Marine veteran walks 810 miles in 42 days to raise awareness about veteran suicide

By
Maryane
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Service men and women sacrifice a lot for the country. So every night when we get into the comfort of our bed, we shouldn’t forget that many of our people who serve in the military don’t get that opportunity all for the sake of our safety and well-being.

The life of deployment has deep effects on many of the veterans. It’s not uncommon for them to suffer from Post Traumatic Disorder and have difficulties adapting to their life back home. As a result, in 2017, more than 6,000 veterans took their own life. 

The Department of Veteran Affairs announced this devastating data and put it more simple, saying that this number counts for 16.8 veteran suicides per day. 

An Afghanistan veteran and former corporal Travis Snyder was aware of these numbers, but was still shocked and angry when he learned of the suicide of one of his friends whom he served along with. 

“Before that I read about it and had awareness but I didn’t fully understand the magnitude that this epidemic has on people.” Snyder said.

Snyder knew something had to be done. He couldn’t do a lot all by himself but he was aware that every journey starts with a single step.

Raising awareness of the veteran suicides became Snyder’s personal goal and mission in life.

He undertook an adventure; to hike 810 miles around Lake Michigan for 42 days. Before he started, he created a Facebook page where he planned to document his journey. He didn’t really expect for many people to learn of what he was doing, but soon after, his story spread around and was featured on FOX News, CNN, ABC and other news outlets. 

In order to fund his journey, Snyder sold his jeep and other of his belongings. 

Snyder walked around 20 miles every day of his journey. He was stunned of how many people were interested to learn where he was and how he was doing. His initial plan was to sleep outside and camp, but kind strangers offered him their place every step of his way. 

“Every single day people were reaching out to support the cause whether it was a roof or a meal… I did not sleep outside once.” he said about the trip.

The journey ended and Snyder’s goal was achieved. He wanted more people to become aware of the devastatingly huge numbers of veteran suicides. His Facebook posts were seen by thousands of people who offered their kind words and support. 

“I’m still getting messages and phone calls from people who just want to talk and share their story,” Snyder said, “Just when I think I understand the magnitude, I learn more.”

He says that his Facebook page will be active and invites people who lost a loved one of suicide to share their story and provide support for veterans who find it hard to hope with their life back home. 

“I feel humbled and honored to share the burden of those who are still healing from losing a loved one or feeling the pain of someone going through challenges that they’ve been facing.”

Grandpa saves three-year-old granddaughter from explosion, passes away after he brings her to safety

By
Maryane
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The love grandparents have for their grandchildren can’t be measured nor compared to any other kind of love. 

The elderly are there to keep the little ones save and spoil them rotten. So growing up with a grandma and a grandpa means having an awesome childhood.

Don Osteen, a 69-year-old Vietnam veteran was over the moon having to take care of his sweet granddaughter Paetyn while her parents were at work. He always made sure she was having lots of fun when around his house and would always make her lunch.

One day, as he was in the kitchen preparing food a tragedy struck. 

The oven started seeping out gas and in the next moment, a huge explosion happened. The flames started spreading uncontrollably and there was no time for anything to be done. 

The explosion threw Osteen across the kitchen. He was terribly burned and in a lot of pain, but knowing his granddaughter could die, he gathered his strength and lifted himself up.

The smoke and the flames disabled him from seeing Paetyn so he started calling her name. The terrified girl then started screaming and Osteen could locate her. Incredibly, despite his severe injuries, Osteen took the girl in his hands and brought her out of the burning place whose roof already collapsed.

Knowing Paetyn needed to be taken to the doctors, Osteen carried her in his arms for more than a quarter of a mile to the main road. 

Very soon, people who saw them called the ambulance and the two were airlifted and rushed to the emergency room. 

When the doctors realized the severity of Osteen’s injuries, 80% of his body was burned and he had a collapsed lung, they couldn’t believe he was able to carry the girl out of the place. His bravery saved the girl’s life.

Paetyn experienced burns on 30% of her body but doctors treated her and she is now recovering and doing fine. 

Sadly, Osteen didn’t make it. After spending four days at the ICU, he died of a heart attack. But he left the world knowing his granddaughter was saved and it was all that mattered to this courageous man. 

Brandon, Osteen’s son, took to Facebook to share the sad news of his dad’s passing writing:

“He loved my daughter unconditionally. And he gave it all for her to live. He was a great God fearing man who impacted so many people. And he will be missed dearly.”

Osteen’s bravery was known to everyone even from before. During his service in Vietnam, he received the Purple Heart. He’s done so much for our country throughout his life and was always willing to sacrifice himself for the well-being of others.

This last time, his sacrifice cost him his life, but he didn’t care.

People from all over the country were deeply shocked by the sad news. They offered their condolences and prayers to the family. 

Don Osteen will always be remembered as a hero who had done so much for the country and his family.

We are sure little Paetyn will never forget what her grandfather did for her. 

Young doctor whose father has Down Syndrome shares what it was like growing up with his dad

By
Maryane
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Most teenagers are embarrassed of their parents at some point in their life. No matter if it’s because of the way their mom and dad dress or act, which kids find outdated and not cool very often, or because they don’t get along, this embarrassment is just a stage that passes quickly.

However, there are also those kids who are never ashamed to confess that their parents are their best friends and greatest support in life. 

Sader Issa, a dentistry student from Syria, is one of them. Namely, Sader’s dad Jad has Down Syndrome, but he’s the coolest and the most loving dad out there, and if you ever believed that people who have the condition are not great at parenting, Jad is there to prove you wrong. 

Sader had an amazing childhood. During his teenage years he always got the support from his parents and his father did all he could in order to help him pursue the career he has always dreamed of. 

This young man says how his dad is his greatest support and a role model. One he has a family on his own, he would love to be as caring and as loving with his children as his father was and still is with him. 

When he’s asked what it looks and feels like to have a parent with Down Syndrome, Sader is more than happy to share his family’s story and tell everyone how lucky he is to have Jad as his dad. 

This family is no different than any other family out there. They have their ups and downs, pretty much as everyone else has, but they always manage to overcome any obstacles because they all love each other so very much. 

Speaking to Bored Panda, Sader said:

“I’m proud of my father. Throughout my life he has been the greatest support for me when I needed it.” 

Although he has experienced certain difficulties because of his condition, it never stood on the way of Jad’s happiness. This amazing father has worked at the nearby mill almost all his life and has always provided for his family.

Now, he’s proud to be a dad of such successful son like Sader. Whenever he speaks to someone new, he never forgets to mention that his son is a doctor. Saying those words always put a huge smile on Jad’s face and fill his heart with joy. 

“It’s possible to see when his eyes are filled with joy and satisfaction, as if to express: yes, I have Down syndrome, but I raised this man and did everything in my power to make him become a doctor and help others,” Sader Issa explained in his interview.

Sader shares his story because he wants to show people that being different can be beautiful.

We should all get rid of the stigmas attached to people with Down Syndrome and finally start treating them as normal people who are a valuable part of our communities. 

“We wish all people were able to accept that being different is not something to be ashamed of. “

“People with Down syndrome are different but they have feelings, aspirations, a mind of their own, and they are capable of living a normal life when there is social acceptance and a society that is supportive,” Sader said. 

Jad and Sader truly are an inspiration as they teach us to embrace differences.

We wish all sons and daughters out there were as close and as proud of their parents like Sader is.

Judges Weren’t Impressed By This Trio’s Choice of Song, But Then The Music Started

By
Maryane
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Looks can be deceiving, and when it comes to talent shows, the choice of songs too. 

Three brothers that perform under the name AKNU which stands for A Kind Never Understood took the stage of X-Factor back in 2013 but the judges were a bit skeptical about their performance when they learned what song they were singing and dancing on. 

They chose ‘Valerie’ because they were emotionally attached to the piece of music as it was also their mom’s name. They later said how their mother was their biggest support and sacrificed a lot for them to be able to upgrade their dancing and singing talents. 

Although they were aware the start wasn’t as smooth as they expected to because of Simon’s comment that he wasn’t fond of the song, they put their hearts on the stage and gave the audience one of the best renditions of the song ever performed. 

These brothers’ incredible singing skills made the crowd go crazy. Listening to them belting the lyrics made Simon smile as he knew he misjudged them in the first place. 

Their out-of-this-world vocals along with their moves were enough for everyone to fall in love with them and their work. The video has been seen more than 27 million times and people agree that the performance is truly unique. Many compare them to Jackson 5 and honestly, the resemblance is uncanny.

It looks like this L.A trio was born to rock. 

Take a look at them in the video below and don’t forget to share it with your friends.  

Everyone has heard the iconic piece “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” before, but not many know who performed it

By
Maryane
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Medley of the popular songs “Over the Rainbow” and “What a Wonderful World,” the iconic piece “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” is still touching hearts of millions who got to listen to it performed by the great Israel Ka’ano’i Kamakawiwo’ole. His mild and soft voice along with his undeniable talent for music made him a true Hawaiian legend.  

The story behind this piece of music is as exceptional as the song itself. Recording engineer Milan Bertosa said how he got a call one night at 3 a.m by a man who wanted to record a song. “And in walks the largest human being I had seen in my life,” Bertosa was reported to have said. “Then I put up some microphones, do a quick sound check, roll tape, and the first thing he does is ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow.’ He played and sang, one take, and it was over.” 

Thirty years later, Israel’s song is still as popular as on the day it was first released. 

Over the years, the song has been used by many film companies and producers. 

Israel, whom people loved to call “Bruddah Iz” and “Gentle Giant,” passed away in 1997 at the age of 38 as a result of a cardiac and respiratory issues but his music continues to live on.

Take a look at the video of him performing. This is truly heartwarming. Enjoy!

School Refuses to Take 8-Year-Old Girl’s Photo Because Her Hair is Dyed Red – She Leaves in Tears

By
Maryane
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Most of us remember picture days at school and how excited we were to get group photos with our classmates. I still have mine from the time I was a student and whenever I see them I recall those fun and careless times. 

An 8-year-old girl named Marian Scott won’t be able to see a 3rd grade picture of herself and her classmates years from now because she was denied one. 

Apparently, she broke the school’s dress code, in her case the hairstyle code, and was told to wait in the corridor while everyone else was being taken photo of. The reason why made many people mad as they agree that most times school rules and policies are kind of stupid and limit students’ creativity and suppress their self-expression. 

Marian was overly excited for the picture day and asked her mom to take her to the hair salon so that she could have a new hairstyle which included a hair cut and some red dyed extensions. 

According to Marian’s mom, Latoya Howard, the girl was very pleased with the way she looked and just “couldn’t stop staring at herself in the mirror.”

Marian’s hair for the picture day was nicely and neatly braided in a bun. But when her teachers spotted her new hairstyle, they told Marian that she didn’t look decent and that she couldn’t be part of the photo shooting. They even excluded her from the group photo. 

The poor girl was confused because she believed that she would be paid some compliment. Instead, she was told off and left to spend the day all alone while everyone else was having fun and hanged out together. 

Marian started crying and couldn’t wait to get home. When she told her parents what happened, they got really angry because they believed their daughter shouldn’t have gone through such an unpleasant experience because of something like a dyed hair. 

After they contacted the school Marian attends, Paragon Charter Academy in Michigan, the teachers told them it was a rule and that they didn’t feel guilty for excluding Marian from the photos. 

They even said how the parents should have known the school rules which said that students were only allowed ‘natural hair tones.’

Instead of an apology from the principal, the family was given a week ‘to correct’ their daughter’s hair. In case they didn’t, she would not be allowed to attend classes. 

Marian’s mom and dad believe their daughter didn’t do anything wrong, but still got rid of her extensions because they didn’t want her to be suspended and miss classes. 

They still believe that the school should apologize for making the girl cry that day.

What are your thoughts on this matter? Please share them with us in the comments section below. 

Mom Buys Girls Glow In The Dark Pajamas, Tells Them They Need To Stay Still To ‘Charge’ Them

By
Maryane
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Let’s get honest, when children come into our life there is very little chance that we ever take some time for ourselves. Starting from preparing healthy meals and spending a bunch of time in the kitchen, taking them out for a walk or at the park, making their days fun, and struggling to get them to sleep at night make parents exhausted. 

One clever mom, however, found a cool way to get her two girls to sleep without begging them to stop fighting and being naughty.

When she bought those glow-in-the-dark pajamas, mom Jessica D’Entremont had no idea she was buying her self some free time. 

Jessica exposed the pajamas to some light before the girls got to bed and they were overjoyed wearing their unique piece of clothing. The second night, however, Jessica ‘forgot’ to keep the pajamas under light which meant they didn’t work. The girls were disappointed and kept asking what was wrong. It was then that their mommy told them how in order for the pajamas to work and glow they had to put them on, lie down under some light, and stay completely still. 

The moment she realized her two beautiful girls were getting very sleepy, Jessica turned the lights off and both girls drifted off to sleep in a matter of minutes. 

Jessica couldn’t believe what had happened as getting them into bed would rarely pass without the girls fighting and refusing to sleep.

The night was peaceful and this tired mom could have it all for herself. 

Needless to say, as she had a glass of wine and her favorite book in her hands, Jessica couldn’t stop wondering whether her trick was a one time lucky pass or it will work in the days to come as well. 

The next night, Jessica asked her girls to lie still again so that their pajamas could be charged. To her surprise, once the girls relaxed, they fell asleep very quickly and Jessica was over the moon she could skip hours of calming them down and forcing them to go to bed. 

Her trick works and she is more than happy to share it with other parents out there. 

Of course, Jessica makes sure the pajamas are out of light during the day so that the girls can ‘charge’ them before going to bed. 

She hopes others will find this useful. If you have young kids yourself, let us know of the outcome in case you are giving this trick a go. 

Ice Skaters Make The Crowd Go Wild With Daring Performance To ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’

By
Maryane
-

Great Freddie Mercury once said, “You can do what you want with my music, but don’t make me boring,” and it looks like this team of Canadian ice skaters live by these words.

What they had to give the cheering crowd at the Canadian Synchronized Skating Championship resembles pure magic. 

The moment the music of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ filled the air, the audience couldn’t wait to see what the NEXXICE Senior team had up their sleeves. 

With such melody that changes tempo and tone many times during the six minutes it lasts, the performance had to be one to remember. 

Not everyone would agree to dance and skate to such iconic song, but this team lived up to their expectations. They have been the first Canadian team in history to be crowned the title of World Synchronized Skating Champions in April 2009 and again in April 2015 for a good reason.  

The months of hard work paid off as the remarkable routine has stolen the hearts of everyone who got to see it unfolding right in front of their eyes. 

At the beginning of the performance, the team divides into four groups and everyone is eager to see what comes next as the opening lyrics “Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?” make people sing along as they have their eyes glued to the ice. 

Next, two of the groups of skaters split off and join hands together as the other two groups get closer. In the next moment, one of the performers is lifted into the air. 

After that, the two inner groups formed a circle, and the outer groups formed wings. Now imagine that this is just the beginning of what you are about to see from the NEXXICE Senior team. 

Sliding on their knees was also part of the incredible act that left people amazed. 

With the start of the second sequence of the song, the group stayed in a solid formation and skated backwards and forward from one edge of the ring to the other. But once the lyrics “I don’t wanna die” were heard, they split into two lines, then four, and weaved in between each other. 

At one point the group members joined their arms and can-canned across the rink. 

During the solo part of the iconic song, the group formed a square that later split into four. Each skater leaned forward and had one of their legs into the sky. 

As the song came to the end, one of the skaters performed a handstand in the middle of the rank and it was the icing on the cake. Breathtaking, indeed!

People praised the skaters for their incredible performance. All 16 of the team members breathed as one and skated in perfect harmony.

This is definitely something you don’t want to miss. 

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