the card and he tells me to have a great flight and hop on board.
I’m crying as I write this and as I board the flight. This man was an angel. I stop him as he’s sitting in first class and try to give him my money but he just shook me off and told me to pay it forward.
My heart is so happy. There are good people in this world. Be that person for someone because I know after this I sure will be.” 💕
Update: It was NFL player, Jermaine Gresham.
Credit: Twitter/@Delilah_Cassidy
]]> A Flight that Changed Lives https://luminstory.org/2020/10/18/a-flight-that-changed-lives/ Sun, 18 Oct 2020 00:27:55 +0000 https://luminstory.org/?p=10148 I write this in awe of my day yesterday. I was sitting next to a kind man on my Southwest flight 1050. He asked me...]]>
I write this in awe of my day yesterday. I was sitting next to a kind man on my Southwest flight 1050. He asked me what I did for a living, and anyone who knows me knows that I am a talker. I began telling him how much I love my job. Teaching is my passion. When he asked me the greatest challenge that I face I was honest with him. I told him that working at a low income school can be heartbreaking. We talked about the world and how no child should ever do without.
In 2018 kids should never be hungry or in need of anything. He asked for my work contact information and told me that his company likes to donate items, time, etc for schools such as mine. I was not intending for him to say that, and then gave him my school email. Then something amazing happened…
The man behind me tapped my shoulder. I turned around and he apologized for listening in to my conversation, and he handed me a wad of cash. He told me to “do something amazing” and sat back down. I was in complete awe that I had touched a stranger. I realized that there was $100 on top, and started to cry. I thanked him and told him how I would buy my students books and give back to the community. I didn’t count the money from that man, but I would later find out that he gave me $500.
Then something even more amazing happened. The plane landed and the man on the aisle across from me told me that he listened as well. He said that he didn’t have much, but he gave me $20. As if my heart couldn’t be any happier the man in front turns around as well. He also handed me money, and said that he only had $10.
I started crying on the plane. I told all four men that I would do something amazing for the kids. I was not telling my story to solicit money, and never intended to walk out of that flight with anything other than my carry on. I do however hope that posting this continues the chain reaction of people helping those in need, and especially the children in need. It doesn’t have to be a school in Chicago, and any bit helps!
My heart is in complete shock and awe right now. When the world seems crazy there are always good people. I would do anything for my students, and want to thank these strangers. I don’t know the name of the man who gave me the $500 or the other generous strangers, but they deserve to be recognized. I am thankful for the good people in this world. No child should ever go without anything. This experience made me want to do more for the kids, and use my gift of speaking to help others in need. I want to pass this story around, and thank those strangers and their amazing hearts!
-Kimber Bermudez
Aisle 14 Seat C
July 10, 2018
Southwest Airlines
Credit: Kimber Bermudez
]]> Parenting Together https://luminstory.org/2020/10/18/parenting-together/ Sun, 18 Oct 2020 00:27:35 +0000 https://luminstory.org/?p=10151 “I’m now 29 and have 3 kids with my wife, Franziska, who carried and birthed them all like a pro. Here’s what I would tell...]]>

“I’m now 29 and have 3 kids with my wife, Franziska, who carried and birthed them all like a pro. Here’s what I would tell my childless 24-year-old self about how to be a supportive partner during the ‘becoming parents’ phase:

1. Wifey carried baby IN her belly for 9 months. So, you carry baby ON your belly for 9 months every chance you get. Not only does it help her recover but it bonds you to your kid more than imaginable.

2. Wifey is breastfeeding and–while beautiful and fulfilling for her–it’s exhausting. So, you change EVERY diaper you can. From diaper #1 onward. You will get over the grossness fast. And you will prevent imbalances and resentment in the relationship; in fact, when all your wife’s friends are complaining about how absent and unsupportive their husbands are, your wife will be bragging about you.

3. Make her the decaf coffee every morning. Even if she leaves it cold and forgets to drink it most mornings because she falls back asleep while you’re working or (later) taking the kids to school. She was up all night feeding the baby so help start her day in a way that helps her reset.

4. Tell her she is beautiful and help her see that in the moments when she is feeling most self-critical and hopeless about her body. Remind her of times when she achieved goals in the past. Remind her she is a superhero. She literally just moved all her organs around and gained 20 + pounds to give you a child that will be a gift to you for the rest of your life. Help her see past her body image issues and stay focused on a positive goal, one day at a time.

5. Take the heat. Hormones are crazy, both pre and post birth. She won’t seem like herself every day and sometimes she will say things she wouldn’t say if she didn’t feel like she was hungover, caffeinated, and on steroids every day. Remember your job is to be her rock through all of this, so toughen up and keep perspective when her tongue is sharper than you know her best self intends. Normal will return soon and you want her to be grateful that you kept it together when she wasn’t, not resentful and disappointed that you hijacked her emotions by making her problems yours.”

Credit: Ted Gonder

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