Hi HapiFriends! 👋 Happy Memorial Day (yes, we know it’s 1 day late)!

Today, we're honoring the very first Memorial Day observed in the U.S., way back in 1868. An important moment in our history when flowers were gently laid on the graves of both Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery, reflecting the nation's healing after the Civil War.

Memorial Day reminds us of the sacrifice and courage of those who've served and signifies unity, reminding us that we're stronger together than we are apart. Their legacy of service continues to inspire us.

With gratitude for those who served, let's move on to today’s top positive news stories from around the world! 👇

Quote of the Day 🗣

Beloved Crossing Guard “Ms. Sandy” Retires After 55 Years 🛑

After dedicating nearly 55 years of service to the Independence School District in Missouri, 87-year-old Sandra Bellew is retiring from her beloved role as a school crossing guard. Known fondly as "Ms. Sandy", Bellew's last day will be on May 26, but a week ahead of her retirement, she was pleasantly surprised by a group of students. They greeted her with handmade signs, flowers, and heartfelt hugs to express their gratitude for her service and to show her how much they will miss her. In reflecting on this touching moment, Bellew told "Good Morning America", "It was a happy feeling and they all had such smiles on their faces [...] they kept telling me how much they're going to miss me."

First stepping into the role in September 1968, Ms. Sandy has guided generations of students across the street— children, their offspring, and even their grandchildren. She has mentioned that what she'll miss most is meeting new people and the affection she receives from the children. "Seeing the kids and getting hugs from them" was a highlight of her work, she shared. Bellew noted, "It's not big money but it was fun doing it so I enjoyed it." As she looks forward to her retirement, Bellew plans to stay active and fit by swimming, doing water aerobics, and exercising to keep herself and her legs strong.

Free Therapy for Youth in Need 😄

In Colorado, around 70% of individuals experiencing severe mental health crises fail to pursue therapy after being discharged from emergency hospital visits. To address this problem, a state initiative known as the "Follow-Up Project" has been expanding, aiming to bridge this gap in mental healthcare. The project, which now partners with 73 hospitals across the state, connects patients with trained specialists who guide them through the process of finding a regular therapist post-discharge. Since its inception a decade ago, follow-up specialists have contacted over 19,000 patients. Moreover, through a recent grant, the project now collaborates with the Second Wind Fund, a nonprofit that offers free therapy sessions to young people at risk of suicide.

The Follow-Up Project approach has proven effective. After a hospital visit for mental health crises, patients are at an elevated risk of suicide, with 22% of suicide deaths occurring within 30 days and 40% within a year of such a visit. However, based on six-month and one-year surveys, those who participated in the project were less likely to revisit a hospital or walk-in crisis center. This indicates that continuous therapy has aided them in managing their anxiety and depression, thus reducing their likelihood of reaching crisis levels necessitating emergency care. Program manager Melody Keown said, "When you are discharged from an emergency department, there is a lot of information thrown at you [...] Staff who make the follow-up calls try to empower patients with information, as well as push them, gently, to stick to the plan."

The Intersection Between Happy, Healthy, and Wealthy 😀

The Curiosity Chronicle is a once-per-week email newsletter written by investor, entrepreneur, and writer, Sahil Bloom. It’s perfect for anyone interested in personal development, growth, productivity, and wealth creation.

One of our favorite editions is “Life Lessons from 1,000 Years,” in which Sahil decided to explore the wisdom that time has to offer by asking several individuals in their 90s a simple question: "If you could speak to your 32-year-old self, what advice would you give?" 

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Fantastic Finds 🔍

It’s never too late. 72-year-old graduates from college with his 99-year-old mom cheering him on.

Grandpa is a hero. A grandfather of 16 saves a woman from a raging hotel fire.

🎥 Round of applause. An algebra professor's last lecture receives a standing ovation from his students at MIT.

🎥 $1K for the graduates. The Boston Celtics’ co-owner gives each graduate of UMass Boston’s class of 2023 a surprise gift of $1,000.

🎥 Father-son surprise. A little boy gets surprised by his dad returning home from deployment.

Hapi Hit 😊

Have you ever seen an albino panda?

HapiReview of the Day 🎉

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