Need Some Good News?

This has been a rough day for me so I am in desperate need of some good news. No, I am not referring to a political speech, even one as masterful as the one delivered by Mr. Clinton, “the communicator,” last night. I need some feel good story. How about three?

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Let’s start with Luz Milagros, the little girl who at birth was declared dead by her doctors in Argentina, only to be found alive by her parents in the hospital morgue 12 hours later. Today, she is safely home with her four brothers and sisters, to continue her recuperation. But she is in a home that is especially equipped with medical equipment to help her and 24-7 help from doctors. The little girl, who was born at six months and “dead” on arrival, does honor to her name — Luz (“light”) Milagros (“miracles”). Read the story here in Spanish.

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Give it up to Wyatt Earber, the 8-year-old who set out to win a scavenger hunt in his community with the express purpose of helping 2-year-old Cara Kielty, who lives on his street and was diagnosed with leukemia back in May. He happened to win the $1,000.00 and donated the money to help pay for Cara’s cancer treatment. Read the story here.

I wonder what would happen if more parents raised this kind of child? I mean, you have to credit the parents when a child so young turns out so generous. In this and age of dysfunctional families, it is always so inspiring to hear stories of those who are breaking the mold. I want to emulate little Wyatt.

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Finally, from the world of sports: Italian ex-F-1 pilot, Alessandro Zanardi, who had a horrific crash during a race in 2001, and as a result had to have both legs amputated and went through a brutal rehab and recuperation period, just reappeared in the world of competitive sports in the last couple of days. He rose to the top again, winning a gold medal in the London Paralympics in the sport of Handbike. Read the story in Portuguese here.

Mr. Zanardi, who also returned to car racing from 2003 to 2009, remarked that he is truly a lucky man. Thinking about the London competition ahead, he quipped, “It can’t be that bad. At least I can’t break my legs again.” My tribute to Alessandro, for his great courage and inspiration. I wouldn’t ever want to face the kind of adversity he had to face, but if I do, I hope I would have the metal to eventually be able to say, “I am a blessed man.”

Ivanildo C. Trindade