“I never really know what to say to you.”Addressing family members of the heroes of United Flight 93, former Pennsylvania Governor and Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge spoke the very words that have reflected my very own thoughts for nearly the past eight years. He hit the nail on the head.
Despite suffering from cystic fibrosis, a chronic lung disease, Mandy, a slight 16-year old with a confidence that belied her age, belted out the national anthem to kick off the Wishes on Wheels truck convoy.Before she wowed the crowd of hundreds gathered at the FedEx Ground Hartford hub with her amazing voice, she explained how as a Make-A-Wish kid (her dream is to meet Ellen DeGeneres), the Wishes on Wheels event “fills her heart with joy.”
On August 4, 2009, Louisville, Ky., posted new records for the city, but not ones anyone was striving to achieve. On that day, the city and surrounding areas were drenched with record-setting rain fall, flooding homes, cars and public buildings.Without an ark to rescue them, more than 500 dogs, cats and other animals at Metro Animal Services, were evacuated to drier grounds of the Kentucky Fair and Exposition. Sadly, 11 animals died when the facility was flooded.
Anyone witnessing the scene outside of Highland Elementary School in Ambridge, Pa., on a recent Friday morning could have easily thought that the group of 60+ fourth graders gathered on the playground were cheering wildly and waving homemade signs in anticipation of meeting their favorite pop star or professional athlete.But that wasn’t the case. This group of 9-year-olds was waiting for Don Nehring, a professional truck driver and independent contractor for FedEx Ground, with whom they’ve exchanged letters and postcards for most of the school year.
As I gingerly open the door to the packed room, the sight and smell of dozens of different types of chocolate treats quickly arouse my senses. There are throngs of men here at Betsy Ann Chocolates outside of Pittsburgh to do their last-minute Valentine’s Day shopping. Personally, I loathe Valentine’s Day. Professionally, I love it.
