What's Rustling Jimmy's Jimmies?

5 More Inspiring Tales of Inspiration

Well, 2021 succeeded in one aspect: proving that it could, in fact, be worse than 2020. From mass shootings to failed insurrections and—oh, yeah, COVID-19 is still a thing! Even then, during this time, I’ve met many inspiring people with inspiring tales, and I want to end this year on a good note by sharing their inspiring tales of inspiration:

Chief Jerry Riner. This brave firefighter has served for Polk County Fire Rescue for over 25 years and the Frostproof Fire Department for over 30 years. Earlier this year, while off duty, his experience and training allowed him to save the life of a truck driver who ran off the road in Lake Wales. He saw the driver suffering from cardiac arrest, pulled him out of the vehicle, and began administering CPR until paramedics arrived. His quick thinking allowed the man to arrive safely at the hospital and recover, and it earned him an award from the City of Lake Wales.

Djuan Jones. At age 21, Djuan found himself having to grow up quicker. He faced many emotional and financial struggles, especially after his son, Djuan Jr., was born. He thought back to his childhood when he would visit his mother’s friend who worked at a car wash. It was then he decided to pull him up by his bootstraps by starting his own detailing business. Seven years later, this CEO and entrepreneur has made a name for himself through his unique mobile detailing and pressure washing business. His success shows that some elbow grease and a wash rag are all it takes to go from rags to riches. Check out his business at: https:// www.facebook.com/jonesboysmobiledetailing/

Don Solomon Donaldson. This street gospel rapper started life as a troubled teen whose bad life choices landed him in juvenile detention and prison. His older cousin, a minister, visited him in jail and shared with him the gospel, inspiring him to turn his life around. While serving out his sentence, he wrote more than 1,000 songs. Upon his release, he received his GED, got a job, and later recorded and released his songs. He writes his music to reach out to the next generation, inspiring them to make good choices in life so they don’t make the same mistakes he made. Check out his music at: https://www.donsolomondonaldson.com/

Shanita Allen. What is a Dream? This local author answers that question through her children’s book series, “Let’s Go Dreaming.” In her books, a young girl named Ari goes on adventures with her talking dog, Pepper. Shanita has released three books so far, with six more planned. This behavior analyst always wanted to become an author, and now she is living her dream by using her work experience to write books based on child psychology. Her latest book reached the Top 20 Bestseller’s list in two categories on Kindle upon its release. Check out her books at: https://www.letsgodreaming.com/

Love Doggo Treats. Emry, Robert, and Mia are three high school classmates with special needs. With the help of their parents, they prepare and bake their own organic pet treats and package and sell them to local buyers. Proceeds go to charitable organizations to raise awareness for special needs. Within the past year alone, their products have grown so popular that overall demand has surpassed what they can produce in their home kitchen, and they have now taken on sponsors. Earlier this year, they shared their treats with shelter pets Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services. Check out their treats at: https:// www.facebook.com/Love-DoggoTreats-113170244187713

The views and opinions expressed in columns are not necessarily the views and opinions of Today & Tonight Magazine or Today & Tonight, Inc.