GOOD NEWS
BY ISABELLA TEBEAU
“As this year comes to an end, we can look back on many acts of kindness. We had lost wallets and bicycles returned, families fed, elderly people received a helping hand and children received help, support and gifts from numerous sponsors. The important thing is to keep this momentum going into the coming year and all the years after.”
Eleven unforgettable truths 2023 taught me:
• Storms are temporary.
• Intuition is your compass.
• People pleasing burns your energy.
• Joy happens in the present moment.
• Gratitude attracts more good things.
• You can’t be everything for everyone.
• Embracing change makes life smoother.
• Small daily victories can improve your life.
• When you think someone is great, tell them.
• Your inner peace needs you to say no often.
• It’s not a real connection if you have to force it.
— Yung Pueblo “I’ve got something to share with y’all. I’m going to tell you all about my bestie. A glimpse of what it’s like having her around. Not only for me, but for everyone who crosses her path. Every year she does a backpack drive for the homeless. She collects donations, purchases supplies and gives her time stuffing backpacks with basic necessities, snacks and blankets. A bag full of Amanda love. Once she gets everything together she hand delivers each bag to people in downtown Austin. The last few years she’s asked me to tag along. Now, I don’t do much but be her passenger princess. Like I’m just the look out girl, her security guard if you will and extra hands if she needs them. I watch this beautiful human park her car, grab the bags and take off walking. She finds each person she sees that’s clearly down on their luck and hands the bag over with so much love and compassion. She whispers sweet words to them and wishes them a merry Christmas. From my point of view, she’s not walking up to just people, she’s walking straight up to tragedy, heartbreak, addiction, mental illness and suffering.
She faces it with such strength, but so much tenderness. You can see God in her eyes. I see the instant difference she makes. She spends a few seconds with these people. I can see the happiness and thankfulness on their face when she kneels next to them to spread her love. And, this isn’t the only time I see her make this world a better place. She is always thinking of the next way she can help. The next way to spread her love to others.
It’s one of my favorite things about her. She’s so selfless and caring. What an honor it is for me to have her as my best friend. My soul sister. She makes me a better person. Everyday, a little bit more of her good rubs off on me. She is a broken halo. So, I leave you for now with this… get you an Amanda. Find people who make things better. Make things better for others. Spread love. Make everywhere you go feel a little more special. Pray to God and show people love and empathy. Be like Amanda.” — Addie Finch Please help us to fill this page with good news. Tell us know who should be recognized for walking the extra mile. Let us know who put a smile on your face. You can either send them to Taylor Press attn: Good News, 211 W. Third St., Taylor, TX 76574, or post to the Good News Taylor Made Facebook page.
We are looking forward to hearing your stories. Always remember there is goodness everywhere and kindness matters.
