IT’S A WONDERFUL WORLD

And one part of that wonderful world is Challenge Air, a charity event sponsored by Rotary of Fort Lauderdale and many, many other volunteers. The objective is to take children who are disabled or have some type of problem, up for a plane ride, to give them an exciting experience. The kids and family receive an orientation about the plane, outside and inside, as well a an opportunity to sit in the co-pilot seat and watch as they take a 20+ minute flight. Most l of the kids approach the plane with awe, and excitement and sometimes, trepidation. Invariably they come off the plane with eyes sparkling, broad smiles, expressions of joy.

The pilots use their own planes, their own time and lots of good will. A photographer is there to make the day a forever. Cheerleaders jump around with pom poms as the child/family leaves the runway for the hangar, with the child proudly wearing a set of pilot wings pinned to a shirt front. All done by good, good people. And there are so many of them around.

I had the pleasure of being one of many volunteers for this event and met a family of 5, two parents and three children. They were loving, caring, and happy. It turns out that these parents were fostering the kids. The three kids came to live with them several years ago. They also have a two week infant at home. I know that foster parents are paid, but these parents were more than that. They were the thoughtful and loving type of people who help children grow and thrive. Again, good people.

Celebrities are often good people in terms of generosity, by supporting foundations and individuals. And that’s terrific. But so many ordinary folks are also generous.

One day I was waiting for a bus and a young man, who appeared homeless, was waiting also, when a 40 something lady popped around the shelter and handed him a brown paper bag with cooked food inside. Apparently it was a regular thing by the way they smiled at each other, and nodded. Then she disappeared and he had lunch. Good people.

I have a friend who loves to cook. She’s a petite lady, very attractive, and very active in local organizations and she loves to feed people.

In fact, she feeds about 50 people at a community center, absolutely free, providing her own ingredients and expertise. They love her.

On another evening, she feeds about 45 people, out of her own pocket. She cares about people. Another good person.

Good people are out there. And they outnumber the baddies. So the next time someone is rude to you, just think about the 5 good people who aren’t.

And I will try to be a good person myself. What about you?