PLEASE DON'T DO DRUGS ~ ROCK STAR DRUG DEATHS

How many more creative artists do we have to lose?

Prince, Chris Cornell, Chester Bennington, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Elvis Presley, Jim Morrison,  Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Kurt Cobain,  Prince, Keith Moon, Tommy Bolin, Gram Parsons, Rick James, Ike Turner, John Entwistle, Scott Weiland, 

THIS WILL MAKE YOU HAPPY: WHAT IS THE BEST THING THAT EVER HAPPENED TO YOU AS A RESULT OF BEING NICE?

Read Michele L. Gaddis' answer to

What is the best thing that ever happened to you as a result of being nice?

on Quora

I was 18 and working 3 jobs to put myself through college.  My roommate barged in one evening and dragged me to a campus event.  It was a talent contest with a first prize of $100.

She said, "You need the money.  I put your name in, when your name is called, get up there and do your thing!"

I had no "thing".  I was a nerdy freshman exhausted and resistant to be in the spotlight.

She persisted.  I relented. Amidst the enthusiastic singers and occasional dancers, I told a story.

That's it.  It was a heartfelt story that won me first prize.  Shocked and happy, I called a family member who said they had a friend in dire need. Would I help them?

I took the name and address of a perfect stranger and sent $50 in the mail. 

A few months later I get a thank you note and a jade ring.  The woman I sent the money to, died.  She asked I receive her most valuable possession.

I held onto the ring for years, never knowing its monetary value.

I wore it through college and graduate schools, marriage, childbirth, and 
divorce. 

In the heighth of a financial struggle, a major health challenge, and single parenting teenagers, I said a prayer.

Shortly there after, I received a phone call from a concerned relative who asked about the jade ring.

He encouraged me to think about selling it.

I could not imagine how a long ago act of kindness was going to help me in my current trials.

With mixed feelings I had the ring appraised..

The appraisal came back with a verbal offer from an interested buyer.

I accepted what I believe to this day was an act of divine intervention. 

The ring sold for $6,000.

It helped pay medical expenses, the mortgage, bought grocercies, and provided other essentials for my family.

Fifty dollars turned into six thousand over the space of several years. 

Both recipients were grateful givers.  One of us is still humbled by the kindness and generousity of the other.

FUNNY TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT SCENES