From time to time, the world can feel so overwhelming. Rising tensions between countries, economy going down the drain and everyone leading a busy life can feel like there’s no hope for humanity. While the media is focused on hot topics, there are other things that are either ignored or simply overlooked. There are still people in this world who do good things. While their stories might go unnoticed by the media, thanks to technology, we can thankfully capture these moments forever. These individuals showed random acts of kindness to their fellow citizens, and we hope it will restore some of your faith in humanity. Here are 20 stories of amazing people who will brighten your day.
1. A couple of months ago, an elderly lady asked me to walk her home because she was scared she was going to slip on the ice. We’ve become friends and now I walk her home almost everyday.
No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. It’s the little things such as these that matter in life.
2. There is a local group that cuts lawns for the elderly, disabled, and single parent mothers for free. Here they are with my grandma.
In 2016, Rodney Smith started a non-profit organization called Raising Men Lawn Care Service, in his hometown of Huntsville, Alabama. The service helps young people give back to their communities by visiting veterans, the disabled, the elderly, single moms and anyone who needs help doing yard work. They mow people’s lawns, shovel snow, rake leaves and more; free of charge.
3. She took me in 15 years ago and no one makes me as happy. We had the best Xmas. I love my Grandma so much.
Backstory: I grew up in a kids home (orphanage) after losing my parents. She was my key worker there as well as my carer. When I was too old to live there, I had to move out. She was retiring at the time after 40 years as a carer. She said that she couldn’t stand to lose me, which kinda works out great because I love her and I couldn’t stand to lose her either.
4. A stranger helping out another stranger struggling with his tie.
Backstory: The young guy sitting down was struggling with his tie. The woman in the red coat noticed, and asked “Do you know how to tie it properly?” The young guy said “No ma’am.” She taps her husband and says “Come to this side [her right side; he was standing on her left side] and teach this young man how to tie his tie.” The older gentleman moved without hesitation [almost a reflex response] and gave him a step-by-step tutorial; then – afterward – the elder gentleman watched the young gentleman repeat the steps and show him that he had it. I was some distance away (but close enough to hear the exchange), and got even closer to snap this candid photo of the tutorial in progress before hopping on the train.
5. Man In Red Needed Help With Son’s Math Homework And Got It From A Stranger On The Subway
Backstory: So today on my way from work, the guy in the red sat down, opened up his folder and started reading. A few stops later, the guy next to him sat down and asked him what he’s studying: “You look a little confused, maybe I can help”. He said his son failed a math test and they’re learning fractions, so I’m just teaching myself this over again so I can help him. I’m 42 & don’t know any of this so I’m re-teaching myself. The guy in the black informed him that he used to be a math teacher. So, he asked the guy to ask questions and everything he got wrong or was confused about, he broke it down and corrected him. By the end of my train ride, the guy in the red had a better understanding. He can bring home a new method and teach his child. I really love seeing things like this, especially in New York.
6. A waiter helping to feed disabled lady so her husband can finish his meal. Good job good, sir.
Backstory: This couple are apparently regulars and the lady suffers from Huntington’s disease, which limits her from feeding herself, and her husband usually helps her eat before eating his meal (true love). One day, the waiter, Joe Thomas, decided to help her eat while her husband could enjoy his meal with her.
7. A 22 year old guy from Harlem befriended an 81 year old woman who he met playing Words with Friends over the past year. Last week he traveled to Florida and met her in person for the first time.
This is so sweet!
8. The man needed a kidney, and a classmate from 50 years ago who he barely knew answered the call.
Backstory: High School classmates at Archbishop Carroll 50 years ago. Today Charlie Ball (standing) is donating a kidney to Kenneth Walker. An amazing story of human generosity.
9. Kid was desperately trying and failing to do it himself. Fellow passenger asked if he needed help. San Francisco today.
Have to hand it to people who learn and teach stuff like this that wouldn’t necessarily benefit them directly.
10. Made cookies and brought them to the local nursing home. This is Mrs. Posey. She is 112 and the nurse said she hasn’t had a visitor in over 3 years.
Her face says it all!
11. Someone falls asleep on his shoulder; lets him sleep 12 more stops claiming, “we’ve all had long days.”
Backstory: Heading home on the Q train yesterday when this young man nods off on the shoulder of a Jewish man. The man doesn’t move a muscle, just lets him stay there. After a minute, I asked the man if he wanted me to wake the kid up, but he shook his head and responded, “He must have had a long day, let him sleep. We’ve all been there, right?” He was still sleeping soundly when I got off the train 20 minutes later. It was a small gesture, but a kind one.
12. This man reads everyday at lunch to a man who cannot.
How sweet and how sad at the same time, that so many people in this day and age still have a hard time reading or cannot at all. It’s one of the greatest gifts and tools you can receive to grow in life.
13. At a Waffle House in La Marque, Texas, this elderly man told the waitress that his hands weren’t working too good. He was also on oxygen and struggling to breathe. Without hesitation, she took his plate and began cutting his ham.
Not all hero’s wear capes!
14. NFL runningback Aaron Jones helping a random woman though the airport when there was no one available to help her.
Being a gentleman just is. Status doesn’t change it.
15. This man saw a little old lady having trouble bagging some stuff, so he stopped and held her bag open for her. Small act but man did it make my day…and yes I absolutely took a pic of 2 complete strangers.
Little gestures are a big deal to the ones we help.
