From Engines to Empathy: Unveiling the Goodness of Car Enthusiasts #34

Have you ever paused to consider what truly happens when a deep passion, something that really sparks you, you know, converges with profound compassion for others? Or how a lifelong love for something as tangible as cars.Yeah, like our Black Beauty Jag, our F-Types can unexpectedly transform into truly heartwarming, even, well, life altering acts of kindness for those who need it most.

It's a powerful combination. You're going deep today, Caesar. Sounds good.

It really is. Today we are embarking on a very special discussion and research into precisely that intersection.Our mission is to shine a light on the often unsung good deeds of the automotive community. So often we talk about the cars and we do reference the community as a whole.Now for the people behind the community, the type of people we are, generally speaking.

Yeah, that whole world. Car clubs, dealerships, individual enthusiasts, and yes, comprised of people. And as we will demonstrate today, people who care.

Exactly. A vibrant, caring world.We'll explore how their collective efforts to don't just revolve around mechanics and horsepower, but translate into immense joy, vital support, and powerful moments of connection, especially for children facing unimaginable challenges.

What's truly fascinating here, and you know, what our sources really bring out, is how a shared interest in something like automobiles can evolve far, far beyond just being a hobby or commerce. It becomes this remarkably potent vehicle for fostering community spirit and delivering crucial emot support.It extends well past the gleaming chrome and roaring engines into the deeply human realm of empathy.

That's a great way of putting it, Chloe.

We're going to unpack a collection of narratives today that reveal a surprising and frankly, beautiful side of the car world. It's a place where the rumble of an engine isn't solely about speed or prestige or even just personal enjoyment.It's about expressing a good heart, as you said, and forging genuine human connections. It's a powerful testament to how people united by a common enthusiasm can come together to make an indelible difference.These stories were found publicly, for example, shared with the public in places like Facebook and GoFundMe, and also shared in news outlets, blogs and other places. Where possible, the links are included in.

The show notes often when people least.

Expect it, right when it's needed most.

You know, it's one thing to talk about these concepts in the abstract, but our sources bring them to life with stories that are, well, they're nothing short of extraordinary. Let's really get into one that profoundly illustrates this intersection of passion and compassion.Imagine, just for a moment, facing one of the absolute toughest mornings of your life. A morning dominated by pain, exhaustion and the grim reality of medical treatments.Amidst that struggle, you cling to a tiny sliver of hope, a desperate wish for something, anything special to disrupt the hardship that was the reality for a young boy named Xander.

Ah yes, the Xander story. It's powerful. And this is a story from Black Beauty Jag's journal as well.

It really is quite a story. Our sources detail primarily from Xander's parents posts shared publicly.Anyway, the posts note how Xander was enduring one of his most grueling chemotherapy sessions to date. The physical toll must have been immense, the emotional weight even heavier, you can only imagine.But even through that profound pain and fatigue, this incredible young boy looked at his mother with his remarkable resolve. It takes your breath away, the post said, and I'm quoting directly from one of our sources here, as they conclude it won't take this from.And I presume that is a reference to this wonderful memory for Xander and that it will never be forgotten. Oh, and yes, Chloe, Black Beauty Jag was a part of this outreach as well. And we will never forget.

That's so wow, just wow to hear that quote too. To picture a child enduring such hardship but refusing, absolutely refusing to let it completely consume his spirit, it's truly humbling, isn't it?His determination in the face of such a relentless challenge is absolutely remarkable. And what makes this particular story so incredibly poignant is the way an entire community responded to that quiet, fierce resolve.

Yeah, tell us about that.

Well, the F-Type charity drive for that area reveals how a rapid fire call to action went out through a dedicated enthusiast network. For those listening, that's a pretty tight knit community of Jaguar F Type owners in that particular area.

Ah, yes, I remember the group. We know about the group through Black Beauty Jag. They're connected through forums, social media meetups, etc.They are specific car, in this case the Jaguar F Type and location specific.

Exactly. United by their passion for these, you know, pretty distinct British sports cars. The call was simple.Participate in a cruise, drive by for a sick kid at this designated address. And that is an easy call to action when you consider the club is already specific to a location.

So not just a Sunday drive out in a field or along the coast somewhere, eh?

Not at all. This was targeted, urgent call to action.It was born from this deep desire to bring a singular moment of pure, unadulterated joy to a child who desperately needed a ray of light.

And the speed at which they mobilized was impressive.

It speaks volumes, doesn't it, about the bonds within that Kind of community, according.

To Xander's mother, as chronicled in this really moving public post, quote, a parade of love and support, end quote, was just astonishing. Her words convey such raw emotion. She wrote that she wasn't ready for what came next then. And I'm quoting, car after car, friend after friend.So many amazing people showed up and showed out for our boys, end quote. And like we said, our Black Beauty Jag was there.

I love that phrase. It captures it perfectly. Those who participated definitely went above and beyond the call of duty. Yes, even Black Beauty Jag, totally.

Her raw emotion is so palpable in her recounting, admitting she was in tears as she writes.

And then I kept crying. It was overwhelming in the most beautiful way.

Oh, I bet you can almost visualize the scene, can't you? A steady, vibrant stream of sleek, roaring Jaguar F-Types.Each one a testament to collective empathy, forming this celebratory procession just rolling up, not just for Xander, but for his brother Tucker, who was right there by his side. It wasn't just a drive by. It was a living, breathing testament to a loving, caring, community heart indeed.

And the immediate impact, the sheer, unadulterated joy for both Zander and Tucker, it was immense and immediate. They were absolutely blown away by the support, as this follow up post by their mother states.The kids, along with the neighbor kids, were experiencing the smiles, the love, the signs, the honks and cheering.

For a child enduring the grueling monotony and frankly, the pain of chemotherapy, this isn't just a fleeting spectacle. It's a profound disruption to a world often dominated by medical procedures and discomfort.

A welcome disruption, I'm sure.The sensory explosion of sound and sight, the rumble of those engines, the flash of chrome, the vibrant colors, the cheering faces, the signs of encouragement. These aren't just external stimuli. These are tangible affirmations that Zander is seen not just as a patient, but as a valued individual.That a whole group of strangers cares deeply about his well being.

It's a radical shift in focus, isn't it? From being a vulnerable patient to being, well, a temporary celebrity.And even if it is just for a few precious moments that can still provide such a critical psychological boost, it fosters a sense of agency, a feeling of being powerful and celebrated during what must be an incredibly isolating and disempowering battle. It's a moment of profound joy that can forge an indelible memory.

That shift must be incredible. Something they'll carry as a source of strength and comfort forever.So if we take a step back and think about the deeper meaning for someone like Xander and his family. It becomes clear this was far more than just a fleeting moment of happiness, wasn't it? And for the whole family, right? Not just Xander.

Absolutely. And it wasn't just Xander who was touched.His brother Tucker, sharing in his journey, was right there with him, experiencing that overwhelming wave of kindness. It illustrates how these acts of compassion don't just touch the individual directly affected by illness.They resonate through the entire family system. It provides comfort, reassurance, a sense of.

Being seen, a powerful sense of being truly seen, truly valued and genuinely cared for by a community that rallies without hesitation. It's a reminder that even in the face of profound adversity, people are willing to step up, to show up, to.

Make a difference in ways that truly matter. That spontaneous, heartfelt outpouring for Xander is incredibly moving, a clear demonstration of community at its best.But it's important to recognize that this spirit of giving isn't always a spontaneous, you know, one off event.

Right. That's a good point.Our sources highlight how this commitment to helping others is often deeply ingrained in the very organizational culture of businesses within the automotive sector, particularly car dealerships.These establishments, for example, car dealerships can become true pillars of community support, demonstrating a long term structured commitment to making a tangible, positive impact. It can reflect a systematic approach to.

Corporate social responsibility, where that good heart becomes institutional.

Precisely where the good heart we saw in those individual acts of kindness, you know, for Xander, is extended to an institutional level, shaping the very identity of the business and future members of the car community.

That's a crucial point, and it leads us directly to Earnhardt Auto Centers, which shows up in our pile of research, really highlighted as a prime example of this institutional goodness. I don't think they sell Jaguars, but that doesn't mean they do not love Jaguars.We wanted to look at how they approach goodwill as a dealership, because that is what we are looking at today as the community of car lovers, car fans, dealerships, etc. And the goodwill amongst us.Also, whether or not they have uncovered their love for Jaguars or not should not be a prerequisite of whether they can have a stunning goodwill program from an institutional level. In short, not here to judge good policy.

Cesar, I'm with you there. And yes, you are correct, Caesar. They, meaning Earnhardt, came up quite a bit in a good way.Obviously, whoever is doing their marketing and SEO is doing it well.

Yeah, The Earnhardt Auto Center's community outreach is clearly articulated in their foundational belief as they share Their beliefs about giving back to the community and making a positive impact beyond our dealership walls.

And it's not new for them. This isn't some recent marketing initiative. Earnhardt has been committed to this philosophy since their inception way back in 1951. Wow.That's over 70 years.

Think about that longevity. Over 70 years of consistent, dedicated community involvement.Their dedication extends far beyond merely selling cars, reflecting what they describe as core values of compassion and social responsibility.

So it's baked into their business model.

It seems like it. It shows their business model isn't just about transactions, but instead about being an integral, supportive part of the communities they serve.

And what's truly impressive about Earnhardt, as detailed in our sources, is the sheer breadth and depth of their approach. They don't just write a check. Right.They actively engage in various charitable initiatives, events and community programs, strategically working through partnerships with local charities and organizations.

It's multifaceted.

It really is. This isn't a token gesture. It's a deliberate effort to address critical needs within the communities where their employees live and work.Resources time building relationships for lasting change. It's a comprehensive ecosystem of giving designed to maximize their impact across multiple sectors.

And they have some truly specific and impactful initiatives that really stand out. For example, their Second Chance Sports Gear drive. This isn't just a simple collection box.They partner with major local media outlets across the state. Local big name media, major players in local commerce, radio stations, resulting in a huge reach.The overarching goal is to collect new and used sports gear for the boys and girls clubs of the area. This initiative directly addresses a significant barrier to youthe cost of equipment, which can.

Be a really big deal for families.

Absolutely. By making recreational youth sports accessible and affordable, they're not just providing a bat or a ball.They're ensuring equity for all players, providing them with the necessary tools to participate. Learn teamwork, build confidence.

It levels the playing field. Literally exactly.

For thousands of children who might otherwise be sidelined due to financial constraints, that.

Initiative speaks volumes about recognizing and removing those very real economic barriers that can hinder a child's development. Access to physical activity and team engagement is crucial.And building on that theme of accessibility and resourcefulness, their Second Chance Bike Drive is another incredibly impactful program.

Yeah, the bike drive sounds fantastic too.

Our sources highlight that in years past, their combined efforts have helped gather thousands of bikes and put them in the needy and deserving hands of area children and families. It goes beyond just providing a means of fun. It's about promoting freedom of mobility.Think about the transformative effect a bicycle can have for a kid getting to.

School, friends, houses, right?

Especially if the family relies on public transport or can't afford a car. A bicycle becomes a critical tool for independence, allowing them to access education, social activities and explore their neighborhood.

A sense of autonomy.

A newfound sense of autonomy and self reliance. And as a brilliant bonus, it keeps another bike out of our landfill.This is an example of where Earnhardt is demonstrating significant environmental consciousness alongside their social responses.

That truly is a fantastic two for one, isn't it? Promoting both individual empowerment and environmental stewardship. A multi layer, multifaceted benefit for sure.Earnhardt has so many more programs that go beyond this one episode of Black Beauty Jag. So one could visit their site from the show notes and check out what they are doing and maybe get some ideas to implement at your own institution.

I really like the program or sponsorship that they have that focuses on character building and helping kids to develop their own moral code. So they are moving beyond just athletic prowess to shaping well rounded individuals with a strong moral compass.And their commitment to giving back also extends to broader large scale charity events. But as you said Cesar, we could go deeper into just this one entity. But we have other stories to cover. I have another one.It involves the employees of Earnhardt. So it is not the top down corporate directive, but rather that which deepens the institutional good heart.And that is their unique employee driven philanthropy program called no Bull Charities.

Employee driven? How does that work?

It isn't just the company executives deciding where the money goes. Part of the employee driven is that it is also employee funded program. Their own teams vote for the charities that will benefit each year.Every staff member gets a voice in where their collective impact is directed. The donations, which come from small monthly contributions from employees, are then dispersed quarterly ensuring a steady stream of support.

That's fantastic. It gives everyone buy in. This raises an important question.How do these structured employee driven programs complement the spontaneous acts of kindness we discussed earlier? Like with Zander's F-Type parade? Actually more than just F-Types of course.

That's a great question. It's not one or the other is seems to illustrate a spectrum of compassion. It shows a very deep consistent commitment to social responsibility.Extending the good heart from individual, often reactive actions to an organization's foundational culture. The no Bull Charities program is particularly impactful because it empowers every employee to contribute and have a say.To contribute financially, yes, but also to have a direct say in supporting a wide range of charitable organizations and impactful initiatives. These range across crucial areas like education, environmental conservation, healthcare, community development, it covers.

A lot of ground. While still feeling personal.

It does. It's an approach to giving that truly reflects the collective values of the workforce.It's a systematic way to channel goodwill, making a difference on a much larger and more consistent scale than individual acts alone. Exactly. While still retaining that vital personal connection to the cause.It fosters an environment where employees feel personally invested in making a difference, transforming a workplace into a powerful engine for collective good.

So we've seen the powerful immediate impact of car enthusiasts spontaneously rallying for an individual like the Jaguar F Type owners for Xander. And we've explored the sustained structured philanthropy of large dealerships like Earnhardt Auto Centers.But what's truly compelling and maybe most surprising is how widespread and universal this phenomenon actually is. And we have a story like that.Our sources reveal that these good deeds, like the F-Type parade for Zenda and oh so many other examples, or this deep desire to use cars as a vehicle for good, to share joy and offer support, truly seems to be a universal language, a shared joy that transcends specific brands, geographic locations, or even the type of vehicle as a whole. It's a global sentiment woven into the fabric of the country as a whole.

It's not just these isolated cases. I like how you called it a shared joy, Cesar.Indeed, the passion for cars often comes with an innate desire to share that excitement, especially with children. And this extends beyond responding to physical illness too.One particular example from our sources highlights the community's profound response to emotional distress, underscoring how shared hobbies can become a remarkably powerful antidote to isolation and bullying. I'm sure that is the story you are referencing, Cesar.

Providing belonging and validation. Yep, that is the one, Chloe.

That sense of belonging and validation can be just as critical as physical comfort. This story that we are referencing is one of the most heartbreaking yet ultimately uplifting stories in our sources.It is that of the bullied autistic boy, Hunter Blankenship.

The story was presented via a deeply moving report on the show Watch Sunday Morning. The headline, Alabama Community turns out to support Bullied Autistic Boy. The report continues.We learn about 10 year old Hunter from Planton, Alabama. This young boy was experiencing such severe bullying, specifically over his rainbow glasses, that he was tragically nearly driven to self harm.It's an incredibly tough, almost unbearable thing for a child that age to endure.

Unimaginable.

But then, in a beautiful demonstration of communal empathy, the car community stepped in with Xander. They responded with an overwhelming visible display of solidarity. This example powerfully highlights the community's response to emotional distress.Recognizing that emotional wounds can be just as debilitating, it powerfully underscores how hobbies can become a profound antidote to isolation and bullying, showing a child that they are not just seen, but deeply valued and crucially, that they are not alone.

The source vividly describes Hunter as a car loving autistic boy who received an outpouring of love when car buffs were asked to share their automotive enthusiasm with Hunter. And hundreds answered the call.

Hundreds?

Yes, hundreds. This wasn't a request for money or medical help.It was a request for connection, for validation, for a shared moment of pure joy through a common passion.

And the KA community responded, just like that. It restores your faith in humanity a bit, eh?

It really does restore faith in the inherent goodness of people. And the sheer, often overwhelming scale of these responses is truly astounding. Our sources include another encouraging story.This is another one on Facebook. A simple request for a drive by for a child's birthday.

Yeah, it was something about the woman, the mother, asking the question in a Facebook group if, quote, someone with a cool car would come by for her son's birthday and the whole community shows up for the drive by.

Just a simple post.

Just a simple, hopeful Facebook post from a mom. She simply asked if someone, anyone, with a cool car could swing by for her son son's birthday. And what happened?

The whole town showed up.

Basically, a truly massive, unexpected turnout, creating what was undeniably his most memorable birthday ever. It transformed a simple request into a community celebration.

This scenario is particularly fascinating because it delves into the motivations behind such generosity. As one commentator aptly noted. Yeah, those guys with the cool cars were once the boys who would get excited by seeing cool cars drive past.That's why they did it. They understood how impactful seeing your dream car is for this young boy and other young boys and girls like him.

Uh, that makes perfect sense.

Passing it on, it reveals a profound, reciprocal joy. It's not just about giving. It's about sharing a passion that brings immense happiness to both the giver and the receiver.As another commentator put it, car people love showing off their cars. And every car guy or car chick I know is just a big kid when it comes to cars.

Oh, that sounds about right.

It's a genuine delight in displaying what they cherish, combined with the pure satisfaction of igniting that same spark in a child. Someone even called it wholesome flexing.

Wholesome flexing. A positive way to show off.

Exactly. A positive, community minded way to proudly showcase their vehicles.It's a beautiful cycle where the act of giving brings as much joy to the givers as to the recipients.

Absolutely. It's a symbiotic relationship built on shared enthusiasm and pure joy.And the specific details from the comments section of these sources are just fantastic, really. Painting a vivid picture like what you see photos or mentions of a car prominently displaying dream cars.For those of us who were there were Black beauty Jag.And for those of us who saw the video, heard the gleeful shrieks of joy, well, that also adds to that vivid picture and understanding that symbiotic relationship that is built it's important, though, to acknowledge a contrasting perspective that sometimes comes up in these discussions too. Oh yeah, one person shared a negative anecdote about a Corvette owner who yelled at his car just for looking at his car.

Oof. Not cool.

Not cool at all. It.It starkly highlights the crucial distinction between those who genuinely embrace the spirit of car enthusiasm and those who maybe view their vehicle solely as status symbols.

The good hearts versus well, others, right?

The true motoring fans like Jay Leno, who was mentioned in the Source as someone famously open and generous with his collection, are generally more welcoming, eager to share their passion. They get that the joy is meant to be infectious, not hoarded.

That's a really important distinction. It differentiates the genuinely kind hearted enthusiasts from the more self focused owners.It's a reminder that while the community is largely good hearted, the true spirit is one of openness and shared appreciation.

And this kind of spontaneous, joyous engagement isn't limited to high performance sports cars or formal car club events either, right?

Not at all. Our sources provide us with a wonderfully diverse range of examples. There's the heartwarming fire truck encounter.

Oh, tell me about that one.

Where off duty firefighters just picking up groceries graciously pause to let a wide eyed toddler climb up into their massive vehicle.

Oh, that's fantastic. Core memory right there.

Absolutely. Then there are the regular cars and coffee meetups that happen almost every Saturday in communities worldwide, attracting all kinds of neat vehicles.Not just for hardcore fanatics, but for anyone who appreciates cars.I heard about someone who recounted a cherished childhood memory of getting a ride in a Ferrari as a kid at one of the cars and coffee or other car shows or rallies that benefited that next generation of car enthusiasts. A powerful moment that was never forgotten.

Wow. A Ferrari ride as a kid. Great memory.Reminds me of some of the reactions kids have given us when they have sat in Black Beauty Jag and then the mom, I want a car like this.

Oh, yeah, right.Speaking of events, many communities organize annual touch a Truck events where heavy equipment, emergency vehicles, even monster trucks are brought out for kids to explore and interact with at these community events.

Those are always popular.

It vividly demonstrates the incredibly broad spectrum of how the automotive and general vehicle community connects with young people, fostering wonder and connection.

It really shows the breadth of it.

These varied examples underscore that the shared enthusiasm isn't confined to a specific type of car or event format. It's about the underlying spirit of connection and generosity. And our final story demonstrates the international reach of this compassionate impulse.As one source comment, powerfully stated, the one that always comes to mind with these sorts of discussions is the German bikers.

The universal human response. It truly is a profound testament to humanity's capacity for compassion.The poignant detail which adds that extra layer of heartbreak and immense beauty is that young Killian was diagnosed in January 2021 and tragically passed away in August 2021.

Yeah. His last wish, a simple yet deeply felt desire, was to simply see motorcycles.And the response from the global biking community was nothing short of astounding. 20,000 bikes showed up for him.

Just take a moment to absorb that number. 20,000 individuals, each fueled by their shared passion for riding, they came together to fulfill a dying child's final wish.Imagine the sound, the sight, the roar of those engines, the sheer spectacle, the sea of leather and chrome all converging for one small boy.It's a truly global sentiment, this profound desire to use one's passion, whatever it may be, to bring light, comfort, and a final moment of pure joy.

Someone in their darkest days. It reminds us that no matter where you are in the world, the heart of a community can beat with incredible compassion and unity.The sound of those engines became a symphony of solidarity.

Absolutely.

This story, much like Xander's, is one that brings tears to the eyes. It's heartbreaking in its context, but incredibly wholesome and powerful in its execution.And it leads us back to the core sentiment that permeates all these anecdotes. That no matter how old, it's all just boys who love cars. But crucially, it's girls, too.

Yes, good point.

Our sources include a wonderful anecdote from a woman who shared that as a little girl, she was absolutely obsessed with Mustangs.

Oh, I remember reading that.

And now, as an adult, she proudly drives a red convertible, an Audi tt. She expressed her joy in seeing kids point out her car, understanding that she's passing on that spark of Enthusiasm, of course.She and Michael then went and acquired Black Beauty Jaguar, and here we are.

That's lovely. But it does highlight that this isn't exclusively a male passion, this love of cars.

Not at all. It's a shared joy that crosses gender lines and creates a beautiful intergenerational cycle of passing on the love for automotive marvels.It's clear these events don't just create fleeting moments, they forge core memories, not just for the children, but for everyone involved. The drivers, the organizers, the families, the onlookers.

Everyone feels it. As one person eloquently put it, the drivers loved it, too. It provides a unique opportunity for that wholesome flexing we discussed.

A chance to show off their pride and joy in a positive way, right? A chance to proudly display their vehicles in a way that brings immense joy to others, rather than just for personal ego.And crucially, it's about passing the love down to the next generation of gearheads.

Ensuring that this unique blend of passion and compassion continues to thrive. It really raises an important question about the very nature of hobbies and passions, doesn't it?It reveals that they're not merely about personal enjoyment or solitary pursuits.They are powerful conduits for connecting with others, fostering genuine community and finding incredibly meaningful ways to contribute, often in unexpected and deeply moving ways. It's about how a shared interest can transcend the individual, becoming a collective force for profound good.It builds bridges between strangers, creates lasting bonds.

Emotional resonance transforms a niche interest into something bigger, into a broad platform for altruism. It demonstrates that true engagement with a passion can lead to actions that are deeply human, profoundly impactful and beautifully surprising.

So what does this all mean for us and for how we view the world? Our deep dive today has truly unpacked the good hearts that beat within the automotive community.

It really has.

We've journeyed from the targeted parade of Jaguar F-Types bringing joy to a brave child battling cancer, through the long standing, comprehensive community programs exemplified by Earnhardt Auto Centers. And witness the spontaneous acts of immense kindness, like the Facebook birthday drive or the thousands of German bikers rallying for Killian.And it's a powerful and consistent narrative of human connection, showing how a love for cars can literally drive compassion forward.

Well put, it unequivocally highlights how a shared passion, in this case for automobiles, can be an incredibly profound catalyst for human connection and collective good. These aren't just one off gestures.However moving they are, they are expressions of a passion, often quiet desire to uplift, to support and to create lasting, positive memories. Our sources show us that that endures. Whether it's the sleek lines of an F-Type, the raw power of a muscle car, or even the strength of.

A monster truck, they become more than machines.

They transform into conduits for compassion, delivering smiles, moments of reprieve and vital support precisely where it's needed most. It's a powerful reminder that our interests, no matter how specific, can be channeled into profound acts of kindness.

We've explored how these moments forge career memories, not just for the children who receive the kindness, but for everyone involved. The drivers, the organizers, the families who witnessed the outpouring of love.

It's a potent reminder of the innate goodness in communities when people come together around a shared interest.

So consider this as you go about your day, as you reflect on your own passions and the communities you belong to. What are your passions? What truly ignites that spark within you?And how might those passions, in the most unexpected and perhaps extraordinary ways, serve as a unique vehicle for connection, for joy, and for profound good in your own community?

Exactly how can we all tap into that shared enthusiasm for something, anything, to make a difference that truly resonates and leaves a lasting mark?

And we can all start right where we are, right with what we have, and even join with others, as we've heard today, to do good works for others, especially those in need.

Though, if you are underage, please do check with your folks just to make sure you are safe.Deborah started a non profit 5 hugs a day about 15 years ago or so, and her daughter and her daughter's friend thought it was so special that they stood at the corner and offered hugs to people.

Of course they meant it in all innocence and they were young kids.But as soon as Michael and Deborah caught what was going on, they explained how that could be misinterpreted by some people who had less than good things on the mind.

So always check with your parents if you are underage. And it doesn't hurt to run your idea by others to make sure everyone is safe.

And as always, Chloe and I and Michael and Deborah and little Trudy wish you safety and enjoyment this next week until we see each other again in the next episode. As Jerry Springer used to say, may he rest in peace, take care of yourself and each other.