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Health & Fitness

Extra! Extra! Compassion Is Alive And Well In Our Country!

The simple kindness of a good Samaritan to his fellow man has profoundly touched our nation.

I doubt that there are many who didn't hear about the New York City policeman last week who actually committed an act of extreme kindness.  While on vacation from Arizona, tourist, Jennifer Foster, just happened to be in the right place, at the right time, and took pictures of a homeless man with bare feet sitting on the sidewalk in New York.  Alongside him was a uniformed NYPD officer with a pair of boots.

Officer DePrimo saw the man with no shoes or socks on and temperatures outside had dipped quite low.  He went to a nearby store and purchased a $100 pair of boots and some heavy wool socks for the man.  Then he actually put them on the man's feet.  There was something so profoundly humane in that simple act that it ignited a wave of recognition from all corners of the country.

With that simple demonstration of compassion an entire nation was given pause to reflect on the true meaning of kindness.  What made more of an impression on me was the fact that it was viewed as so extraordinary!  Have we become so selfish and jaded that it is the rare occasion when someone displays this depth of compassion?  What does that say about our society?  We're in awe of this good Samaritan who did what we should be doing on a daily basis - helping our fellow man. 

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Twenty-five year old Officer DePrimo and his incredible act of kindness gave all who heard the story pause to reflect on that saying, "There but for the grace of God go I."  It gave me such hope that in the midst of all of the terrible things going on in our country, and the plight of those who are suffering from the aftermath of hurricane Sandy, that this young man has become a beacon, a symbol, to the world of the incredible and undeniable power of love. 

I'm so glad to see people uplifting this story and the policeman.  These are the calibre of people who deserve to be emulated.  I'm so sick of hearing about selfish, rich, empty-headed, it's-all-about-me people,  who live lives of decadence and depravity.  Who cares how much Kim or Chloe paid for their shoes or their dress, or that mogul who just made another few billion, or another athlete who received a multi, multi million dollar contract for throwing a ball!  I personally don't give a damn.  Yes.....I said the "D" word.  Sometimes I become so angry and cynical because I feel surrounded by the unimportant things that the media shoves in our faces on a daily basis.  They make it their job to brainwash us into idolizing people who don't deserve to be our role models.  (And....yes, before I get bombarded with comments about how much charity work some of them do - I acknowledge that).  

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We need more people like Officer DePrimo - people who we should model ourselves after.  All of us, myself included, can learn from this generous act.  One of the most touching aspects of the day was the fact that he knelt at the homeless man's feet and actually put those socks and boots on his blistered feet. Many would have simply bought the socks and boots (and that would have indeed been wonderful), but he went that one step further and ministered in such a personal way.  The deep humanity of the act has struck a chord in everyone.  It has touched our very core.  He has become the standard bearer of hope and goodness this season.  I believe that many will pay it forward and random acts of kindness will permeate our nation throughout this holiday season (and hopefully beyond).  

Thank you, Officer DePrimo, for reminding us that kindness and compassion are powerful and beautiful. 

This is the true "reason for the season".

As alwasy.............live an inspired and patriotic life!

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