Life-changing compassion

Fall foliage glimmers in the sunlight at Faulkner Park in Woodstock, Vermont, on Sunday. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Amid a news cycle like the current one, it's easy to lose heart and feel like many situations are hopeless. However, that's when a story about someone helping somebody else might give us a little hope, like a ray of light. 

Today we're looking at a story from CNN, about a woman in a dilapidated home who got some unexpected help from her community in Woburn, Massachusetts. It all started when electrician John Kinney saw the state of Gloria Scott’s home during a job there, and felt compassion toward her. There were various issues, including no proper running water, a broken sink and damage from prior plumbing issues — all of which she couldn't afford to fix, CNN reported. 

After he finished his work, Kinney couldn't just disappear — he had to do something. And he sure did. He and a few friends got to work on the house for free, but to pay for the major repairs, Kinney set up an online fundraiser which eventually came up with over $100,000 for Scott. Along with that, volunteers donated some supplies, and restaurants sent over meals. It was a life-changer for the 72-year-old, who had lived by herself for over 10 years, the CNN report said.

"She's so happy, she's got all types of new friends," Kinney told CNN. "She's out here making lunch for us, laughing, joking. It's just a miracle to witness."  

Even in the toughest of times, there are still good people doing great things for others. As in this case, some of the most beautiful deeds are done without an initial plan in mind, but are spontaneous acts of kindness that lead to inspiring results. Every story of compassion can inspire the best in each of us, showing that anyone can make a difference by helping somebody else. That’s an encouraging sentiment to take into the new week.

— Gareth Henderson