No matter how hard it is to admit, everybody needs a little help from time to time. In these moments, the smallest act of kindness can have big consequences, whether it comes from a friend, family member, or even a complete stranger. Here, people share those little heartwarming gestures that changed their lives or the lives of someone they knew.
1. Helping Hoops
Spotting the kid next door shooting hoops into tree limbs, I remembered my old, unused portable hoop taking up space in the back. I thought, "Why not?" and gave it to him. Not only did he use it, but also his sister, folks, extended family, and even a couple of grandparents. Knowing they all enjoyed it made me feel really good.
2. Thank You for Your Service
My pal and I, being Navy guys, pulled a night shift over Christmas Eve and into Christmas Day. Ended our shift and hit the Waffle House, still in our uniforms and a bit foggy on the fact it's Christmas. Time to pay comes around and we're absolutely floored - turns out, three different folks had each paid a different server to cover our meal.
3. Souvenirs
I tied the knot with my girl in Bermuda, right on this amazing pink sand beach. My bro was my best man and was a total champ all day. But he saved the best part for last: After all the toasts and laughing, everyone was a bit tipsy and having a blast. He strolls over and gives me two bottles filled with pink sand. I was totally baffled. He explained it was the very sand my wife and I got hitched on.
What did it set him back? Maybe two bucks. But I'll swear, I cried like a little kid. One of the most meaningful gifts I've ever got. Now, all thanks to him, my wife and I have this special piece of our wedding day chillin' with us in our living room.
4. A Warm Hug on a Cold Day
I was nine and hanging out in the Wisconsin winter, waiting for the school bus with just a thin coat, no hat or gloves. This lady drives by, notices me, and stops. She hands me a blanket she had in her car. I was grateful but kinda confused. I said to her, "How will I return this when I'm done with it?" She just hugged me and told me not to sweat it. And yea, I still got that blanket.
5. I’m Not Crying, You’re Crying
I went with my kids to visit buddies in a Midwestern town and stopped by an ice cream parlor. My eldest was super excited, goofing around outside while we were seated. A middle-aged couple was also there and I kept telling her to sit with me and be still so as not to disturb them. But I totally misjudged the situation.
As we were about to go, the couple approached and offered my daughter a gift card for the store. I was stunned for a sec but told them, "Sure, that's really kind of you". Then, they shared their heartbreaking story. "We lost a daughter who looked a lot like her," they said. "Make sure she gets extra ice cream," before walking away. It hit me hard, and I teared up for a while after they left.
6. The Little Things
I was waiting at a crosswalk, with a light sprinkle coming down. Forgot my umbrella, but rain doesn't bug me much so I figured I'd deal with it. It was still pretty soggy, though. Outta nowhere, this guy covers me with his umbrella. It was a small gesture, but dang, it made my day.
7. Coffee Karma
I used to work at Starbucks. One day around 6:30 AM, a customer strolled in looking stressed. I asked how she was and she said, "It's total madness and I'm not even started yet". To lighten her load, I gifted her a free coffee. Fast forward a couple days, I was having an awful morning—pure bedlam at 6:30 AM, but my day was going to turn around in the best way.
The same lady walked in, noticed my struggle, and later returned with a surprise. She handed me a gift bag which held a fancy bottle of vintage wine. It's crazy how a simple act of kindness can seriously brighten your day!
8. First-Class Trip to Awww-ville
My mom was gravely ill in Australia, and I'm in Georgia. When my husband lost his job, I couldn't swing an impromptu Australia trip. Then this awesome gal from an online forum used her travel miles to cover my flights - even treating me to first-class both ways!
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9. License to Give Thanks
I got home from work Monday and found something strange: There was a handwritten letter in the mail—totally didn't recognize the return address. I'm thinking, "Uh-oh, this can't be good". Inside, to my surprise, was my driver's license and a note. Had no clue it was even MIA. Turns out, I must've dropped it from my wallet the past Saturday.
Some kind soul spotted it on the sidewalk, took it home, penned a note, put it in an envelope with my address on it, stamped it, and slipped it in a mailbox before Saturday's mail collection. And there it was, safe and sound in my hands on Monday before I even knew it was gone.
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10. Can’t Put a Price on Education
On Sep 14, 1986, my dad dropped me off at boarding school with five dollars. That was the last I ever heard from him. He left me hanging for the tuition too. So, from 14, I took on every job I could find and worked my way through school. Making just $4 an hour, I never got close to paying my whole bill. Yet, the school kept me around since I was a pretty good student.
Fast forward to graduation day. When I opened my diploma, expecting to see a crazy-large bill, I got a note instead. Its contents changed my life. It read, "Congrats on graduating. A bunch of us who believe in you and care about you paid your bill. We are proud to give you this diploma".
11. Mother of Mercy
So when my wife delivered our first kid, she was roomed with a woman who unfortunately, had a stillbirth. Instead of cuddling her own newborn, my weary wife handed me our baby and devoted the next few hours comforting this shattered soul. Something about the mom-code seemed to link them.
Since then, they're are now our tight friends. They've had two wonderful kids since—one thing they never forget, is the lifeline my wife was, especially in those three painful hours after their loss. It's the most selfless gesture I've seen. Basically, the lady I married? Nicest person I know.
12. Kids, Kids, Everywhere
So I'm at Target shopping one day, got my baby and my two-year-old in tow. Baby's diaper goes nuclear and there's no family restroom in sight. I'm stuck in the ladies' room trying to contain the damage and all my two-year-old wants to do is probably lick the floors or something equally gross. I needed saving—and I got just that.
Outta nowhere, this awesome lady in her 40s spots my struggle and decides to occupy my toddler. They start counting sinks, playfully hopping on tiles, making funny faces. It probably wasn't more than a few minutes, but seriously, it was the most helpful thing she could've done for me while I was dealing with my baby's poop-pocalypse.
13. Just Saved Your Life, No Need to Thank me
I had this crash on my bike, and believe it or not, this homeless dude went all out to help me. Really got me out of a bind, you know? Even though he had zilch, this guy pulled my wallet and dug out my health card. Dialed 911 on my cell, passed it back, convinced some random guy passing by to stick with me, then just split. Never ran into him again, but man, I owe him big time.
14. A Pack of Lifesavers
I'm part of a small not-for-profit team in a big city downtown. Our doorstep is home to lots of homeless folks. Trust me, we see it all. Few teammates even helped people struggling from drug issues. I've literally watched them doing CPR on folks whose hearts quit.
They aren't medics but many know CPR. I've been there for a year and so far, we've not lost a soul. I recall a colleague and our front desk person working hard on a guy for 10 minutes until he pulled through. My coworkers are just incredibly awesome.
15. Three Times the Generosity
I had triplets last year, and this angel from work, she's been dropping off hot food for me nearly every week this whole first year. Lifesaver! She's all stealth about it too, doesn't want to bother me or anything. Just a text like "Hey, left something on your porch". Seriously, it's one of the coolest things anyone's ever done for me.
16. Heart of Gold
When I was a teen, I was selling my old bike online for $30. Some guy got in touch, and we agreed on a place to meet. Turned out, it was two young kids on one bike; one on the seat and the other hitching a ride on the pegs. The dude on the bike bought my old bike for his buddy so they could ride side-by-side. Honestly, it was the purest thing I've ever seen, and I was grinning like a Cheshire cat watching them ride off together.
17. A Different Kind of Donation
I gave stem cells to a total stranger. It was a pretty distant experience, you know, because it was anonymous and all. So I didn't have any info about the person getting the donation, and vice versa. But later, I got this heart-wrenching note. I got a letter from her that really hit home how much I'd changed her life.
For me, it was just a cheek swab I'd done back in college, like, four years ago and then, out of the blue, an email saying I was a match for someone. Reading her letter was a real eye-opener. Sure, giving lifesaving stem cells to someone was a big deal, but not knowing who they were going to kinda left me feeling a bit hollow. So, getting her letter meant a lot.
18. Small Gestures Can Go a Long Way
When my grandma passed, my buddy would FaceTime me for bedtime stories when I was up late. We had a code word - "pineapple". If she said it and I didn't respond, she'd know I'd fallen asleep and could end the call. Might've been small for her, but it was a massive help for me. I'll remember it forever.
19. Angels in the Heavens
Back in October 2017, I was really sick, but my dad was even sicker in a different country. I was the only one who cared, so I had to fly over to help him. I was planning to bring him back home once he was better from surgery. I was already dealing with a lot, and I wasn't really up for a flight—but I had no other choice.
The flight was just two hours, but it was too much for someone as worn out as I was. While lining up to board, I felt dizzy and nervous—but it got worse when we took off. I had a panic attack; hyperventilating and crying all over my seat.
I was by the window with a big guy in the middle and his daughter on the edge. The man noticed I was upset, they swapped seats. The girl squeezed my hand and calmed me, basically saying, "You're okay, we're here. Let the anxiety happen, we won't judge, everything will be fine".
She hugged and comforted me while I sobbed. Upon landing, they drove me straight to the hospital where my dad was admitted, an hour away. They also offered to book me a hotel, but I had a place to stay. God knows what I would've done without them. We're Facebook friends now, and she still checks up on me.
20. Something to Be Thankful About
When I was in first grade, my mom was having serious money troubles. She shared with another parent about how challenging Thanksgiving was gonna be. Like a week before the holiday, there was a draw to win a full Thanksgiving feast. My teacher gave all students two game cards from a deck. When it was my turn, she held back a bit, checked my cards, then handed them back. I ended up winning.
Even if she didn't check the cards, I would've been suspicious. I mean, I never win stuff.
21. Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover
In 6th grade, I saw this amazing thing happen. I was on the school bus, just two stops from home. There was a guy just sprawled out on the sidewalk, and the bus had stopped. The bus driver wasn't in her seat; then I saw her outside, doing the right thing - checking the man's pulse and dialing 911.
The bummer of it all was how some kids on the bus were being jerks - saying the guy was a junkie, and that there was no point in helping him. The next day, our bus driver got wind of the nasty talk and corrected everyone. "That guy from yesterday didn't OD; he was in diabetic shock," she clarified.
So, she kind of saved him twice over. The thing is, you don't know someone's deal until you ask.
22. Good Neighbors
On our honeymoon, we were a bit strapped for cash but managed to crash at our top-choice hotel, in the best beach town. Some mystery person found out we were just married and footed our bill. A tiny act that made a massive impact on us. One day, I'm gonna return the favor at that same spot.
23. The Hike to Friendship
When my old man was in uni, his car broke down one time on this quiet road. Some good Samaritan pulls over and gives him a lift to the garage. Crazy thing is, this dude was from the same school as my dad! They started chilling together and fast forward about four decades, they're still thick as thieves.
24. Star Teachers
I've got epilepsy. Had a crazy seizure during a school assembly once. Coming to, I saw my English teacher grinning, reassuring me, and my health teacher who was first on the scene to help out. I was an emotional wreck. I even started bawling and apologizing.
My teacher calmed me down and helped me off the stands. My health teacher, English teacher, choir director, and school counselor all kept me company 'til the ambulance showed up. Later, my English teacher sent this super sweet video of her family and herself wishing me well. So touched by all the love and support!
25. A Cinderella Story
So I found this perfect wedding dress for 60 bucks but I only had three weeks till the big day. Called everywhere and no one could do the quick fixes I needed. I was devastated. Mentioned this to my work pal over a quiet lunch break at the hospital, when a nurse from the cancer center pops up and offers, "I can do alterations! Mind if I take a look?"
Caught off guard, I asked her how much it'll cost me. She shrugged off and said, "Eh, $50". That's a crazy good deal for wedding dress alterations, by the way. I jumped at the chance, swapped numbers, and decided to bring the dress the next day during lunch. She had me try it on several times to get it spot-on. She even got some extra fabric for it. Then, she started talking, and my heart started to break.
We got talking during the fittings, and she mentioned her mom passing away last winter. They used to sew together and fixing dresses like this makes her feel close to her mom. On the day I got my dress back, she greeted me with a massive grin. Tried to pay her and she just wouldn't take it. She said it was her treat, in memory of her mom. Couldn't hold it and we both had a good cry. Swore then and there to pay her kindness forward one day.
26. Like a Speeding Bullet
Once when I was like nine, I didn't catch my school bus on time. This huge dude scooped me up and sprinted after the bus yelling his head off to get it to stop. It finally did pause and he plonked me in it before he dashed off. I didn't even get a chance to thank him. Plus, I was a bit on the pudgy side then.
27. What Might Have Been
When I was 16, I got saved by a kind stranger. I used to work solo late-night shifts at a fro-yo shop, often till 10 or 11 o'clock. One particular night, a lady from the vet clinic next door drops by for some yogurt just before closing time.
Meanwhile, a sketchy dude enters, doesn't buy anything, just lurks around. The woman quietly checks if I was by myself, which I was, then she decides to hang out with me at the register. After a while, noticing she wasn't leaving, the creepy guy bails. Super grateful, I thanked her before locking up.
I often ponder about the 'what-ifs' had she not stayed back. I owe her big time.
28. Just a Real Good Guy, No Strings
When I was 18, my cousin and I hit a suburban nightclub. We got into a big fight and she ditched me, no cash, dead phone. Then this guy I kinda recognized spotted me in tears, offered to crash at his place and bus fare for the next day. We took a taxi to his place, his mom was super nice. But the next day was even better.
Instead of dropping me at the bus stop, he drove me all the way home - nearly an hour. He was a total gentleman, didn't make a move. Just a nice guy. No, I didn't grab his digits. Really should have. Dumb move on my part.
29. Up in Flames
While on a trip, my folks ran into this lady who was totally having a no good, very bad day. Her house burned down, her husband had flown the coop, and she had zero friends around for support. She was stationed outside of mom and pop's motel, crying her eyes out, surrounded by her kids, just totally lost.
Her family ran from the burning house in nothing but their PJs. The kids were barefoot and she was in her nightie, wondering how they were gonna make it through the next few days till she could contact some distant relations for help. My folks' car was crammed with goodies from their vacation, like fresh clothes meant for my kid cousins.
So, they let her children sort through the pile and grab what they needed, tossed their whole snack stash their way, handed her every travel check they had. To top it all off, pops headed inside and booked her a room for a week.
30. What Goes Around Comes Around
When I was 16, I drove to my girlfriend's place on a wet Saturday afternoon. This dude on a bike was in front of me, and he totally ate it trying to hit the sidewalk. I pulled up in a driveway nearby and checked on him. He was a pretty gruesome sight: His bike was all twisted up and his arm was covered in blood. I tossed his bike into my trunk, handed him my old hoodie for his arm, and gave him a lift home.
He gave me his card when I left — turns out he was a dentist at a near hospital. Fast-forward to 19, that same guy yanked my wisdom teeth for free as part of some "research experiment". Not sure they really needed wisdom teeth for an experiment, but hey, guess doing good stuff pays off.
31. Kinder Kindness
I used to work at a museum summer camp where I looked after little kids. One day, a rich kid from my group brought this huge Megazord Power Rangers toy. What he did next really touched me. Another kid in our group tripped, bruised his knee, and started crying.
While I was dealing with the blood, this rich kid stepped in. He noticed the crying kid’s wolf t-shirt and asked, "Are wolves your thing?" Tears still streaming down his face, the crying kid replied, "Yeah... I like 'em". That's when the rich kid amazingly converted the Megazord's leg into a purple wolf.
He handed it to the other kid because he knew he liked it. The crying kid got the biggest smile on his face. They turned into best buds from that day on.
32. One Day Stand
So, I met this guy at the bar once. He was alone, about to go through a surgery the next day but with no one to drive him home. He was just grabbing some food there before his fasting started. His girlfriend had just split up and moved, and his backup pick-up plan crashed.
Dude just needed a little help. Ended up, I drove him to the hospital, hung out with him before the surgery, contacted his folks post-op, stuck around during recovery, fetched his medicine, escorted him back home, and checked he was alright before taking off. At that moment, it felt like nothing. Haven't bumped into him since, and that's totally fine.
33. Monkey Business
When I was nearly 13, my family and I didn't have a home. Also, my younger brother has severe autism. We were in line for lunch at a soup kitchen one day. It opened at 11 am and we got there at 6 am. We were pretty close to the entrance, with about 20 people ahead of us.
After my dad got back from taking my kid brother on another walk (because he was getting upset and biting himself), it was pretty obvious my brother was reaching his limit. Then he had a meltdown. People were gawking at the scene he was causing.
There were a couple of dudes wearing worn-out tees and denim vests filled with patches and Vietnam Vet stuff. Each one had a beaten-up backpack or a trash bag with all their belongings in it. One guy, who was wheelchair-bound and missing a leg, saw my brother's outburst.
When he figured out from my mom that my little bro was severely autistic, he rolled up to our sunburnt, homeless family huddle. Then, he unclipped his most prized possession—a small stuffed monkey—from his wheelchair. The monkey was the cleanest thing about him.
He handed it to my bother, who immediately hugged the toy and started calming down. I still remember what he said: "He looks like he needs it more than I do". This guy had given up his only treasured thing to comfort my little brother. Now, I give back anytime I can, but I'll never forget that moment of true kindness.
34. A Christmas Miracle
I'm a 19-year-old kid. Couple days back, I popped into a diner, and while eating, noticed the waitress was bawling her eyes out. So naturally, I asked what was up, and she shared that just before I walked in, some deadbeats snuck off, stiffing her on the bill. Apparently, she'd probably have to cover it, and maybe lose her job if she ratted to her boss.
Worst bit? She's got kids and Christmas is right around the corner - this paycheck cut was the last thing she needed. Once I chowed down, I settled my bill, dropped a $50 tip (cleaned out my wallet), scribbled "Merry Christmas" on a note, and dashed before she noticed.
35. Making up for Lost Time
As a kid, my birthdays sucked. We weren't broke, but mom and dad would tease with, "Hey, Hawaii for your birthday.."., then: "Oops, just kidding. It's just for your stepdad and me". Imagine a bummed 12-year-old. When my awesome wife learned about this, she's bent over backwards to make my birthdays rock.
Surprises like a trip from North Canada to San Diego—all for sushi at Nobu, or a surprise bash with my buddies, scattered across different cities, she's truly outdone herself. Thanks to her, my last seven birthdays have more than redeemed the letdowns from my childhood.
36. A Friend in Need
My pops bumped into an old high school pal he hadn't seen in ages. Turns out, the guy had cancer, no family to fall back on except a son who was studying in a different state. So Dad, being the awesome person he is, started hanging out with him, kept him company, and drove him to doctor appointments.
He'd even sorted out the maze of about 18 different prescriptions for him. I mean, who can keep track, right? And when his friend passed away, my dad was there for his son, helping with all the sad final bits. I gotta admit, my old man's my idol. He's got a heart of gold and honestly, I wanna be more like him.
37. Paxton at Peace
My hubby and I got a Great Dane pup we named Paxton. He quickly turned into our fur baby. He tagged along on family trips and holidays like Christmas. Pax was more like a human than some peeps I know. He'd cuddle up tight when I felt low, loved all, even cats, and slept with his fave toy frog for years.
Last year, Pax was taken from us by a sudden heart attack. We found him lifeless on our living room floor, it was crushing. We can't have kiddos, and Pax was our bundle of joy. In the past 18 months I had also lost my mom, granny, and uncle. I felt something inside me crack - I burnt out. I had to take a week off work.
When I was back, there was an envelope on my desk that brought me to tears. It was a thank you note from the local pet shelter. A workmate had donated $150 in Pax's memory. I was stunned - I always knew Pax was special, but I didn't think others understood just how much he meant to me. It was such a pure, kind gesture. She'll never realize what a difference that made to us.
38. Christmas Miracle
When I was like five, my mom was single, studying to be a nurse, and broke as hell. We squeezed into a teeny one-bedroom flat. An old Greek dude from our building would dress up as Santa every Christmas Eve and bring me gifts. I can still hear his hearty "Ho, ho, ho! Merry Christmas!" in that cool Greek accent. That’s a super warm fuzzy from when I was a kid.
39. Living a Double Life
My great-uncle was a chill, reserved dude. He wasn't often around 'cause he was living in a distant small town. Yet, when he kicked the bucket, there was a massive crowd at his funeral. It was a turnout we never expected. Apparently, he was a big volunteer - spending time with the elderly, visiting hospice, going to food pantries, etc.
He never blew his own trumpet to us about any of this. When he died, folks from all over and from diverse volunteer groups came to give their respects. Even some people he'd helped were there. The line for his funeral at one point went out the door and round the block. You've done good, uncle. Rest easy.
40. Always Pay It Forward
Last year, when my kid had a brain tumor and was hospitalized, folks donated about $800 to give us a hand with expenses. We thought we wouldn't need it, but during the three weeks at the hospital, the money came in handy for meals, clothing, etc.
Near end of our stay, I met a family that was having a tough time. They traveled two hours each way daily to visit their really ill grandkid who unfortunately wasn't going to pull through. We had some of our donated cash left, around $200, which we placed in an envelope and asked the nurse to hand it over to them later.
The nurse was supposed to keep mum about the cash's origin, but the secret got out. The grandparents found us and tried to return the money, which we didn't accept and they sent us a heartfelt thank you note. I wished they didn't know about us, didn't want their thanks either, but somehow I'm glad they did.
The money's impact on them moved me and has since inspired me to give whenever I can, even if it's a small gift. That act changed my life, and I'm convinced the hidden $200 we left them brightened up their tough time at the hospital. Because ultimately, it's not about the cash. It's about a person showing they care during another's tough time.
41. A Child’s Love
So, one day I was gearing up for work and wasn't feeling too mad about it. Just as I'm heading out, my little 5-year-old girl gives me this cute note, penned down on an old envelope. It read, "You're my life's hero, dad". Bet no one will ever beat that sweet little line, and seriously, I do hope I can live up to it for her.
42. Puppies Make Everything Better
Just got a new pup and I take him for walks daily. There's this homeless dude we always pass. Koda, that's my puppy, never misses a beat and rushes over to him, all bouncy and happy. Today, the guy tells me our little visits have become the best part of his days.
He says most folks don't even give him a glance, like he's no more than a ghost amongst a crowd. There are times he doesn't get to talk to anyone for weeks. I mean, I'm not doing anything special, but it makes me feel good that someone loves Koda as much as I do. Especially someone who's had a rough time lately.
43. Secret Santa
I really enjoy joining in on adopt-a-family stuff at Christmastime. No kids myself, so I like buying presents for kids from families that don't have much. I'll never forget this young 18-year-old single mom. She had a three-year-old, and they'd just moved into their first ever apartment. All they had were two plain mattresses, nothing else.
She had a job, and was trying to put money aside for home stuff. Her Christmas list was pretty sad. All she wanted were blankets, a cooking pan, and a Spider-Man toy for the little one. Back then, I was single and self-supported, so I couldn't splurge, but I was committed to squeeze out every penny.
So, I scored a full comforter/sheet set, a pillow, and a pan set for her. Then came the fun part - I found a Spider-Man bed tent for her boy from a fitted sheet. Super cool, right? I also stumbled into a huge Spider-Man plushie for him, plus a ginormous storybook with over 100 whole bedtime tales. For sure I picked up the usual – kiddie clothes and a gift card for a nice festive meal. But the true bargain came next.
I found this TV/DVD combo going for less than $100 on clearance! I knew every cent mattered for them, so inside their Christmas card, I slipped a note saying she could borrow videos from the local library for free. Oh man, I wish I could've seen their reactions. Really hope that helped to lighten up her first solo Christmas.
44. Touchdown!
Found a wallet in a cab after a night out. Took some detours to reach the dude and return it the next day. Guess what? He's a football player! Hooked me up with the cash in the wallet as a thanks. Boom!
45. Just a Little Short
Chillin at Goodwill while my wife's shopping, I noticed a woman spill her change on the counter. The cashier told her it wasn't enough. I knew I had to step up. Sauntered over and asked about her balance. Just 40¢. I handed it to her, wished her a good day. She looked happy but kinda embarrassed. Hope she enjoys the new getup.
46. Diamond in the Rough
My first gig in conservation was challenging, with a boss who seemed hard, yet had a heart of gold. At 20, I was a single mom with a baby boy, financially scraping by, dealing with loads of emotional baggage and a fickle ex.
Among seven guys, I was the sole woman, on a mission to plant trees, fix forest roads, and rejuvenate habitats for ten-hour shifts. I couldn't fit in with the boyish crew, and I was too tomboyish for my girl pals. I felt lost. One lunch break, things got too much, and I broke down crying.
The day after, once everyone left after work, my boss told me to stick around. I rolled my eyes, figured he was going to chew me out again for my performance. I was in for a surprise. He waited till everyone was gone, grabbed his wallet, and gave me a handful of cash.
"Take it," he said, "no idea how much, just a grab. But you can use every dollar to dig yourself out of this pit". That was nearly ten years ago. Now, my life's flip-turned. I'm ridiculously happy. That tough old forestry dude opened a door for me, a change that rippled way beyond that moment of compassion.
47. Supportive Stranger
Busted my foot bouldering during the first week of my study abroad - my first time out of the States. I went into total panic mode. Luckily, some random dude rushed over post-fall, gathered crucial deets for the EMTs, and spent the ambulance-wait time asking about my schoolwork and research (mentioned I'm a student, see?). His solid friendly vibes chilled my nerves, even though I was seriously losing it.
48. To Teach Is to Touch Lives Forever
When I was just four, I got into a car crash that landed me in a coma. That wasn't even the worst part though. My sis, who was with me in the car, didn't make it. She passed away the day after our accident. I was still out cold when her funeral was set to happen, which meant I'd be solo in the hospital. But my preschool teacher stepped up. She hung out with me at the hospital, holding my hand, so my parents could go to my sis's funeral without worrying about me being by myself. That's the nicest thing anyone's ever done for me.
49. Brother From Another Mother
Just bounced from a rough breakup, my college buddy gave me a place to crash. Showed up with nada, he hustled a makeshift bedroom from thin air – bed, sheets, the works. Checked my ego at the door and gave him a bear hug, vowing never to need help again.
He just said "Anything for a brother". He might not remember that night, but it's etched in my memory. Since then, I've helped four mates find a roof when they hit rock bottom, and honestly, it grounds me every time. I owe it to him.
50. The Music Man
I was jogging and my MP3 player slipped from my grasp on a bustling city road. A kind old guy seriously halted mid-traffic and hailed me. As I was zoning out, I didn't react at first, so he honked and flailed his arms for a good five seconds. Cars were honking for him to move, but he stayed put. Once he got my attention, he yelled, "He's got it! He's got it! Run!"
I did a 180 and sprinted two blocks to meet a guy who'd scooped it up and was attempting to power walk clear. Appreciate it, mate.
51. A Helping Hand
When I hit 18, my mental health tanked big time. One day, it got to be a bit much, and I went for a walk, half thinking I'd head for the train tracks. My head was in a really bad place. I ended up stalling at the park, just sat on a bench and cried like crazy. I was shaking so much, I couldn't really feel anything else.
Mom was calling me, desperate to locate me, but my phone was dying. Plenty of folks passed me by, some shot me dirty looks. But then this lady, who lived around the block, stopped. She did maybe the only thing that could have helped: She sat with me and just hugged me. She ended up calling my mum and telling her where I was before my phone quit on me.
The lady hung around till my mom showed up and took me on a long drive to chill me out. I still cross paths with her when I'm back home. I'm not sure if she remembers that bench sit-down, but I do. That gesture meant the world to me. I've always wanted to tell her how much I appreciated it. It still sticks with me.
52. Surprise Bodyguards
My friend and I spotted this creeper tracking us. We were getting dolled up for a concert, taking some selfies outside, about a mile from the venue. This biker guy pulls over and says, "Watch out, there's a weirdo spying on you around the corner. Maybe snap photos somewhere safer. Stay alert".
The biker bounces, and soon after it hit us, he wasn't kidding. The creeper'd been peeping from around the block. We booked it. The lame part is we had to alert a bunch of others about creeps too. As we moved closer to the venue, loads of skeevy older dudes were leering at these kids, like 12-13-year-olds. All the people going to the concert had to pull together to keep each other safe.
53. Benevolent Bus Driver
One day after school, my practice was unexpectedly off, but no one bothered to tell me until it was too late. With school out at 3:10 and buses leaving at 3:20, and it was close to 3:18, so I was dashing around packing my things and trying to spot my bus, which loved playing 'hide and seek'. Couldn't spot it, and all the buses started vanishing
I could've walked home, but it was pouring, and I had a load of stuff to carry. Another bus driver I used to ride with spotted me stuck and upset in the rain. She stopped her bus and waited, letting me jump aboard. She held up a bus full of kids just so I could get a ride, even though I wasn't supposed to be on her bus anymore. It's easily one of the kindest things someone's ever done for me.
54. Regardful Recruiter
When joining the Service, my recruiter picked me up to fill out some paperwork at his office near downtown. On our drive, we noticed a homeless lady on the road. Without a beat, my recruiter U-turned to a drive-through close by.
He ordered a huge meal with a large water, and zoomed back to the lady. Seeing her face when he handed the meal was unforgettable. He didn't need to do that, but he did it because he's kind. He's a top-notch leader, and I aim to be like him in all I do.
55. The Musician’s Message
During a tricky test in my college class, I had a total breakdown. I'd been feeling pretty low about myself for a while, struggling with my major, and feeling like I was just not good enough. The test went badly, I screwed up, and made myself really mad.
Halfway through this disaster, my professor stopped me and said, "How about a redo at the end of the class?" I agreed, headed back to my seat, and totally lost it—tears streaming down my face. I had to book it to the bathroom just to avoid a full-on crying fit in front of everyone.
I got another shot at the test after class, and my professor was super patient. But what really got me emotional was the note he left in my open binder. It read, "You are a talented, smart musician with a bright future. I believe in you, and I'm here for you".
Reading that just made me cry harder, but this time out of relief and gratitude. I'd never had a teacher give me that kind of support. That simple note really turned my year around and boosted my self-worth like crazy. It's something I think about often, and I'll be forever thankful to that prof.
56. Help Needed
While I worked at Apple, a houseless man comes in asking for a job. He actually tried a few times, no luck though because the guy's got no phone, no home address. One day he scores a bunk in a halfway house, so me and my friends at the store chip in to hook him up with a budget phone and a 6-month prepaid SIM. Long story short, he lands a job and he's not on the streets anymore!
57. More Where That Came From
I chatted up this guy I hardly knew after class, freshman year at university. All jokey, I told him I was living solo and my meals were all cereal for the past couple of days—no time for food runs 'cause of exams. Next thing, he shows up with two servings of amazing butter chicken with rice.
Turns out, his folks own an Indian joint, so he had leftovers to spare. He was like, "Hit me up for more, any time". That was the first act of kindness from a non-family member that really hit home. Sadly, he dropped out a few weeks after, but the impression stays.
58. Into the Mouths of Babes
So, right after my first kid was born, I got tons of baby formula from a friend. Sadly, my little one had tummy troubles and couldn't handle it. Figuring out what to do, I headed online to a site for giving/getting free stuff. A gal from my town reached out, desperate for the formula since her dude had ditched her.
After trading identifiers, I gave her a call. She'd have to wait to come get the formula until she found a way into town. She was holding back tears when we offered to deliver it. Finding her address, we saw she lived in a rundown, remote part of town—in the heart of the desert with no buses in sight.
Figuring we could do more, we rummaged through our cupboards and found heaps of stuff we could spare. We stuffed three giant bags and a laundry basket with it. Arriving at her place, she let us in. She was living with basics: just one couch, an empty kitchen.
We made a couple of trips to the car to haul everything. She was floored that we'd brought more than just the formula. As she hugged me and burst into tears, she said, "Thank you. I had no clue how we'd eat in the weeks to come". Then she instantly prepared a bottle for her little one. It was heart-wrenching—they were obviously starving.
59. Guardian Angel
When I was around five, I was playing and ran out into the road. I nearly got hit by a car, but this guy who was watching me scooped me up just in time. My folks were super grateful, and he sort of became my unofficial babysitter, always keeping an eye on me from his porch while he read. He passed away recently, and I miss him a lot.
60. All Dogs Go to Heaven
I'm employed at a vet clinic and was assisting a customer when he spotted our euthanasia candle was lit. He asked if someone was saying farewell, and I nodded with a heavy heart. His next move really got me choked up. He presented his credit card, offering to cover the bill for them. Struggling to hold back the tears, I processed his payment and expressed my thanks.
He brushed it off, mentioning he'd been there before, understood the struggle, and wanted to lend a hand. He preferred to stay anonymous and departed with his pet.
61. Grocery Gratitude
Day one of lockdown here in Michigan saw grocery store lines snaking around the block. I was stuck in checkout for a hot 90 minutes. Finally, it was my turn, but the woman in front of me had issues with her card - it was a no-go. After a few tries, the cashier suggested she call her bank.
They put her groceries to the side. All she had were basics, nothing fancy—just water jugs, rice, mac & cheese, all the generic stuff. While I was at the register, she was on a bench, struggling to reach her bank with no success. So, I asked the cashier to ring up her groceries along with mine, and she did just that.
When the cashier told her she could leave, she was totally confused. The cashier pointed to me and said I'd footed the bill. Her gratitude was off the charts - more excited than the time I freed a claustrophobic woman stuck in an elevator.
She thanked me, asked for my name. I told her and mentioned something about sticking together, then we parted ways. The $80 didn’t burn a hole in my pocket. Still, under circumstances as chaotic as those, my minor act of kindness meant the world to her. It felt great, being able to lend a hand.
62. The Beginning of a Beautiful Friendship
Back in seventh grade, some jerks were giving me grief at lunch one day. It had been a constant struggle for years and I was getting sick of it. After they left, I just plonked down on the ground where I was and munched on my lunch, barely holding in tears. A bunch of sixth-graders noticed me and popped over to ask what was up. I spilled the beans about what went down and they offered to hang out with me for lunch. I was totally down. From then on, we just started sharing lunch every day.
63. Catch These Leaks
Once during university, I totally blew it on a test and was bummed big time. Riding the bus back, I was doing my best not to sob in front of everyone, trying to wipe away my tears with my sleeve. Suddenly, a girl comes over, gives me a tissue, and then goes back to her seat without saying anything. It was really cool to have some random person be there for me, even without trying to poke into my stuff.
64. One Good Turn Deserves Another
In 2008, I played airport guide to a first-time flyer at Laguardia in NYC. Dude's a bit clueless about the whole TSA drill - he's even packing his stuff in plastic bags. They tell him to trash his bags, and he's literally throwing away brand new Nikes!
I can't watch this, so I head over. He tells me the deal and I offer to buy him a carry-on after I clear security. The guy hands me a hundred, and I give him my crochet bag as collateral. Mission successful: I grab him a suitcase, deliver it with change, and give him a TSA 101. We hug it out and part ways.
Typical me, my flight's delayed three hours and I'm beat. I pillow up with my purse, snuggle into my coat, and nap by a wall. Wake up to find a cute care package: fuzzy blanket, neck pillow, eye mask, cookies, and a plushie dog with a note.
Turns out the newbie flyer left this lifesaver gift while I snoozed. That package was a sanity saver during my extra-long travel. To the airport newb, glad you kept your Nikes and I love my little plushie pup. I named him LG!
65. Auspicious Timing
It was Christmas Eve and I learned my buddy was going to be all alone on Christmas. Sure, I was far off with my own family, but I had to help him out. I just happened to be scrolling through Facebook when another friend mentioned having an extra spot on a trip. I told my friend to grab his passport and pack a bag for a few days. I sent him off to Amsterdam on Christmas Eve, complete with some cash for fun. The guy was bawling.
66. The Gift of Giving
When I was 17, my mom signed us up to deliver gifts for a local charity. We ended up heading to a small rural town about 90 minutes from where we lived, which happened to be close to where we used to live when I was a kid.
Mom asked me to come along so she wouldn't have to drive alone on Christmas Eve. I wasn't thrilled about the idea. I was a grumpy teenager who didn't like the small town we were visiting. I thought I had cooler things to do. But hey, we made it there and found the spot.
This spot was just a tiny shack, one of many in the shadow of an old hotel next to a rural highway. Meeting the door was a woman who looked past her age probably due to the hardship she had endured. After we delivered the presents, her three kids popped in to thank us.
Their smiles were incredible. They didn't expect any presents until we showed up. It was late on the Christmas Eve and we had just made their Christmas. It hit me then. I had to tell mom, "I'm grateful I came along".
Mom broke down in tears and hugged me tightly. On our ride home, I drove, and mom shared our own story. Turns out, we had been in similar shoes, relying on the same charity for Christmas gifts when I was small. I knew we were poor, but I didn't realize just how much. That was my best Christmas although I can't remember my gift. What stuck with me was the joy we brought to those kids and their mom.
67. Lovely Distraction
She comforted me in an airport restroom when I was breaking down, scared about the uncertainty of leaving my hubby in a different country. She was a janitor who noticed me crying and, without a whisper, passed me a huge stack of paper towels. She then led me to a cozy corner and simply stayed there with me until I regained my composure.
She brought up trendy movies and her dislike for modern pop tunes, and just kept chattering until my tears subsided. She was my lifesaver that day.
68. Judgement-Free Inspiration
When my son was a baby, I was seriously anxious about breastfeeding him public. Once, this guy saw me trying to nurse and gave me this nasty look. That encounter stuck with me. I was in a park struggling under a blanket to get him latched on when this elderly lady approached me.
She sat down and casually mentioned, "Babies can be pretty fussy, huh?" and gave my knee a friendly pat. I agreed and she noticed my issue with the blanket and offered, "Mind if I help out?" She then picked up the corner that kept slipping off my shoulder, giving me the freedom to adjust comfortably.
I was totally taken aback and thanked her profusely. Once we were good, she just said, "Don't worry about it, honey. We've all needed a little help with our kiddos. You might not even need that blanket someday!" And off she went. I've never forgotten her.
69. Don’t Shoot the Messenger
This guy was causing a scene on my train ride because the ticket agent told him his ticket was invalid. He was making a big deal out of it, demanding her name so he could complain about her. I felt kinda bad, she was only doing her work and hadn't screwed up.
I got out of my seat and started hunting for her. When I bumped into her, she looked pretty bummed out. Politeness in place, I requested a pen and some paper and she gave it to me. I penned down a commendation for her boss saying she was doing a bang-up job. Seeing her smile cheer up made my day.
70. Family Is What It’s All About
Back in the day, when my dad was seriously ill with cancer, mom spent a lot of time in hospitals and waiting rooms. To keep her mind busy, she started a project - a patchwork quilt made of flannel. I'd help out by bringing her different fabrics whenever I could, sometimes getting off the bus early to pick something up.
After dad passed, that quilt got put away for a while. I figured it might bring back a lot of difficult memories for mom, so I never mentioned it. But about ten years later, during my first Christmas away from home, she gave it to me.
It was my first Christmas as a married woman. I was a bit homesick, being hundreds of miles away from my family, but also happily in love. In mom's package, I found the finished quilt. She included a note, telling me she'd continued the quilt after dad was gone, knowing it would end up with me. That quilt's a treasure I plan to keep forever, then hand down to my own grandkids one day.
71. It’s a Doggone Miracle
My neighbor's pup took a tumble off a cliff, and they couldn't foot the bill for the life-saving operation. We snuck $500 in an envelope on their back porch, along with a note for their dog's aid. It wasn't a full cover, but we found out the vet accepted it as part-payment. The pup stuck around for some time after that, and they cherished him tons.
72. Destiny at Play
I hit the gas station today. The card swiper was on the fritz, so I had to head inside to pay. When I rolled in, I caught a mom guiding her kid towards the cashier, whispering "come here, sweetie". She rustled up a rumpled buck and some coins and told the cashier, "$1.47 on pump 3". When it was my turn, I chipped in an extra $10 for her.
I was hoping to stay under the radar but her gas ran out before my 10 bucks kicked in. So, I found myself outside explaining to her to give the pump another whirl. She picked up that it was me and was super grateful. It's got me thinking—maybe it was meant to happen. How often do you get a busted card reader at a gas pump?
If not for that, I wouldn't have landed the chance to lend a hand. As the mom was leaving, she wished someone pays it forward for me too. Even if that'd be nice, what I truly wish for is more chances like these to help out. My only issue? I should've thrown in more than just $10.
73. Tears of Absolute Joy
74. Spidey-Sense
My brother and I were heading home to our folks' place, about a five-hour drive from college. We crested a hill in a rural spot and spotted something odd by the road—a motorcycle lying abandoned. My brother brushed it off, but I had a weird feeling and stopped anyway. Turns out, my gut was right.
A 65-year-old guy had crashed his bike and was knocked out in the ditch. He was pretty hidden behind the hill, and no one had noticed. He lived just ten minutes away. I stayed with him till the ambulance arrived, and checked in on him a few weeks later.
He had some broken ribs and was a bit banged up, but he was doing okay.
75. Take a Page From This Nephew’s Book
When my great uncle was around, I'd grab books about the Wild West for him. As an old guy, he didn't get to shop much, even though he was a big fan of reading and cowboy tales. I noticed he started re-reading his books cause he had no new ones.
So, I hatched a plan. Every time I hit up the bookstore, I'd get two books. After collecting a few, I'd bundle 'em up, swing by his place, drop them at his door, ring the bell, and ditch. When I'd pop in later in the week, he'd always share his theories about who the mystery book giver was and how he was gonna figure it out.
76. Blood Isn’t Everything
My parents were really young when I was born, around 19, and soon after they broke up because they just weren’t ready for family life. It was rough. My dad completely vanished and my mom met someone else, who she started dating when I was just a tyke, about 5 or 6. By the time I was 9 they were married and he became the guy I call dad. Apparently, it's normal for people my age (23, going on 24).
Then my mom and stepdad split when I was 18. That hit me hard, harder than when my biological parents separated, because I was older and he had been my "dad" for most of my life. I mean, I was only 2 when my real parents broke up and before I knew it, my stepdad had stepped into my life.
Breaking the news to me was terrifying; as an only child in a small town, starting my final year of high school, I was faced with what felt like a whirlwind of change. I didn’t know who was moving out or where I’d end up. They fought nightly. I remember a heated conversation:
Stepdad: "Get your stuff and leave". Mom: "Where am I supposed to go? What about our daughter?" Stepdad: "I couldn’t give a DAMN where you go, but OUR daughter stays here. With me".
It ticked me off that he felt he could decide that for me but then it hit me - he’d referred to me as his daughter. It moved me. And I felt more secure knowing he’d somehow find a way to support me more than my mom ever could.
Sadly, mom's always been terrible with money. She once got my car taken back, having pocketed the money I’d been giving her for repayments. And then she used my checks and employee discount to write thousands of unfunded checks at where I worked. It was a mess so, before long, our relationship took a hit.
Eventually, she planned on moving to nearby city with my grandma and planned on taking me with her to a larger school. However, during my senior year Christmas break, I decided to stay with my ex-stepdad. She was hurt, especially not knowing I’d heard him promise to take care of me.
When I was 19 I was carless and relying on my then-boyfriend for rides, until my ex-stepdad gave me $2,000 cash for an old 1991 Cadillac DeVille on sale. He also allowed me to stay at his place rent-free as long as I had a job, stayed in school and paid my own bills. Plus, he taught me to be more responsible with money – definitely not something mom could’ve taught me.
Looking back, I'm grateful that he took me in and fought for me when my mom was leaving, even though he didn’t have to. I'm thankful for his generosity every single day. So yeah, my ex-stepdad is the coolest guy ever – you should be envious.
77. Why Add to Their Problems?
My job is okaying overdraft charges at the bank. Regardless of official rules, If I spot you're in college or a single mom, I'll totally refund those fees. I keep hush about it though, or I'm out of a job.
78. Midwinter Miracle
At one point, I was seriously broke. My car was constantly running on empty, even in winter. One day, I miscalculated and ended up stranded in town. Meandering along icy sidewalks, I carried my nine-month-old in his snowsuit to the nearest phone booth.
I called everyone I could, but no one picked up. I felt stuck. I couldn't even afford a bus ride. Finally, I swallowed my pride, approached a stranger, and asked for a couple bucks to buy some gas.
He was like, "That won't be enough. They'll want deposit money for the gas can". My face dropped as I fought back tears and mumbled, "Thanks anyway". He looked at me and said, "Stay put. I'll be back". He returned with a full gas can. As he filled my tank, he told me where to find the gas station.
Then he said, "I trust you to return this gas can". He left after I promised I would. When I got to the station down the road, the attendant told me my "friend" had given him $40 for me to fill my tank and keep the change. I was so moved, I started crying again.
79. A Tale of Two Roommates
I was gonna have a date at my place after ages. My best gal pal, who's also my roommate, was completely in on it. Stepped out for a bit and heard her say to my date, "Yeah, he's a bit shy and odd at first, but just go with it! He's crazy adorable and totally funny when he loosens up - totally worth your time!" Boy, did I need that ego-boost! Not usually my own fan, you know. Cheers to you, roomie. You've got one coming your way!
80. Make My Day
Hit the store, and this lady with her two little ones was cashing out. Had a bunch of food and some toys for the kiddos. Tried to pay and realized she left her wallet. She told the cashier she'd put everything back, and her toddler girl loses it, totally bawling.
This rough-around-the-edges guy in front of me, kinda looked homeless, steps up to the cashier and says he's gonna cover it all. Lady tries to say no, but he's like, "Don't want your baby girl crying. Consider this my good deed for the day". Pretty sure the lady, me, and everyone in line nearly shed a tear then.
81. Compassion in the Cake Aisle
So, once upon a time, I had a family shindig to go to, and dessert duty was on me. When I was at the grocery store, I ended up standing around in the cake mix aisle like a deer in headlights, unsure of what to pick. Another lady walked up and seemed just as lost. Teasingly, I asked, "Having trouble deciding too?"
She nodded, then shared that she'd been on a diet and exercise regimen for over a year, in which she lost 100 pounds. I exclaimed, "That's amazing—seriously, pat yourself on the back!" Her response was pretty timid. So, I asserted my statement again—I truly meant it. Suddenly, she began to tear up. She admitted her loved ones weren't really rallying behind her.
I responded, "You know, I’m super proud of you!" and offered her a hug. She agreed, so there we were, hugging it out in the middle of the supermarket aisle! Afterward, she said thanks and we went our separate ways.
82. Medicine Miracle
Around 8 years back, I was jobless and living off welfare. Once, I hit up the pharmacy for my meds but goofed up the total and ended up short of like 10 bucks, which was literally all I had then. It was mega embarrassing, and while I was digging in my purse for some change, the pharmacist said it was cool.
They handed over the meds for free. A couple weeks later, I got hired and when my first paycheck arrived, I dropped by with a big box of chocs and a thank you note. I tried to pay back the money for my meds, but they wouldn't take it. Their kindness was a huge deal during such a tough time, and it's something I won't ever forget.
83. Jesus Take the Claw
One of my clearest childhood memories is from when I was about six, chilling in this local bar and grill with my folks. I was totally fixed on this specific toy in a claw machine - it was a Tweety Bird in a spacesuit. I was so caught up in it, I didn't notice someone come up until the claw swooped down, grabbed the toy and dropped it in the chute.
When I turned, I saw this guy who looked like he was homeless, pulling out the Tweety Bird and straight away handing it over to me. We didn't say a thing, just smiled at each other, and then he left the restaurant.
84. Girls Stick Together
At the train stop, this chick popped up when a guy wouldn't stop pestering me for my digits and would just not leave me be. He was also full-on creeps-ville asking about my train. She was like, "Holy cow, Sarah, it's been ages! Super happy to see you! Come chill with me and Jake!" Didn't know her from Adam, but man, still thankful she swooped in and saved me from what could've been a super risky deal.
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85. The Shoes off His Feet
Back in the early 90s, my old man was doing construction work in NYC. It was December and sloppy slush was everywhere, a real mess. On his way home from the train station, he spotted this homeless guy without a jacket, rocking shoes with major hole action, wet socks totally visible.
Without skipping a beat, Dad hands over his boots, peels off his jacket, digs out two extra pairs of socks from his bag, and even parts with a $20 gift card to some diner he still had from his birthday. We swing by to collect him at the train station and he's there, shoeless, socks sodden, jacket-less, shaking like a leaf in the cold.
Yet, there he is, grinning and waving when he caught sight of us. Times were tight for us too, growing up, which made him really feel for people down on their luck. He knew all too well that work boots and a solid winter jacket don't come cheap. But he saw a guy who needed those more than him, so he gave them up, simple as that
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88. Build Wallets, Not Walls
I was hanging in the city last weekend and stumbled upon a dude's driver's license on the ground. I tracked him down on Facebook and sent him a message telling him not to worry, I was going to get him his ID back. Bizarrely, we bumped into him out and about. His reaction when I was like, "Hey, you John Doe?" was epic. His eyes nearly popped out and he's like, "How in the world did you know that?"
I whip out the ID from my shirt pocket and his response? "Dude!" Followed by a massive bear hug and thank you. Now, we're Facebook buddies.
89. Consider Him Shook out of His Shell
In university, I once spotted an overweight, super shy and overly cautious guy slip on an icy patch outside our dorm. He landed flat on his back, sandwiching his packed lunch. Instead of laughing like I would usually, I felt urged to help him out.
While everyone else stared or whispered, I walked over, took his arm and hoisted him up. He was crying from shame, so I handed over a free Chick-fil-a sandwich voucher and echoed my Dad's old advice, "Shake it off, buddy. You're good". Little did I know how these words would echo back to me.
From then on, I'd see him around uni getting more sociable and enjoying pals. We weren't exactly tight, but we'd always say hi when crossing paths. At graduation, we got to share a quote about our university life and his was something like, "To the dude who offered me a hand and said, 'Shake it off, buddy. You're good'".
90. The Age of Good Company
I'm part of AA, but my regular friends have no clue. One month back, a dude rang up the meeting spot needing a lift. I offered to swing by and drop him back home. Soon as I rolled up to the address he provided, I noticed it was a nursing home. This guy was easy pushing 90.
He started sharing that his wife had just died and he was really needing a meeting. Now, I'm his weekly chauffeur to meetings, even if it's a squeeze into my time. I picked up that when he needs to vent, I oughta just lend an ear. Sometimes, that's all anyone needs.
91. From Bad to Worse to Great
I was working in Montana when I hit up a low-key gay bar. Ended up meeting a chill dude and went back to his place where his housemates were. But after my second drink, I wasn't feeling great and just wanted to chill. Suddenly, one housemate insisted I had another drink.
I declined, but she was like, "That wasn't an option. Either you drink or get out". Things got heated too fast and I just told her, "Forget it," and bounced. Problem was, my hotel was a good 15-20 miles away. So there I was, trekking through the woods at 1 a.m., freezing cold in October, and without cell service.
Then this old pickup veered round from the other direction and stopped beside me. An old guy pops the door and asks where I'm headed. I told him, and added that I didn't have any money for a lift. He was quick to say he wasn't looking for money off a lone walker at 1 a.m.
So I get in, and as we're chatting, he revealed the heartbreaking truth. He lost his son to a drunk driver on that same road. Now when he can't sleep, he patrols the road, giving after-club walkers a safe ride home.
92. A Home-Run for Altruism
Turns out, my Uncle had done something awesome for a stranger that we only learned about at his wake. There was this single mom, struggling to make ends meet, and her kid was a huge baseball fan. Uncle Peter, being his usual, kinda cool self, managed to nab a home run ball at a game, even getting it autographed.
He gave the ball to that mom so she could surprise her son with it, and she was like, "He's gonna think you're awesome!" But my uncle, bless him, didn't want any of that fame. He was like, "Nah, make him believe you snagged it. He'll think you're the coolest mom".
He kept that story to himself till the end. First time we heard it was from that mom at his wake. Uncle Peter, what a class act. Can't believe he left us at just 50. Miss ya, Uncle Pete.
93. Put Some Spring in Your Bouquet
If I had a spare 20 mins while waiting for my train, I'd grab some blooms from the nearby flower shop and randomly hand 'em out. It was a solid way to liven up someone's day and better than just chilling for 20 mins. Once, I spotted this lady who seemed super sad, tears streaming and everything. I decided she needed a pick-me-up.
But, before I could pass her the flowers, she crossed the ticket check and hit the platform, a no-go zone for me. Sure she needed those flowers, I flagged down a station worker, pointed her out and asked him to hand her the bouquet. The dude was cool enough to do it, and I watched among the crowd as he passed them on.
She was speechless. She got super emotional and immediately went to hug the guy. Happy tears followed and soon she was sporting a killer smile. Seeing that from the distance was the best feeling ever! I knew then that it was time to bounce. As I walked out, I genuinely felt like I made a difference. Every time I pass by that station now, I wonder if I'll bump into her again.
94. You Better RVSP
Some sweet old gal dialed wrong and left me a voicemail to come to her shindig. She sounded so excited, it was a real downer to think she might feel snubbed, not knowing her call never reached the right ears. I gave her a ring back to tell her she got the wrong digits and should give it another go. Turns out, she's setting up her upcoming big 9-0 birthday bash.
95. I Remember This Song
My buddy's dad, a stern but cool guy who could play the heck out of a guitar, left her his two prized axes when he passed. This guy was huge, like real huge; I still remember my hand getting lost when I shook his once.
My friend, an only child, adored listening to his guitar playing. After he's gone, she fell into money struggles. Noticing my guitar playing skills, she asked if I was interested in buying one. The guitar was this aged gold Gretsch, probably from the 60s, with some customization that hurt its vintage value.
Knowing every inch of its worthiness, I pitched her a price that was on the fair side, maybe slightly generous. She took it, although she hated letting go of it, as it held her dad's memory. She felt less sad because it was me who'd look after it.
A year later around Christmas, I let her know about my visit because we don't catch up that often, being in different states. I showed up at her place with a guitar case, all topped with a red bow.
Seeing the case, she glanced at me, "What's this?" I replied, "Your Christmas surprise". She knew right away what's inside. Tears streamed down like a waterfall; I’d never seen her break down like this before. Once she calmed down, I explained that this wasn't outright gifting but more like permanent guardianship, and I could technically jam anytime I fancy (wink, wink). She chuckled, took it inside, and then we drove off to grab something to eat.
96. Love Thy Neighbor
My neighbors wanted to borrow my truck but I had to refuse because the tires were practically bald. The next day, one of my buddies hits me up saying he's replacing his own tires and I could have his old ones. He told me to swing by this tire shop and they'd sort me out.
I show up at the shop, super surprised when they're fitting brand spanking new Goodyears instead. I'm like, where are the used tires I thought I was getting? Is something up? The shop guy just grins and tells me the "old tires" bit was just to get me down there. Turns out, my neighbor actually got me a full new set of tires. Godsend.
97. Secret Tipster
I was working one night with this newbie server. It was late and most of the crew had already busted out. Then, of course, we get slammed. The newbie is having a hard time and lands this super rude table. These folks couldn't digest that they weren't the only customers, or that we were short-staffed. It escalates.
The whole mess has her in tears, freaking out. Been there, done that, so I step in and deal with the table. When they bounce, I leave $15 on it so she'd think she scored a "tip" from them. Kept it to myself that I was the one who slipped it there. I just wanted to boost her spirits. And boy, did it ever.
She spots the tip, this huge smile spreads on her face, and she's like, "Woah! Maybe I'm not such a bad server after all! I might be getting the hang of this!"
98. Mommy’s Little Depositor
During high school, I worked summer jobs to afford cool clothes and hang out with pals. You know, my mom was a single parent, juggling a full-time gig and raising my bro and me. I'd sneak some cash into her purse now and then - $20, $100, whatever I could spare. I never told a soul.
99. Scholarship Was His Greatest Duty
My gramps used to be an agri prof at U of Florida and a Navy vet. One time, this college dude who had been in service popped by his office. Poor guy said he had to bail on school to work full time, so he could take care of his wife and kids.
But gramps wasn't gonna let that fly because, you know, education matters. So gramps footed the bill for this guy's tuition secretly, not knowing if he'd get the money back. Fast-forward, gramps passed. Fast-forward a bit more, his obit was in the Gainesville paper, and my uncle got a call.
Turns out, it's the tuition guy - he finished school and now he's a CEO of a big-shot Fortune 500. The cool part? Gramps never said a peep about this whole thing. We didn't find out 'til he was gone. But, that was just gramps for you. It sounds out there, I get it, but it's true. And yes, the guy did end up paying him back. Gives you a little hope, huh?
100. Angel in a Truck
My wife and I scrimped and saved for a nice barbecue a few years back but totally forgot about the transportation part. There we were, noodling around with the box, trying to cram it into our teeny car trunk. It was a disaster. Just as we were about to bust open the box and awkwardly arrange it piece by piece, this good Samaritan parked and chowing down dinner in his truck piped up and offered to help.
He didn't even bat an eye when we told him we lived 20 miles off. All he did was load it up, drop it at our doorstep, and politely swat away any offers of payment for his good deed.
101. The Weight of the World in Charity
There's this girl at my school who's been dealing with anorexia and other eating disorders for a while now. I've barely spoken to her – maybe at a random party once – but I kind of liked what little I knew about her. This year she took part in a charity run to support an organization aiding folks with eating disorders, and she asked for sponsorships on her Facebook...
Fast forward 55 days into the 60-day sponsorship window, and she still had no backers. So, I stepped up and anonymously funded all of her goal. As far as she knows, it wasn't me, and I haven't told a soul.
102. The Serve, Protect, and Feed
I'm an officer of the law. One day, I got a call about a lost kid at this train expo in the city. Found him - turns out he's got autism and his thoughtless pals ditched him at the show. He couldn't reach anyone to pick him up, so I took him for a spin for about an hour while we tried to call his folks. My wallet was kinda empty, just the day before payday.
I only had $10 for grub. I treated him to Subway 'cause he said he hadn't eaten the whole day. I didn't eat till 6 AM the next day.
103. Not-so-Sketchy Sketch Artist
I was at a diner with my family and friends. I spot this guy giving us the eye from his table. We're in Texas, and two of my friends are gay, so I'm thinking maybe we ruffled his feathers. The dude walks over before he peaces out and hands me a note.
Instinctively, I'm like, "I'm good, man," thinking it's some sort of preachy pamphlet or nasty note. He leaves it on the table anyway, saying, "This is for you". When I saw it, I couldn't believe my eyes. Turns out, it's a dope sketch of our posse, totally incredible. I chased him down to show my gratitude, and for years since, I've kept it on my corkboard as a reminder to not be a bonehead by jumping to negative conclusions. Cheers to that awesome artist.
104. Love Drug
So, my old man just lost his job, which means his health coverage is gone too. Last year, the poor guy had a heart attack and now he's stuck on this crazy expensive pill. We're talking $250 a pop for a month's dose with no insurance helping out. So he swung by his doc's place recently hoping to snag a discount voucher or something. And get this - a nurse rustles up a couple of month's supply of free samples from the stockroom. It was nothing to them, but everything to us.
105. Giving a Classmate a Clean Slate
So there was this kid at my junior high who always kinda stunk, like he never had clean clothes or a shower. Seemed like he wasn't getting much care at home. Since my mom is a teacher, I was always at school early, the same as this kid who rode the bus.
One morning, after seeing him get picked on for being the smelly kid, I asked my mom if we could do something. She was cool with it, so from then on, I'd take his school outfit home each day to wash for him. He only had like two outfits anyway. At the start of each week, we'd hook him up with some bath stuff. This lasted for both seventh and eighth grade. I'd always give his washed clothes in the early morning, to avoid embarrassing him further. I really hope these little things made a big difference in the end!
106. Like a Horror Movie… Kind of
A while back, my pals took a summer road trip from Dallas to Austin. En route, my car's battery gauge went haywire. We made it to Austin, but I couldn't shake the fear of my battery dying. So, I skipped my friend's show to pick up a new one from AutoZone, just to be safe.
By the time I was done, all the shops were closed, so I swapped out the battery right there in the parking lot. Turns out, that wasn’t the issue. Bummer! I met up with my buddies post-show and suggested we start the journey back that night to save battery by skipping AC use.
So, we pile into my car and make it about 20 miles before—you guessed it—the car dies! Now, we're stuck on a dark road waiting for AAA for an hour. Out of nowhere, a truck pulls up, and a guy gets out.
My friends hang back, so I end up chatting with him. I explain our situation, and he offers to tow us all the way back to Dallas, some 200 miles away. Though it seemed risky, we accepted his offer. He mentioned a trailer at his place nearby that would make the tow easier, so I got to steer my lifeless car pretty close to his bumper until then.
Fast forward to later, my friends told me the guy's mind-blowing backstory. Turns out, he was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer a year prior. Rather than seeking treatment, he chose to embrace his fate and spent his limited time aiding stranded drivers across Texas. Although his name slips my mind now, his kindness that night is unforgettable.
107. A Little Something Extra
My dad, a retired high-school art teacher, used to pack an extra lunch every school day for over 10 years. I'd always wondered why he did it, but all he's say was "Sometimes I get super hungry". It was only later that Mom revealed the truth.
He'd put the lunch at the front of his room, and any hungry student with a hard home life could snag it, no drama. Often, when a student left, their younger sibling would join the class, already in the know about the secret lunch bag. My dad’s just that type of guy - quiet, humble, and insanely big-hearted.
108. The Key to My Heart
This deaf woman with her child approached me for help cause her key broke inside her car lock. I called a locksmith and they quoted $150. She said not to bother because she couldn't afford it. Her plan was to ditch her car and trek home. But it was getting late, so I took care of it and covered the cost (She read lips).
109. Nothing More Cathartic Than Coloring
I was on what I call a "rumpled suit flight" — you know, those Friday 6 PM flights from NY to DC, packed with business folks in pricey suits sipping $14 whiskeys. Another disheveled suit sat across the aisle from a mom and her kid. When the kid got a chance, she popped open her tray table and started coloring.
I didn’t catch what they said, but somehow the kid handed the rumpled suit a coloring book, and they spent the rest of the flight coloring and chatting. I was kinda thinking, “I wanna join in on that coloring fun too”.
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