What a heartwarming story of empathy and understanding during a time that often focuses on scares and spooky decorations! Salena Webb’s response is a beautiful reminder of how small acts of kindness can make a huge impact on those around us, especially during difficult times. It’s inspiring to see how she handled her neighbor’s request with grace, compassion, and creativity—replacing skeletons carrying a casket with badminton-playing skeletons is both clever and thoughtful.
While some people might feel torn between personal enjoyment of Halloween and sensitivity to others, Salena’s choice demonstrates that balancing our own traditions with kindness for others is always possible. Her thoughtful gesture, plus the extra touch of bringing her neighbor a card and balloons, shows how impactful small, empathetic actions can be in strengthening our communities.
This story also highlights that kindness and understanding are qualities that transcend any language barrier, showing how a little empathy can bring us all closer, even in the smallest ways. It’s a reminder that, as Salena said, “Kindness is free, and compassion goes a long way.”
Katie Ledecky sets new Olympic swimming record after Team USA wins silver in 4 x 200m freestyle
On Thursday, Katie Ledecky set yet another record when the women’s 4 x 200m freestyle relay team from Team USA took home the silver medal.
With 13 medals, the 27-year-old became the most decorated female swimmer in Olympic history. Her most recent victory ended a tie she had with Dara Torres, Jenny Thompson, and swimmer Natalie Coughlin.
In the demanding 1500m freestyle on Wednesday, the Maryland native claimed her eighth gold medal and her 12th overall. Ledecky tied Thompson for the most gold medals won by a female swimmer in Olympic history when she completed the event in an Olympic record time of 15:30.02.
Ledecky told reporters that she allowed her thoughts to roam and considered all the people who had contributed to her current situation as she was swimming.
“And during the race, I kind of let my mind wander, remembering everyone who has trained with me.” Was like thinking about them and chanting their names in my brain. I love you guys, my Florida crew—all those Florida boys who challenged me every day. I know I often make your life difficult, but you guys really made my life easy today. I really appreciate it.
The 27-year-old swimmer had another opportunity to increase her medal total on Thursday.
Ledecky, Claire Weinstein, Paige Madden, and Erin Gemmell represented Team USA in the 4 × 200m freestyle relay, finishing second behind Australia.
Ledecky became the most decorated American woman in Olympic history and the most decorated woman of any nation in swimming history with the team’s victory, which brought her 13 medals overall. She is only ahead of Michael Phelps, who has 28 medals.
Ledecky has one more chance to increase her medal total as swimming draws to a close. On Saturday, she’ll participate in the 800m freestyle.
Ledecky intends to qualify for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, despite the fact that this is her fourth Olympics overall, in Paris.
“Yes, my statement that I would love to compete in Los Angeles hasn’t changed over the last few months or years has been consistent.”
Katie, congratulations! You are history’s greatest.
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