The news these days is often depressing at worst and frustrating at best. It’s easy to get caught up in the spin cycle and let it get us down. Never fear… The News Blender has you covered. Once a week, we feature Something Good and, in return, all you have to do is tell us something good that has happened to you this week, something you are thankful for, a joke, a cute animal story, an inspiring tale of heroics, a Random Act of Kindness… SOMETHING good
Today’s Something Good is a special Halloween treat from UPS. It’s been a while since we featured a UPS driver for being a hero – rescuing a dog from an icy pond or saving a man’s life to recall two such stories TMSG featured – so I guess it’s about time. Today’s hero didn’t necessarily save a life but he did make a special boy’s day, week, month or maybe even his year.
Max Finn is a 14 year old Vermont boy with autism. He rarely speaks or smiles. But he loves UPS trucks and, by extension, the person driving the truck. When the UPS truck pulls up to his house, Max is right behind his mom when she answers the door so he can get a glimpse of his hero.
Kipp Youngman, a delivery man for UPS for 28 years, has been able to get to know the folks he delivers packages to over the years. He delivers packages to the Finn home regularly and Max takes comfort in that routine.
Another routine Max takes comfort in is dressing up like a UPS driver every year for Halloween. His mom Wendy makes Max’s costume every year so she can provide the comfort level and predictability he needs. But this year, when Kipp found out about Max’s costume, he wanted to pitch in. He delivered a package full of swag just for Max.
Max was beyond thrilled with the UPS vest, hat and gloves and his very own miniature UPS truck. Max couldn’t verbally express his joy and thankfulness but delivered numerous hugs and smiles to Kipp. Kipp got the message loud and clear.
Wendy says that when Max was initially diagnosed with autism, she and her husband were sad, thinking about the loss of potential. But they came to understand Max has very special gifts to offer – not just them but to the world.
Kipp says that after 28 years delivering packages he started to wonder what his purpose in life was but Max has helped him find it.
He told WCAX, “Everybody has a purpose. Max has a purpose. Everybody has a purpose, and I guess I’m finding out my purpose right now looking at you, which I’ve been wondering for a while.”
Wendy said, “What Kipp has done for me is kind of renew that belief that there are small acts of kindness that people can do that really make a difference. His kindness and his thoughtfulness for my son means a lot to me and my family.”
The moral of today’s story is that not all heroes wear capes and that each of us can be someone’s hero. We never know when we will be the person who makes someone overflow with happiness or helps someone find meaning in life.
Now it’s your turn… Tell me something good.
