Braden Garnett and the Good Samaritans in Pekin, Illinois

Braden Garnett is an 11 year old boy living in Pekin, Illinois. 

Braden Garnett

Pekin is part of the Peoria statistical area. 

Braden has medical conditions including Asperger's, dyslexia and a condition that causes the misalignment of his eyes. 

He is in Grade 5 at an elementary school. 

Braden is often bullied by his school mates. He is called a cross-eyed freak. He is also told he is not good at kickball. 

Over the years not many of his school mates have wanted to attend his birthday parties. This year his mother sent out 36 invitations to his classmates but only two responded that they would attend. 

Therefore, Braden's mother, Carrie Garnett, asked members of the Pekin Police Department if they would attend Braden's birthday paintball party. 

More than a dozen police officers, firefighters, the Police Chief and the Mayor all showed up at the paintball venue. Some of them brought their own kids. 

They purchased a police station Lego set as a gift for Braden. 

Braden's birthday was a great day for him. He was beaming. 

God bless all who reach out to
others. 

A police detective stated: "We are people. Just like him. Real struggles, you know. Real feelings. And real families."

Braden wants to be a police officer or a firefighter when he grows up. 

Wherever you see bullying, stand up against it. Intervene if you can. 

Parents of elementary school kids, tell your children this:

~ Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle.

~ Do not contribute to another's downfall. Tomorrow or five years from now, it could be you who is being humiliated and scorned.
~There is never anything cool about human suffering.

God bless the Good Samaritans in Pekin, Illinois. Amen. 

God bless all who step up to help others in need. Amen. 

Pray that Braden achieves all of the goals he sets for himself.