Who Says Good Things Don't Come to People Who Wait?!?!

This guy is truly a gentleman and a child of the Lord. More than likely if it would have been anyone else put in this situation, they would have sold the ring and would have taken off with the money. But because this gentleman did the decent thing and waited to see if the owner would return, he was awarded greatly. To bad there aren't more people like this in the world. I read this story when it first aired on television, but was shocked to see the news yesterday with an update on this gentleman.

The article you are about to read comes from USA Today author, Alia E. Dastagir.  http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/03/24/homeless-man-engagement-ring-family-reunion/2015777/?csp=fbfanpage

"Homeless man who returned ring reunites with family"

"Billy Ray Harris never imagined one good deed could change his life.

Until it did.

Harris, who had been homeless for years, made national headlines for returning a lost engagement ring left in his donation cup last February. Now, he has a home, a job, and on Sunday, he reunited with his family after 16 years.

"This is a really big surprise," Harris, of Kansas City, Mo., said during a tearful reunion with his siblings on the Today show Sunday. "I'm in shock."

Harris' four siblings surprised him on the set of the Today show. They hadn't seen or talked to Harris in more than a decade, until his younger sister Robin saw a story about Harris online after his good deed went viral.

Harris, who frequently panhandled on Kansas City's Country Club Plaza, discovered an engagement ring after a woman dumped spare change from her coin purse into his cup. Sarah Darling had taken off her ring earlier that day and put it with the coins.

"The ring was so big that I knew if it was real, it was expensive," Harris told KCTV in February.

Harris admitted to Today that he took the ring to a local jeweler, who offered him $4,000 for it. Harris considered selling it, but decided to hold on to it, waiting for Darling to return.

A couple of days later, Darling, horrorstruck when she realized what she had done, did just that.

She went back to Harris, squatted beside him and told him that she might have given him something valuable.

"'Was it a ring?'" he recalled asking her. "And she says, 'Yeah.' And I said 'Well, I have it.' "

In explaining why he didn't keep the ring, Harris said he had a religious upbringing.

"My grandfather was a reverend," Harris said. "He raised me from the time I was 6 months old and thank the good Lord, it's a blessing, but I do still have some character."

Darling gave Harris all the cash she had in her wallet at the time.

"It seemed like a miracle," Darling said. "I thought for sure there was no way I would get it back."

Darling and her husband set up a website seeking donations for Harris, hoping to raise the $4,000 Harris was offered for the ring.

It turns out they weren't the only ones moved by Harris' good deed. With more than 8,000 donations, the fund has raised $185,000.

For Harris, that wasn't the biggest payoff.

Harris' youngest sister Robin, who lives nearly 500 miles away in Wichita Falls, Texas, saw Harris' story online, and immediately knew it was the brother she had been searching for after losing touch more than a decade ago. She was able to track Harris down, and they reconnected by phone.

"We cried on the phone and stuff and was talking about how happy we was that we found each other because he said he was worried about me too," Robin told Today. "He had been gone so long."

Harris, with his arm wrapped tightly around his sister during their reunion Sunday. reflected on how much he's gained since the ring landed in his cup.

"This is a big payoff," said Harris, sitting on a couch was his family. "Got it all right here now."

Contributing: Associated Press"

Who is Irena Sendler???

Who is Irena Sendler??? Most people don't know. It's not taught in our history books, and it's not talked about in our schools. What she did for the Jewish families during World War II was the kindest act a human being could do for so many. Sadly she was not recognized for her outstanding service to helping save the human race. Please read and pass along. 

I don't know who the author of this story is, or who posted the picture. All credit is given to them for this amazing story. 

Remember this lady? I didn't either.

Irena Sendler

Died: May 12, 2008 (aged 98)Warsaw, Poland

During WWII, Irena, got permission to work in the Warsaw ghetto, as a Plumbing/Sewer specialist. She had an ulterior motive.

Irena smuggled Jewish infants out in the bottom of the tool box she carried. She also carried a burlap sack in the back of her truck, for larger kids.

Irena kept a dog in the back that she trained to bark when the Nazi soldiers let her in and out of the ghetto.

The soldiers, of course, wanted nothing to do with the dog and the barking covered the kids/infants noises.

During her time of doing this, she managed to smuggle out and save 2500 kids/infants.

Ultimately, she was caught, however, and the Nazi's broke both of her legs and arms and beat her severely.

Irena kept a record of the names of all the kids she had smuggled out, In a glass jar that she buried under a tree in her back yard. After the war, she tried to locate any parents that may have survived and tried to reunite the family. Most had been gassed. Those kids she helped got placed into foster family homes or adopted.

In 2007 Irena was up for the Nobel Peace Prize.
She was not selected.
Al Gore won, for a slide show on Global Warming.

Please share this to honor the sacrifice and courage of this fine human being who gave so much and saved so many.

What is Sequestering REALLY Doing to our Country???

As I have reported before, America is now under a Sequester. This is not good for our economy in any way. Before it was reported that Boarder Patrol Agents were the ones being attacked, but after further review and research they are not the only ones being affected by this. In a recent article that I just read today (March 18, 2013), it is affecting ALL government controlled places.

Here in Michigan not only are our Boarder Patrol Agents being cut down on hours, being made to take days off, AND take a major pay cut 40%; we are losing a special group of people, the Blue Angles. In the article I just read, the Blue Angels who fly over Comerica Park before games, who fly over Academies during graduations, and who put on a PHENOMENAL air show during the summer, are no longer going to be doing this. Many people look forward to seeing these flyers every year. I remember going to see them as a child myself. It is very sad that they will no longer be able to fly and bring enjoyment to thousands of people each year, all because our government doesn't know how to handle our money.

A lot of us will also be seeing less time at the State parks as well. Employees at State parks are expected to lose hours, and days because of this stupid, YES STUPID, Sequester. There are now going to be THOUSANDS of people having to make MAJOR changes in their lives AND their families lives. A friend of mines told me that a lot of Boarder Patrol Agents (single and with families) are up and leaving everything; cars, houses, etc... all because they can no longer afford these things. They would rather take a hit on their credit, then wait till last minute to find an affordable place.

It is sad to see these hard working individuals have to suffer like this. NO ONE, who puts their life on the line for OUR country, should be put through this. First our military feels it, and now WE are feeling it. Its upsetting and sad!!!

To all Boarder Patrol Agents, State Park employees, the Blue Angles, our Military, and their families, I will be praying for you. You guys should not be treated like this. It's unfair!!! Hang in there, and remember President Obama won't be in office ever again once his term is over with. Pray our country wakes up and elects someone that WILL do better for this country, without hurting the ones that protect our country and keep are state parks up and running.

God bless to all!!!

Why Must those that Protect Us, Must Suffer from our Government???

As some of you have read from my last post about Sequestering, it is going into true affect as of the beginning of next month. Our Boarder Patrol Agents, who put their lives on the line everyday of work, are having to take a 40% pay cut in their paychecks. This is TOTALLY wrong AND unfair. We have all seen it happen to our police departments all over the place, but now it is spreading further out. This is a SERIOUS issue that needs to be addressed. These agents do not need to lose any money out of their pockets. Here is a news article from Channel 7 WXYZ's website about what is going to happen next month. Spread the word that this is unfair.



Border patrol agents to face cuts due to sequester

http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/news/border-patrol-agents-to-face-cuts-due-to-sequester#ixzz2NWnIAlCY

• By: Ronnie Dahl

(WXYZ) - Border patrol agents like Nathan LeGender risk their lives to protect our country and now they will be doing it for a lot less money.

“People come across anyway they can, boats, canoes, swimming, whatever to come across,” said LeGender.

Next month, Nathan and all other agents will be taking a hit in their paycheck. While the number of agents isn't being reduced, their work hours will be.

Between mandated furlough days and a cut in work hours, some agents could see paychecks light by as much as 40 percent, and they are worried about how it could affect what they do in the field.

“This is going to hit us hard,” said LeGender.

Agents say they are worried they will not be focused on officer safety, but rather on worrying about being able to feed their family and pay their mortgage.

The U.S. Border Patrol is just one agency forced to slash its operating budget as part of the "sequester"--the $85 billion reduction in the federal budget.

Nathan says they won't stop doing their job, but they believe the decisions made by politicians will have real-life consequences.

Agents will begin to notice the cuts in their paychecks starting April 7.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection released this statement about the cuts:

"In order to address the more than half a billion in budget cuts imposed by sequestration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection must take significant budget reduction actions. CBP will continue to make every effort to minimize the sequester’s impact on public safety and national security, but expects that planned furlough of employees, along with reductions to overtime and hiring freeze will increase wait times at ports of entry, including international arrivals at airports, and reduce staffing between land ports of entry. Even with these cuts though, individuals apprehended illegally crossing the southwest border will still be processed as usual.  CBP continues to evaluate further impacts of sequestration on our operations. Because the length of the sequestration as well as funding levels through the end of the fiscal year are unknown at this time, it is difficult to project the impact of the reductions on individual employees or job occupations."

Read more: http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/news/border-patrol-agents-to-face-cuts-due-to-sequester#ixzz2NWnC2s00

Want FREE Meals for Your Birthday Week/Month???

I just read some cool information today on Channel 7 WXYZ's website. 1) It's cool because its free stuff, and 2) Because it's mine (Dana's) and my hubby's (Louis, Sr's) birthday this month. hehehe... :) A blogger has listed different places of business that offer free meals, or free desserts or appetizers. I find this pretty interesting because, some of these places offer these deals for the whole month of your birthday or the week of your birthday. I'm signed up for a few of these places and they do offer what they say. Hope you guys enjoy. And don't forget to spread the word around.


From:
http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/money/consumer/dont_waste_your_money/birthday-freebies#ixzz2NWhWcg3b

Do you have a birthday coming up anytime soon?  Is someone else in your household celebrating their big day soon? 

Then this is a story for you:  How you can eat free all week long, during your birthday week. 

Blogger Finds Ways to Save 

Sure, everyone loves a birthday party, but some people enjoy their birthday more than others. 

Mommy blogger Megan Fenno of CIncySavers.com is one of them, because she gets all sorts of restaurant freebies on her big day. 

"If you sign up for different e-clubs through different restaurants, you can get freebies for the entire month," Fenno said. 

She says she was amazed to learn how many places will give you something free on your birthday. 

She lists dozens of them on her blog. 

And she say's don't worry, you don't have to eat like a goldfish until you pop. 

"Now the great thing is you don't have to use them all on your birthday, you can use them throughout the course of the month," Fenno said.   "So that way you don't have to stuff yourself silly on the actual day." 

Fenno says a number of popular restaurants will give you a free birthday entree. 

Free Bithday Entree 

Fenno says you can get an entree at: 

      Bravo's Italian Cuisine 
      Benihana's 
      Romano's Macaroni Grill 
      Red Robin 
      Steak n Shake 

Free Birthday Dessert 

You'll get a free dessert, appetizer, or treat at: 

      Outback Steakhouse 
      Longhorn Steakhouse 
      Friday's 
      Panera 
      Applebees 
      Chili's 
Read more: http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/money/consumer/dont_waste_your_money/birthday-freebies#ixzz2NWhWcg3b 

Sequestration is Effecting our Border Patrol Agents, and it's NOT Fair!!!

So this WHOLE Sequestration has really gotten on my nerves. Yes the United States does need to watch and cut down on their spending's, BUT taking money out of our Border Patrols hands is outrageous. Why don't we stop sending money (that we DON'T have) and military supply over sea's, and start putting it back into our OWN country. 

Society thinks all Border Patrol agents do is ask if you are bringing in anything illegal into our country, BUT it goes much further than that. A good friend of mine is facing this problem. Her husband is a Border Patrol Agent, and their family is being affected by this whole Sequestration. The article you are about to read will inform you on what an agent does, AND tell you how Sequestration is going to affect THOUSANDS of people's lives. 

It's time for America to wake up, and see what is going on with our country. To many people are losing their homes, due to people losing their jobs because of the government raising taxes and making cuts. 

Written by Union Blog
http://afgeunionblog.wordpress.com/2013/03/05/afge-denounces-singling-out-of-border-patrol-for-largest-sequestration-hit/

AFGE DENOUNCES SINGLING OUT OF BORDER PATROL FOR LARGEST SEQUESTRATION HIT

Posted on March 5, 2013 by Union Blog

"Union says DHS decision will have dire consequences for border security

J. David Cox Sr., national president of the American Federation of Government Employees, today issued the following statement on sequestration’s impact on border security:

“On Friday, March 1, hours after he signed the sequester order, President Obama tried to describe to the press the impact of sequester on federal employees, active duty military and their families. He referred to ‘Border Patrol agents in the hot sun getting a 10 percent pay cut…’

“Just as ‘the hot sun’ is hardly the biggest risk Border Patrol agents take while performing their duties, the 10 percent pay cut to which the president referred is only a small portion of the economic pain the Department of Homeland Security has in store for them. In fact, DHS has singled out Border Patrol agents to receive by far the largest financial penalty of any other group of federal workers. The plan DHS has chosen for Border Patrol agents will mean a 35 percent decline in their paychecks for the rest of the fiscal year and beyond.

“Border Patrol agents have been singled out to lose 75 percent more of their paychecks than even civilian Department of Defense workers who face 22 days without pay (for a 20 percent pay cut). Secretary Napolitano has announced that she intends not only to furlough Border Patrol agents for 14 days, but also to impose a total moratorium on routine overtime pay. Together these policies will reduce the paycheck of a typical Border Patrol agent by 35 percent. Even within their own agency, these cuts stand out for lopsidedness and severity. For example, officers who police the ports and provide customs enforcement will be furloughed 14 days but retain overtime; there is every reason to believe that they will make up wages lost to furlough with compensatory overtime so that cargo and passengers will continue to move through ports of entry. But with this anti-Border Patrol policy, illegal “cargo and passengers” will likely flow into the U.S. as well.

“Guarding the border is not a nine-to-five job. Overtime work is routine, and when they are hired, agents are informed that they will almost never work a regular eight-hour shift. Instead, they are expected to work at least 10 hours every day and often more because they do not stop when they are in pursuit of drug and gun smugglers and others engaging in criminal activity on the border. But with the sequester policy DHS has fashioned for Border Patrol, agents will be instructed to stop working at the moment their straight shift ends. Good news for criminals and others who would enter our country illegally; but very bad news for Americans who rely on the courage and devotion of Border Patrol agents who risk their lives every day to keep drugs and guns and gangs outside our borders.

“We urge Secretary Napolitano to rethink this terrible decision. It is wrong for border security, and it is wrong to single out Border Patrol agents for such drastic and undeserved economic pain. Border Patrol agents are law enforcement professionals, and this policy will undermine their ability to carry out their mission to guard the border and protect American citizens. Apart from the inequity in the size of the economic sacrifice being demanded of them, they do not want to let criminal gangs and smugglers go just because their shift has ended. The moratorium on overtime combined with 14 furlough days must be reconsidered.” "