There's an old saying that goes, it's not what happens to you that defines you -- it's how you react to it.
This certainly rings true in our story in today's paper about the random acts of kindness started by the family of American boy Carson Cheney, a 4-year-old whowas killed in an accident in Utah in 2012.
These acts of kindness by the Carson family have seen the project in memory of their son bring smiles to children here in Rotorua.
To honour Carson and bring smiles to others, the family started placing toy cars around the place with a little note of their meaning, hiding them for kids to find and encouraging others to do the same.
Now this act of remembrance has made its way to Rotorua.
While nothing will replace what the family have lost, it must give them a special feeling to know that their son's name and story is living on well after him, in places he probably had never even heard of.
The family could easily have felt hard done by after losing their precious son, and could have not wanted to see another toy car again for fear it would remind them of what they had lost. But they turned their tragedy around and used it as an opportunity to give back.
The Cheney family aren't alone in their mission. There are many acts of kindness going on right here in our own backyard.
As we approach the hectic, crazy -- and let's face it, often stressful -- Christmas period, it's a timely reminder of what's important.
As the Cheney family say, "hug your little ones a little longer and tighter" and think of what you can do to help brighten someone else's day.
With the Rotorua Daily Post still collecting for the Salvation Army Foodbank, why not make a difference and help out a local family in need by donating some non-perishable food items into our office at 1143 Hinemoa St.
