The cartoon to the right may look inviting for the first three frames, but then the pain kicks in come the fourth drawing. All of a sudden, the blue skies, green grass and yellow flowers seem to fade away and bring a stream of emotions to the forefront.

What comes next when one is faced with such an experience like the sorrowful man on the steps?

In these times of uncertainty, I think we can all reach down deep for some hope — for those who lost their jobs and for our country in general — that things will get better with this dwindling economy. While negative attitudes are sure to rule the day, there has to be a whole lot of positivity out there to help push us through these tough times.

Former Starbucks CEO and current University of Washington, Bothell mentor Jim Donald told the Reporter a few weeks back that “we’ll get out of this.”

It’s easy to say that phrase —and I agree with it wholeheartedly — but we also need to take action and pave the way for the return to normalcy. We now need to make smarter decisions with our money, so that when things change for the better, we can try our best to pick up where we left off and move onto a bright future.

• With the many runs and walks that will be taking place in the upcoming months, Northshore Special Families’ March 29 Bothell event is sure to have an impact.

The Can Do 5K Run and Walk will raise awareness around what children with special needs can do. For information, visit www.CanDo5K.org.

I covered a softball tournament about 10 years ago that featured Northshore special-needs children, and it was one of the most satisfying stories I’ve ever written. Just being on the scene with these kids was an honor, and to have them so pleased to speak with me about their situation and time on the basepaths was touching.

It was technically a sports story, but the focus quickly changed once the players’ stories unfolded in front of me. The story also featured some stellar pictures of the kids and their coaches that were splashed big and in color across the front sports page of the old Northshore Citizen.

So, check out the Can Do Web site and learn about these children — and maybe get in on the run, as well. If the energy and positive vibes is anything like that softball tourney, then the event will be a sure-fire winner.