Culture & Entertainment

Good deeds come full circle: a feel-good story

Canadian Living
Culture & Entertainment

Good deeds come full circle: a feel-good story

Sometimes, in the midst of hectic days and busy times, we come across a story that makes us slow down and live in the moment. Sometimes we come across an act of kindness that is so pure and from the heart that it touches us deeply. Sometimes we come across a story that strengthens our belief in the human race. Sometimes we come across a story like this...
Imagine giving birth to your precious baby and then watching her being fed through a tube, knowing deep down inside that something isn't quite right. Imagine the feelings of helplessness as you watch your baby being airlifted from North Bay, Ont., to the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario while you follow in your van. Imagine not leaving your daughter's side for days while she undergoes test after test. Imagine listening to the doctor tell you she has Prader-Willi syndrome, a genetic disorder that causes obesity, as well as reduced muscle tone and mental ability. Imagine walking out of the hospital boggled down with life-changing news only to find an empty spot where you had left your van days earlier. This is the story of Darcy Sheridan and her daughter Rayven. After reading about Darcy's story in the Ottawa Citizen, Ian Charlebois dropped off the keys to his 2012 Nissan Titan truck at the hospital reception desk and left a message with Darcy that he would come pick it up weeks later, only after she had secured permanent transportation to bring Rayven to and from her doctors’ appointments. And then, Rachel Sweezey, a 15-year-old Grade 10 student turned a school assignment – a thought exercise in how to contribute to an issue raised in a news article – into action by offering up her 19-year-old brother, Ben, who has a pilot licence, to fly the owner of the truck to North Bay. Although her project was supposed to be "What would you do if...?" she thought it would be really cool if she actually did it. Ian was taken aback when he read Rachel’s email. He was truly moved by the teen and her brother doing what they could to turn a story of despair into one of triumph. “It’s remarkable to see how gestures sometimes have more of an impact on people’s lives,” he said. “It’s not always about time and money, and I learned that from Rachel.” Furthermore, a couple from Guelph delivered a 2004 Chevy Express van with new tires to Darcy and her family free of charge. Darcy is overwhelmed by the kindness of strangers. She has catalogued the generosity of all the strangers-turned-friends in Rayven’s baby book. “Even though she’s only been here a short time, her life has been very eventful. If this is any sign of what the future holds for her, then it’s a good thing,” said Darcy. Sometimes we come across a story that makes us realize without a shadow of a doubt that it truly is the little things, the small gestures, the gifts of the heart, that make our world go round. Sometimes we come across a story that rejuvenates our faith in people. Sometimes we come across a story like this.

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Good deeds come full circle: a feel-good story

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