When was the last time you showed kindness to an unknown individual?Even if you believe that this is a pointless question and that you shouldn’t bother trying to help someone you don’t even know, keep in mind that doing good is always worthwhile.Behaving kindly toward others, even complete strangers you see on a daily basis, has a greater positive impact on their life than you may realize.Furthermore, you never know who among those total strangers will stick around and end up playing a significant role in your life.The tale, shared on the Facebook page *Love What Matters* by Briana Hefley Shepard, describes the peculiar bond that developed between a small girl named Rio and the train conductors who were eagerly awaiting her greeting from their enormous window.Your heart will melt at this story.Ensure that you finish reading the story.About three years ago, our company relocated to the new site.Because of its proximity to the railroad lines, we have a front-row seat to observe all the locomotive activity.The workers quickly noticed Rio extending a greeting to them, and they returned the kind.
They made it into a ritual over time.They let out a whistle, she hurried to the window, they opened their windows, and all of them grinned broadly.Almost every time, I would cry. Then Rio began attending school a few weeks ago.I was impacted by her daycare adjustment a bit more than I had anticipated, but more on the first day when the train passed and she wasn’t present.They opened their windows and whistled, but I was the only one crying and hesitantly waving.Next day, I created a placard.All I wrote was, “She started school.”When I heard the whistle, I hurried to the window and waved my placard.That was three weeks ago. “Oh, I shed a tear.”
Someone knocked on the door this morning, nearly minutes after I entered the store.It was a dude with earbuds hanging down who was wearing a bright yellow t-shirt.Because that’s what we do here, I assumed it was a construction worker who wanted to discuss construction-related topics.I was in error. He had come to inquire about the blonde girl who was greeting the trains.Everyone was curious about her whereabouts as she was an employee.They stopped higher up the tracks, came to our building, and knocked on our door because they had a short train today.Oh, I did cry.Despite having seen my placard, they were unable to read what it said.
Though they had to double check, they had believed she had started school.Her greetings, he added, brightened their day.For three years, they had shared these times together. They miss her and want to do something for her.When they inquired about sending her something, I answered, “Of course!”In a few weeks, they will send her a birthday present.Throughout the past few years, it has been nothing short of miraculous to see their unusual bond.I feel optimism and love knowing that they have been impacted just as much as we have.My faith in mankind and goodness has been reinforced by their presence today and their ongoing generosity to Rio.These are the times we shall never forget.
31-Year-Old Hailey Merkt’s Cancer Battle Ends in Tragedy—Fans Are Devastated
Hailey Merkt, who appeared on Season 21 of *The Bachelor*, has died at the age of 31 after a fight with cancer, her family announced.
“We are heartbroken to share that our dear Hailey has passed away after a brave battle with cancer,” her family wrote on Instagram. “Hailey faced this challenge with incredible strength, grace, and selflessness.”
Hailey was known for her humor and lively personality, and her passing has deeply affected everyone who knew her.
Her family added that Hailey’s determination and will to live went beyond what doctors expected. In her final moments, she was surrounded by loved ones and did what she loved most, with no regrets. Hailey died on July 26.
Hailey’s family described her as someone who truly lived life to the fullest and made a lasting impression on everyone she met. “She will be remembered as anything but boring—always hysterically funny and fully present in every moment,” they said.
Her family added, “Hailey will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her. Her laughter, love, and vibrant spirit have left a lasting mark on our hearts.”
Amid the many heartfelt tributes, Hailey’s family took comfort in the impact she made on others. “Even as we grieve her loss, we find solace in knowing her spirit will live on in the lives she touched. Rest in peace, Hailey,” they concluded in their emotional message.
Hailey had been open about her fight with leukemia, sharing her journey and reflections with her social media followers.
Her family started a GoFundMe page to support her, where they mentioned that she had undergone a bone marrow transplant earlier this year. This procedure initially gave her hope, with doctors predicting she had nine months to live without cancer concerns. Unfortunately, just six weeks later, she discovered that leukemia cells had returned aggressively.
Throughout her battle with cancer, Hailey stayed positive, sharing her treatment experiences on Instagram along with fashion and lifestyle inspiration. In an October post, she even shared a rare smile from during her treatment, captioning it: “A rare moment caught smiling during treatment :).”
Her family has been deeply grateful for the support they received during her illness and encouraged people who knew Hailey to share their memories of her.
Several of Hailey’s fellow contestants from Nick Viall’s season of *The Bachelor* have paid tribute to her, expressing their heartbreak over the loss of their friend.
Vanessa Grimaldi, who won Nick Viall’s season of *The Bachelor*, wrote: “Our beautiful girl!! This news broke me. You are such a light, and your beautiful big smile will always be something I remember. Always. Rest easy, friend! Sending big hugs to your loved ones xoxo.”
Danielle Maltby shared a touching message: “I feel so lucky to have known your laugh and to have met and loved the warmest, most beautiful soul in the strangest of places Forever grateful for your friendship both there and in the real world… What a force, my girl. Rest easy Sending so much love to all your people.”
Dominique Alexis expressed similar feelings, saying: “My love, I hope you are in the most beautiful, peaceful place. I can’t imagine not seeing you again, but I’ll cherish every memory we shared. Love you .”
Raven Gates added: “Oh my gosh!!! I’m so, so sad to hear this I was hoping for her recovery. Rest easy, Hailey You’ll never be forgotten.”
In accordance with Hailey’s wishes, there will be no official funeral. Her family hopes that those who knew her will keep her memory alive by cherishing the moments they shared with her, as noted on the GoFundMe page.
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