Thanksgiving is the time for gratitude and graciousness, and one Illinois family has an excellent reason to celebrate in 2024.

Here's the story: Guy Miller was walking his dog Bentley when he slipped and fell. A nearby United States Postal Service employee, Jaylen Lockhart, sprang to action.

Delivering Help, Not Just Mail

Lockhart was on his usual mail route when he noticed Miller had fallen.

He encouraged Miller to stay put, and after neighbors arrived on the scene, Lockhart went to Miller's home to tell the family about what had happened.

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Footage of Lockhart asking for assistance at the front door of the Miller residence was caught on a Ring doorbell device.

Gratitude Brings New Traditions

Through Facebook, the MIller family ended up connecting with Lockhart.

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Marcia Miller, Guy's wife, was so thankful she invited Lockhart and his family to Thanksgiving dinner, saying it's "good to see kindness and compassion and care in the world....when you see so much on the news and so many labels put on this generation of them being into themselves and not caring."

That's not all, though. Aurora, the city where the incident occurred, is planning on honoring Lockhart for his kindness.

A Community Celebration of Kindness

Lockhart said about the honor, "I was raised that way....you look out for others...kindness and grace is all that anyone ever needs."

It's a great reminder, whether it's Thanksgiving season or not, that one simple act of kindness can make a big difference in someone's life.

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