Sometimes, we feel it’s over, but life always finds a way to give us hope. Sometimes these moments remind us that kindness and good luck can help us during our hardest times. You will find tender stories in this anthology that celebrate strong human spirit and the hidden strength of kindness.
Story 1:
Because I was single, I looked after Grandma during her last few years while my siblings concentrated on their families. She left her jewelry to them, but I received only her old car. I was so upset, I put it aside and didn’t touch it for a year.
Today, I got the car out and took it for a drive. A cassette loaded and her voice played through—Grandma’s voice. She asked, “Go get a tire iron from the glove compartment, sweet Sara!” I opened the letter and it left me in awe. Inside I found a pile of cash and several letters, all with Grandma’s trademark handwriting. I couldn’t stop crying.
I wasn’t aware that she saved the money for me, especially when I could use it most. Their conversations meant so much more to him than the money they earned. She would write to me detailing how much I meant to her and how much joy we brought each other.
She pointed out that kindness was my biggest skill and that I always looked out for her, without understanding how much money she earned—which she thought made me admirable. Those notes gave me courage. They are the things I truly inherit from them.
Story 2:
As soon as my dad was gone, I stopped going to the mail every day. A neighbor noticed and began to check it for me without telling me. They separated the junk from what was important and even added little sticky notes to explain things like ‘That seems to be a bill, sorry’ or ‘Here’s another magazine, might be good to read.’ They always left their name unsigned.
After I’d gone through about two months, I came across a note that simply read, “Time keeps moving, but you can take all you need.” That was when I cried. I started to get curious about my mail around that time as well.
Story 3:
Story 4:
I returned from a trying day, spent my time on the subway, looking out into the distance. A girl entered, carrying a violin and began to play something soft and gentle in the corner. I wasn’t aware I was crying until she finished her tune, walked over, gave me a tissue and explained, “This one’s for when you’ve had a rough day.”
She didn’t look to me for financial help. She did not try to make money from me. She then decided to exit in the next town. She was gone from my life after that, yet the music lasted much longer in my heart.
Story 5:
I would stop by this coffee shop every day in the morning. I casually mentioned one day that it was my birthday.
After having slept in, I saw my name spelled out beautifully on a cup and received a free muffin with a candle inside it. The barista said, “We remembered,” with a smile. The only person to wish me a happy birthday that year was you. They might never understand just how much it meant to me.
Story 6:
I couldn’t fly because of a cancellation and spent all night at the airport without money for food. An elderly couple found me crying alone and came to me carrying sandwich and hot chocolate.
I talked with them for nearly two hours. They explained they were in the same situation 40 years ago. We keep sending each other cards on holidays.
Story 7:
Story 8:
When I was experiencing a panic attack in the library just before my finals, I picked up a random math book to hide behind. As soon as I opened it, a small paper crane fell out and had “You’re stronger than you may realize” written on its wing. It’s unclear who brought it, but it felt like someone from the past wanted to comfort me.
I carried the crane in my pencil case for the entire semester. I felt like the cosmos believed in me. When I see an origami bird, I always smile. Now I make some and hide them in secret too.
Story 9:
My tire went flat in heavy rain and I didn’t know how to fix it. There was a guy in a pickup that stopped, barely spoke and went right to help. In less than ten minutes, he replaced the tire while completely soaked.
I tried to give him money, but he smiled and answered, “Serve someone else whenever they face a problem.” As soon as he left the line, he drove away before I could ask his name.
Story 10:
During college, I often stayed past closing time in the library. The janitor noticed me and began dropping little treats and cheery messages at my desk. Comments such as “You have everything you need to do this.” I never witnessed him part from them, but they always did something to make my night brighter.
The first time I saw him, he was walking along quietly and I thanked him. He told me, “I can tell you are putting in effort.” I thought you would enjoy a cheerleader.
Story 11:
A bad event at home made me stay at a women’s shelter for a while. I spoke very little and struggled to sleep. One of the volunteers I had there was an elderly woman who was quiet and during breakfast, she would just be by me, giving me her leftover toast or offering me a chocolate bar.
The night before I went, she gave me a bag with shampoo, socks and a letter saying, “You are still whole.” I couldn’t stop myself from crying. She didn’t speak; she just held my hand. I did not feel like myself for weeks, but this experience brought me back.
Story 12:
I would often see a small child signing words to his mom at the park. Once, I smiled at him and he quickly ran up to show me how to say friend with his hands. After that, every time he saw me he would teach me different words like “sun,” “happy,” “cookie.” It didn’t seem to matter to him that I was an adult or someone he didn’t know.
Because of him, I began to take ASL seriously. My friend made it clear to me that kindness actually often shows up in small moments and simple gifts. I wasn’t able to remember his name, but he influenced how I look at people.
Story 13:
Story 14:
Because I wanted a job badly, I asked for help on a career advice subreddit. I was suggested by a random user to try out the company. They didn’t know anything about me, but still spent their time coaching me for the interview.
I was offered the job. Their identity, I only know by their chosen username. I remember my family every time I get my salary.
Story 15:
At the grocery store, I came up $3 short. The fellow behind me quickly paid for the rest so I could leave without worrying. He made fun of me, but said it had happened to him personally last week.
A month after that, I did the same because someone else hadn’t contributed their share. I make sure to have our “kindness wallet” full in times like these.
