These are your Bee The Good stories from 2020...
inspiring, relatable and infectious.
Michelle M, Montana
I had three cords of wood delivered to my house. As I was stacking it, my neighbor showed up and began helping, providing muscle and conversation. The work was done in half the time it would have taken me alone, and we got to know each other better.
Nicole C, Colorado
I have a friend Kate, who during lockdown taught a young, underprivileged woman how to bake bread and other baked goods. Together they started selling them at their local farmers market. This all started back in June and most recently, this young woman has been offered a job working in a catering/baking business with a company that also has a Netflix movie called “Cook Off” and a TV show called "Battle of the Chefs". This brings me so much joy when I think about how one small act of kindness started the ball rolling that immensely changed the life of this young, talented, underprivileged woman.
Mitch B, North Dakota
I work at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery. The daughter of a veteran and spouse that are interned there called me. She asked if the family siblings who all live out of state could get a picture of their parents headstone. The headstone was not fully completed and reset until this fall. I took the time right after work to take a picture of the front and back of the headstone and send it to the daughter and she forwarded it on to the rest of the family members for them to see. The whole family appreciated seeing the pictures of their parents headstones.
Patricia G, Montana
Almost a year ago my incredible daughter in law wanted to make Christmas special for 5 single mamas. She saw that at Christmas time anything extra was always for the kiddos. She hosted a Christmas Eve turkey dinner for those 5 single-mom families and her own of course. Work went into the dinner prep and decorations and fell into place beautifully. She put a shout-out on social media about her gifting idea and the gift cards for primarily groceries and gas flowed in. The support was so overwhelming that it supported our belief that people do want to give when there’s a genuine need and a place for that gift. Extras for the mamas also included more personal gifts, ½ hour massages, wine, dept store gifts, essential oils. The evening went off without a hitch and more than one mama was literally reduced to tears at the generosity of strangers and the feeling of worthiness. When March came and some of these women lost their jobs or had less of one, I asked my daughter in law if some had put aside some of their gift cards for emergency. Sure enough they had and that helped considerably to keep food on the table, gas in the car, and little extras as rewards for the reluctant ‘at home’ student. It still does my heart good to think about that turkey dinner and the generosity of strangers.
Vanessa S, Montana
Millie has volunteered for over 10 weeks as a kid reporter to help us spread good news around our community.
Anonymous, Montana
I was fishing this week, ravishing in a rare warm spell in Southwest Montana in November, enjoying the opportunity to grasp the last bit of fishing before winter sets in. As I casted, my senses wandered to the leaves gently falling into the water and being swept downstream. The soft roar of the low water churned around me. I looked down toward my wadered feet into the crystal clear water to notice money. This is not something I typically catch on a fishing day. Beside my boots, clear as the water, a black wallet lay face down underwater with green dollar bills sticking out. At first I froze. And then, I took the wallet from the water and collected the spare change from the river bottom to stuff inside it.
“Oh man,” I thought. “Somebody is missing their wallet and all their money!” My gut tightened. What to do? Even if this person came back to the river, the odds he’d find this were slim to none. Maybe it drifted a ways or maybe he didn’t even know it was missing yet. I know the feeling when I’ve reached for my wallet – my everything – and came up empty-handed. I wished it upon no one. There was no fishing access where I was, per say, and in turn nowhere to put this lost and found item and, even if there was somewhere to leave it, who’s to say someone wouldn’t come along and take all the cash (which I later counted upwards of $150, plus a social security card, bank card, health insurance card and license).
I brought it home and posted an ad online. Nothing. Next day, I took it to the police and asked if they could please get it to the owner so this person could breathe a huge sigh of relief.
Anne V, Minnesota
My mother has always loved Halloween. When we were kids, she would dress up as a fortune teller and read the palms of trick-or-treaters. Now she is in her 70’s, lives alone and four hours away in Duluth, and has been quite isolated since the pandemic started. Last week during a phone call, she was lamenting that there would be no Halloween, and that she can’t carve a pumpkin anyway due to arthritis. That broke my heart. When I got off the phone with her, I sent a text to a college student I know who used to live in Duluth, to see if any of her old friends would carve a pumpkin and drop it at my mom's house. An hour later, I heard from a young man he would be happy to do it - just send the address. I sent the address and a bit of $. Later in the day I got a call from my mom - a group of college boys had delivered a beautifully carved pumpkin, told her how they got involved, etc. and she was so touched. Everyone felt the power of kindness - my mom, those college boys, and me.
Tom G, Montana
We were out of town last weekend trying to keep pipes from freezing in the Paradise Valley rental. Meanwhile it snowed 18” in Bozeman and dropped into single digits. Fearing frozen pipes and a ticket from City of Bozeman, I came home to shovel and thaw. When I came round the corner I was thrilled to find that some kind Bozemanite had plowed my driveway. I Still have no idea who and that makes it even better!
Robbie G, Montana
As a Coach, my job (and privilege) is to uplift and support my clients. Each day I spend time thinking of each client and send them positive energy for the day. Then I pick a quote, that either I’ve written or someone else had written, that supports what they are working on and I send it to them. I always get a response back. Connection, it’s simple.Kari T, Montana
This is a story about kindness I received my first Thanksgiving after college. I moved to a new town after graduation. I didn’t have two nickels to rub together, a mattress to sleep on or money to go home for Thanksgiving. That is when a good friend visiting his family stepped in to help. I was invited to a lively family Thanksgiving dinner after the meal we went to the basement where I was invited to pick out any furniture I could carry back to my empty apartment. I still have the trunk and desk 29 years later. To cap off the holiday weekend after a little fast talking I also got a free mattress which was much better that sleeping on the floor.
Doug L, Montana
I own a small store in Montana. Saw on FB marketplace a mom posted that her 3 year old daughters skateboard and been stolen from their front porch area. She did not ask for anything. She was more just heartbroken for her daughter who was very upset and didn’t understand why her skateboard was missing. She asked if anyone else had been having this problem in the area. I see no reason why a 3 year old should not be able to leave her toys on front porch/lawn area without worry it is stolen. I contacted the mom and donated a new skateboard for her daughter. She was very appreciative. Please remember mom didn’t ask for anything, just hurt for her daughter.
Robell B, Montana
Growing up I escaped my nontraditional family by skipping rocks across the Clark Fork River. Son of an army vet who conceived me at the age of 60, I was trained by rigid ultimatums, abide by the rules or endure the consequences. I grew up with yes mams and yes sirs, manners, ingrained in my DNA. I was trained to be a morning bird, chippy early morning greetings was what the old man wanted to hear. I was told grades were everything, sports were mandatory, and that our reactions are a choice. Disciplined at home, I was shaped to be a lover on the streets. By the textbook and on the field, I was a successful young boy, was this my dream, or was this my fathers? Just as my rock began to skip, the current captured my momentum. On the first day of my senior year of college my father lost his battle with cancer. In the wake of his death, I felt abandoned and lost as everything that I once thought to be true suddenly decimated. Reevaluating what truly brings me joy and purpose, I embarked on a journey to find my own truth, one from within. Life is like skipping rocks, while the rocks along the shore are against your control, it’s up to you to accept what is within your control, adjust the grip, change the velocity, find a new angle and create an elegant dance along the surface of the water. All we can do is take ownership of the things in life that are in our hands, our beliefs, our job, our truth, our time. Finding your intrinsic life purpose in a world shaped by extrinsic forces is one of the hardest things we can do. All I know is I didn’t find mine until it was gone. Here's to finding purpose. Here's to beeing good.
Lara M, Montana
Last spring when many were complaining about the weather... you know, those 40 degree spring days when it’s raining but it feels as if it could start snowing at any moment...Chris and Margaret were out running an errand and they spotted a few homeless people sleeping in tents off of Griffin. One tent wasn’t even set up properly nor did it have tarp on it and the night and following day were forecasted to be wet and cold. Her name is Sheramie. Chris and Margaret went and got food and water and when they returned he had Margaret wait in the truck, and Sheramie take cover while he straightened out her tent, covered it properly with the tarp, picked up an entire box full of garbage out of it and finally, left her with food and water. Most people wouldn’t dare stop, especially with their child. Most people wouldn’t go near such a dwelling at any time, let alone in the time of COVID-19. Chris is not most people. He put on his mask, gloves and did what he felt he should do. He returned at least one more time that I know of and took the time to call HRDC about her.
It left a big impression on me and our daughter.
Anonymous
Today I learned of two friends walking on the 5th floor of an MSU dorm late at night. They spotted a student boxing up his bike and asked why he was doing this. He shared he was headed home in the morning and was trying to pack everything up. It was late and there was clearly a lot to be done to make his flight. They ran and grabbed their friends and stayed up through the night helping this young stranger pack his things. This fella was grateful for the help and confided in a heartfelt moment that he had attempted suicide and that was why he was headed home. Humbled by his vulnerability and honesty they all gathered around him and held him with supportive words and conversation. As they left, the girl said, “I am really glad you are here with us.” Upon arriving back home he sent the whole group a text thanking them each for their kindness and for helping him pack. He sent her an additional note stating that her words meant a lot as no one had ever told him that before. She shared with me that she felt sort of ‘guided’ to walk by his room that night... that something ‘loving‘ took them out of their way. I was deeply touched that a group of kids gathered to help someone they had not previously met... and that such a simple gesture touched a heart more deeply than they could have ever imagined. In his note this young man shared his plans to be back in school in the spring. He’ll certainly have a few new friends when he does.
Rachel D, Montana
When my friend recently found out that one of my family members was diagnosed with terminal cancer, he immediately reached out in support and left little care bags for my sister and I at my door one day last week. It was so heartening—the act felt like a little buoy of joy in a turbulent time of my life. On top of that, he is an all around deeply caring + generous person, as well as a soon-to-be badass nurse.
Ritchie S, MO
Recently, a friend and I had decided to go for a bike ride. We agreed to meet at a local park to start our ride. While I was waiting for my friend to arrive I noticed 40 feet of overgrown hedge that hadn't been attended to for quite some time. What I couldn't see, until I looked closer, was that the overgrown hedge was blocking a monument dedicated to the Native Americans that the park was named after. Waiting for the city maintenance crews to do something did not seem to be a viable option. When we finished our ride, I went home, grabbed my hedge clippers, came back to the park and went to work. Thirty minutes later, the hedge was manicured and people could actually read the monument and get to the benches nearby. Hopefully the city workers got the message. I drive by that park daily and smile when I glance at the hedge.
Pete M, Montana
Today I found myself at the BYEP skatepark b/c my friend had told me about her 9 year old son who had found refuge there. She sent me a text 3 days ago stating that the park was literally a 'life-saver' in that it gave an outlet for his 9 year old boy energy and that (surprisingly to her) it was filled with kids that were positive influences on her son. Her text got me thinking that I should head over there and steep myself in some of what was going on. I found a couple young men in their early 20s and my friend's 9 year old. Needless to say I was stoked that he was there (sans mom) so I grabbed my skateboard and made my way over to him. He was stoked to see me and gave me the skater appropriate "knuckles" greeting and we proceeded to have ourselves a little skate session. During the time I was there it was not lost on me that the teenager in particular had taken my friend's son under his wing. He was the 'best' kid at the park and despite the 9 year old being a bit timid and not as good as the others this teenager was encouraging and positive. I left thinking Damn it's good to see teenagers being cool to little kids. Yay humanity.
Carrie L, Colorado
I was running errands when I saw a homeless man and his dog setting up for the day. He was so kind and sweet to his 4 legged friend and it touched my heart I went to the local hamburger restaurant and bought them 3 burgers so they could have a warm meal. It's funny how doing something nice for someone else makes us feel so good too!
Sophia M, Washington DC
I was at my storage unit one Saturday morning when I saw a woman walking on a nearby path carrying lots of groceries. She’d clearly had one of those trips where you went to buy milk and left with a week of groceries. It was raining and in the rain one of her bags broke. I ran over and asked her to let me drive her groceries to her house which I assumed was nearby. She reluctantly agreed. I could tell she was proudly self-sufficient and not one to ask for help eagerly. She said her boys had just arrived home from cancelled college and she’d wanted to make them pancakes for breakfast, but got carried away. We loaded her groceries into my car, she gave me her address, and we met at her house a few minutes later. Yes, she was grateful. But I was grateful too that she let me help her. That she trusted me enough to give me her address, take her groceries. I still feel like I want to thank her!
Nate L, Montana
I was with my wife, 4 boys and my in-laws hiking to Grotto Falls. When we arrived at the falls we saw a guy named Bobby that had a dislocated knee. He had fallen while taking a picture of his wife by the falls. Katie (my wife) and I cut up a towel and found some sticks to make a splint for Bobby and we splinted his knee. My father in law gave Bobby his walking stick and we began walking him out. The pain became unbearable and Bobby needed a break. We bumped into a guy who said he had a cloth stretcher in his car (he is a base jumper…I wonder how often base jumpers need stretchers?) The guy ran to his car to get the stretcher and then we carried Bobby about half way down the trail. When we slid him under a tree that was blocking the trail we saw a green truck that had backed up the trail. It was totally illegal, but my father in law had backed his truck up the trail about 1/2 mile. We lifted Bobby into the truck and drove him to the trailhead. We drove Bobby to Bridger Orthopedic where Dr. Gill and Dr. Ferrell checked him out and made him more comfortable. They refused to stay at our house and went to a motel, then the next morning drove back to San Francisco. They repeatedly talked about how great Montanans are…from our family to the base-jumpers, to the doctors they were all really nice. Bobby and his wife were awesome and they sent my family all gifts for helping them out.
Bill C, Montana
Earlier this spring a friend of mine had a scary moment when he felt, as he put it, “off”. Well, that “off" feeling turned out to be a mild heart attack which was diagnosed at our local hospital! The battery of tests showed that he’d be needing some work on his ticker, and off to Billings he went. Knowing how scary being in the hospital can be, let alone the night before open heart surgery, another friend of mine and I decided to drive to Billings to lend a little moral support. The look on his face when we walked into his room was certainly a window into the anxiety and fear that comes from major medical issues, but also the relief and joy that comes from knowing you are cared for. Months later, and in full health again, he still tells us thank you for what was for us a very easy thing to do.
Caroline P, Montana
One that brought tears to my eyes was during dinner at Sidewall Pizza. We were sitting outside, and we explained to our server that we had just lost our house in the Bridger Foothills Fire. Someone at another table overheard our story, and on their way out, they paid for our dinner. Apparently someone else nearby heard about it, tried to pay for our dinner, but it was already done. She came over, introduced herself, and asked how else they could help us. She ended up bringing me clothes, and has become a friend I am keeping in touch with.
Lori L, Montana
We bought “Fred,” a red, 1965 Ford F-100 pick-up truck for our daughter’s 16th birthday. My husband, daughter and I all flew to Sacramento to get the truck and bring him back to our Bozeman, Montana home. With our luggage covered in black garbage bags, and piled up in the back of the truck, we began our 55-mph, thousand-mile+ journey home. All went well . . . until it didn’t. It was in Big Sky Montana at 2:30 in the morning, that Fred decided he had had enough. No cell service but fortunately, it was a warm evening, so we tossed the garbage bag covered luggage on to the ground around Fred, and spread out to sleep in the truck bed. Early the next morning feeling disheveled and bleary eyed. I noticed a kindly looking old man, filling his truck at the gas station, gazing at Fred with curiosity. He motioned me over and - as he handed me a $5 bill - he said “some people say it is a waste to give money to people down on their luck, but I don’t agree.” I looked back at Fred, surrounded by our luggage covered with black garbage bags, at my husband and daughter still asleep in the truck, and attempted to clarify that we really were NOT homeless, but the man simply smiled sympathetically, and as he drove off he said, “well then pay it forward.”
Sam B, Montana
About the time that COVID-19 restrictions hit us here in Montana, our sidewalk was mysteriously getting plowed every snowy morning. It always happened before I woke to get myself ready for the work day. At the time, work was a major stress due the the uncertainty of everything. While it felt like all of my friends and loved ones were bringing their work into the home, my coworkers and I were still out there providing our service. Honestly, the lingering snow season was just as daunting as feeling unsafe at work. Unbeknownst to us, our elderly neighbor was paying it forward from the previous summer that we mowed her lawn. Once we found out that she was plowing our walk each morning, I fixed her up a jar of the sweet clover honey from my folks' ranch in South Dakota. Once again, that favor paid itself off. Shortly thereafter, our neighbor became quarantined at home with the virus. Thankfully, she had some of Mother Nature's gooood, sweet honey to get her through!
Charissa R, Montana
I recently was at a local spa getting a very-needed haircut. When I went to pay it had been covered by another women who heard me mention I was a cancer survivor. Her generosity fueled me... I’ve gotten such a great kick out of anonymously paying for others. It’s a kick!
Steve B, Montana
I was having a beer with Bill at Bozeman brewing and saw my friend Doug with a friend. I knew he had just lost his son and I didn’t know what to do. I have 3 sons, and I couldn’t begin to figure out how I could cope. After a couple minutes, he looked like he was leaving, and I felt I needed to say something. I walked up to him and hugged him and told him I was thinking about him. You can’t get pure love sent through your veins, like that every day!!
Doug C, Montana
I was passing through New Jersey and was desperate to find a laundromat. I was traveling light and my stock of undies and t-shirts had already done double duty and needed a wash. The laundromat was busy and the machines did not take cash or credit card. I was confused and read all the signs which confused me even more. A woman folding clothes saw my mounting frustration. She waved me over and confirmed that the process was not simple. It required a special key card which cost $20. Seeing I only had one small load she gave me her card so I could wash and dry and then refused any payment. She was genuinely happy to help and I was genuinely grateful to receive it.
Luci K, Vancouver BC
In the past few months my world has turned upside down. All my friends moved all across the country and into “corona college”. The best years of our lives suddenly turned into us sitting in our small dorm rooms completely alone in new places and not being able to meet new people or even just go to class. After hearing that my friend in Philadelphia was having a very hard week, I sent her a coffee. This simple act was something I could do from far away. She said she was so happy and felt so loved even though she was alone. It made me feel so much better to know that a cup of kindness lifted her spirits.
Molly P, Montana
Our neighbor Scott is an old fashioned jack-of-all trades: he's an architect and has a penchant for building and rebuilding everything from cars to computers, plus he's a single dad of two awesome kids (which means he's also a part-time teacher these days.) You can imagine he's got a lot going on, but he's always generous to offer a helping hand. When the pandemic hit, we decided to take on some home renovations and Scott first offered to do some drawings for us. Whenever a question or dilemna came up, Scott would pop over and give it a look and some helpful advice. And about a month ago I mentioned that I really wanted to add a concrete countertop for a builtin desk/shelf unit for our home office. Scott shared that he used to create custom concrete sinks, counters etc. for restaurants and businesses and he offered to lead the project for us. Little did we know just how complicated a project it would be... the tools Scott would need since he'd gotten rid of his set up years ago, the research and consultation with suppliers to source the right material, and the multiple steps, hours of labor, and days required. In the end, Scott created a beautiful countertop, exactly as I envisioned! And he won't accept anything more than reimbursement for materials and a few home-cooked meals, claiming it's just the neighborly thing to do. We are so lucky to have a neighbor and friend like Scott!
Gillian M, Montana
About a month ago I started a new tradition that I am calling Friend Appreciation Friday. I send a handwritten card of affirmation to a friend by mail, and it has already been a gift to me to start this practice. I can end my work week thinking about uplifting someone else, and I get to feel the joy of our friendship from afar. I will definitely be keeping this up!
Rebekah M, Montana
After my baby was born last winter my neighbor plowed my driveway every day it snowed. This made it possible for me to get baby and me to work and daycare. I don't know how I would have managed trying to raise the baby and get the driveway plowed so my car wouldn't get stuck! This kindness made me know i wasn't alone and that there are wonderful people all around us!
Kate I, Missoula Montana
One thing I did recently that makes me feel like I have a purpose in this planet was helping a woman who was running. There is a blind woman’s who is a rockstar and runs even when it was cold. She had crossed the road and missed the trail as I was driving by so I parked, went to her, and asked if I could help her find the trail. Her smile and gratitude will be with me forever.
Finn V, Bozeman Montana
I secretly paid for dinner for my siblings. They were all so surprised. It was really fun to treat everyone.
Susan A, Bozeman Montana
There was a knock at the door on a very snowy Christmas Eve. It was a young college student trying desperately to get home. My family invited him in and my mother scurried off to her present drawer to start wrapping a few things for this frightened boy. We had a wonderful Christmas celebration … with our new temporary addition. This young man left a Christmas package on our back porch for Christmas every year after that. A little bit of Christmas magic!
Timothy H, Vermont
Our flourishing, productive vegetable garden yields more than just magnificent tomatoes and corn, but gratitude as well. We had an elderly and infirm neighbor who left an empty basket for us every Saturday morning at her doorstep. In return, we exchanged it for a full basket of very fresh and beautiful vegetables some of which were the result of pollination by our bees. Her ear-to-ear smile more than repaid our simple kindness and it seemed that the tomatoes and corn satisfied her during the week, but also gave her a lift in an otherwise lonesome routine. She is now well cared for in a nearby elderly care facility and we have broadened our outreach to other friends and neighbors who enjoy the fruits of our labor. Very rudimentary effort often results in huge rewards.
Ralph B, Portland
I was walking my dog in the neighborhood. Suddenly, a short but intense thunderstorm began. A woman who was in her garage (her garage door was open) invited my dog and me to come into her garage and take shelter during the thunderstorm.
Jordan T. Vermont
Last week I got a knock on our door and was greeted by a group of teenagers I’d never met before. They introduced themselves as a group trying to help out in the neighborhood offering to rake people’s lawns for free - they asked if I would let them rake my lawn; I accepted. They refused my offer to pay them. My young children and I are inspired to do something similar this winter once the snow flies.
Peter W, Pennsylvania
I knew Mark was having trouble keeping up on his condo mortgage. And I knew his pride would never let him take financial help. I secretly dropped off $500 cash on his kitchen table one night when I knew he was away. I’ll never mention it to him and I know he has no idea where it came from. I just hope it helps him get through the tough time he’s having self employed.
Jackie N, Tennessee
I had struggled numerous times to wipe the snow or scrape the ice off my car with my arm or a credit card... my snow brush disappeared.... One day, in the dead of the brutal cold and snowy winter, I walked up to my car with my 8 month old in her car seat. There was a snow brush on my windshield with a note that said “for the woman with the baby, you’re already struggling, Hope this makes your life a tiny bit better” No signage... nor was there any indication who left it. Pure kindness.Victor S, Indiana
Yesterday I was walking to work through the parking lot and decided I was going to pick up all the trash I could see along the way. Surprisingly there was way more than I anticipated. The other surprise was that each time I moved toward a piece of trash to pick it up, I was led to a wider field of view. I ended up zig-zagging all over the parking area and made me laugh at the extra time getting to my office. I plan on doing it again and have stashed some grocery sacs in my car so I can pick up more trash next time.
Elizabeth P, Connecticut
I wrote a lengthy letter to a widow of a very close friend and colleague. She later told me that this letter was her favorite way to remember the best of her husband. She reread it each year as a ritual that helped her move forward...
Rebecca N, California
My son attended a new high school where he didn’t know anyone. As an upperclassman he was allowed to leave campus during lunch (which all the upper class students usually do). Since he knew no one, he had lunch in the lunch room with all the younger kids. Seeing a lonely student at the foosball table, he made his way over and introduced himself. Turns out all the kids at the school generally avoided this lone student. But my son made a new friend and eventually helped integrate the lonely student into a larger group of friends.
Sally T, Iowa
I left a homemade cookie on my colleague’s desk. I knew she was having a rough time at home and I hoped this would brighten her day. She told me later that it was just the thought that someone had considered her that gave her the strength to get through.
Kathy P, Montana
My neighbor Ed keeps snow blowing my driveway. I usually hand shovel it by myself. The other day it was wet and heavy like bags of concrete. I was going to call him and ask for his help when he appeared with his snowblower. I honestly could not have done the job by hand. I’m so thankful he helped me out.
Jim J, Maine
My mother in law recently invited a traveling person (met near the highway, who needed gas money to get down the road) to help her with the fall yard work. Of course she paid him for the help. But it was how she engaged him that really stood out to me - she really looked past so many things about him that would turn other people away. She treated him as an equal and helped him on his way.
Tony M, New Jersey
I was driving cross country to Colorado when my truck transmission started whining badly. I limped into a junk yard in Atlantic Iowa where they guys there helped me replace the main bearing. It took all day but they only charged me $75. I gave them everything I had ($85) and was able to get back on the road. They were so generous with their time - I would love to send them some honey and a link to this story.
John R, Massachusetts
After working at my job for the past 12 years without a raise, my boss just gave me one. I didn’t even ask!
Jim C, Maryland
I recently found out from a colleague that they volunteer to build churches each year. Their family vacation is usually two weeks in the summer contributing their sweat to the construction of a new church in another state. They have been to ten or more states during the years their children were at home (before they left for college). Next year we hope to do something similar, taking our kids on a road trip to help out at food banks in other parts of the country.
Rosemary B, Montana
My daughter recently flew home from a crappy first semester of college. She had to travel through four airports and three jampacked airplanes. We were all concerned about her contacting covid-19. For 12 hours that day she wore a skin tight N95 mask, safety glasses, a hoodie with the drawstring tight around her face and gloves. She was exhausted, hot, and broke-out with a mask acne. But, she did it all to keep us, her not so young parents, safe upon her return. Not only that, but at the door, she stripped naked, ran to the shower and left her clothes and luggage out in the cold for 3 days. Thanksgiving was spent eating at a coffee table in the corner. She kept on a mask and didn’t hug us until she had a negative Covid test 5 days later. I am so appreciative and thankful for Meryl’s acts of kindness towards us in this time when many others don’t care. I request some thank-you honey for her!
Secret Santa, MT
My dear friend and coworker, LC aka Elsie aka Lisa Ceremsak, is one of those people who goes above and beyond in every aspect of life. She is the most caring, helpful, kind-hearted, compassionate person I have ever had the honor of calling “my friend.” She radiates love to everyone around her and inspires us to be the best we can “bee”!! I would love for her to enjoy a lovely jar of your tasty honey...she deserves it!
Emma S, OK
This last summer, one of my best friends started her own outdoor education school, Opt Out. She had been dreaming and scheming for years, and in the midst of the pandemic she buckled down and said, “Nows the time.” I am so proud of what she’s accomplished, but I’m even more proud of how she is leaning into this hard season so she can create an amazing experience for her students. These kids are not only getting an incredible education, they are adventuring daily in the great outdoors. It doesn’t get much better than that. For this reason (and many others) I would like to nominate Michaella Croskey for the Bee the Good challenge. She is bringing a lot of light and sweetness into the world.
