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The Ripple Effect Of KindnessABy Sonny Melendrezs the story goes..On a rainy morning in a smallTexas town, a diner owner named Jack noticed a young man sitting alone at the counter. The man’s clothes were worn, his eyes tired. When Jack took his order, the man quietly admitted he didn’t have enough money for a full meal.Without hesitation, Jack poured him a hot cup of coffee, served a plate of eggs and toast, and waved away the man’s attempt to pay. “Just promise me you’ll do something kind for someone else someday,” Jack said with a smile.The man nodded, visibly moved.Months later, Jack received a letter. The young man had found steady work and had been volunteering at a local shelter. In the letter, he wrote, “That meal reminded me I still mattered. I’ve been passing that kindness forward ever since.”What Jack could never have imagined was how far that single ripple would reach. Inspired by the young man’s commitment to give back, a local teacher proposed turning an empty lot near the shelter into a community garden. Residents, businesses, and schoolchildren pitched in to plant vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Soon, the garden was not only feeding people but also creating a peaceful place where neighbors could connect, work side-by-side, and watch something beautiful grow—all from the kindness that began with one free plate of eggs.Kindness often begins quietly, almost unnoticed. A door held open, a seat offered, a smile given freely. But once set in motion,FREE EVENTLife Planning Seminar atCrossroadsBaptist Church 8300 Tezel RoadSan Antonio, TX 78254ZENITH FREEDOM FINANCIAL SERVICES “HELPING PEOPLE UP!”Estate Planning Presented By:Valuable Information and complimentary lunchFriday, September 19th 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.Topics Reviewed:Estate Planning: wills, trusts, and probate.What you need to know about your health insurance selection to improve care and save money.Also addressing some upcoming Health Insurance News! Each attendee will receive a pocket ConstitutionRegister By Scanning The QR CodeEdward Quisenberry 210.383.3687REGISTER BY NOON 09 / 10/ 2025!IF IT BUGS YOU... IT BUGS APPLE!!!EST. 1984 Honesty & DependabilityYES! ORGANIC SERVICES NO EXTRA CHARGE!NO! CONTRACTSEndorsed by DAVE RAMSEYTry Our Wallet Friendly Organic Pest Control ServiceQuotes by Phone(210) 695-8946Family Owned & Operatedwww.ApplePestControl.comit can flow outward in ways the giver may never witness. Each act plants a seed—one that may grow into something larger than anyone imagined.In a fast-moving world, kindness is a reminder that connection matters. It bridges differences, restores hope, and often costs nothing more than a moment of our time.Jack didn’t just serve a meal that rainy morning; he served a reminder of humanity’s capacity for good. And, from that single gesture, the hungry were fed—and the weary were reminded they mattered.“You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.” — Ralph Waldo EmersonSonny Melendrezis an award-winningmotivational speaker,Hall of Fame radio/TV host and author,based in San Antonio.For more of his enthusiastic brand of inspiration and speaking information, visit www.SonnyMelendrez.com and listen to his podcast.Are You A Breast Cancer Survivor?FBy Sally Kalosew words in life hit as hard as “cancer.” Facing that word, fighting it, surviving it—it’s a battle unlikeany other. The journey is monumental, and only those who’ve walked through it truly understand its relentless toll. It’s a “you had to be there” kind of experience—one no one is ever fully prepared for and no one ever deserves.Yet from that battle emerge warriors— strong, tested survivors who transform into mentors and heroes for those still fighting. Their bravery and resilience shine, offering hope and guidance in the darkest moments. These women deserve to be celebrated—not just for surviving, but for inspiring others through their strength.Right here in our community, we are proud to have many such women who have stared down breast cancer and emerged victorious. Highlights Publications wants to honor these local warriors!If you or someone you know is a breast cancer survivor, we invite you to share your story. Please submit a photo along with a short summary of the journey—whether it’sabout the fight, the survival, or the strength it took to rise above. We are looking for 150- 200 words.In our October issue, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we aim to spotlight these powerful stories to uplift others currently in the fight, and to encourage action, awareness, and support in our community. Together, we can shine a light on this struggle and help move toward a future where breast cancer is no longer a threat to those we love.Submit your stories and photos to info@ highlightspub.com by September 10, 2025. Let’s honor these warriors among us.September 2025www.heloteshighlights.com 5Register today!