We’re back with another set of wholesome stories, little reminders of strength, hope, and love in everyday life.
Sometimes it feels like we’re just waiting on the universe to send us signs to pull us out of our heads, like an old man smiling, a mother finding love again, or someone embracing who they are despite the world’s judgment.
But those small moments remind us it’s never too late. When our thoughts slip into black-and-white thoughts like ‘I’ll never make it,’ ‘What’s the point?’ ‘If I’m not perfect, I’ve failed’, these stories give us hope. And often, it’s that hope that gets us out of bed and keeps us trying.
1. WWII veteran requests 100 cards for his 100th birthday, but ends up receiving thousands.
Joe Cuba is a WWII veteran who lives in an assisted living facility in Wichita Falls, Texas. As he was approaching his 100th birthday, Stephanie, one of the caregivers, asked him what he would like for his birthday. "Nothing, just happiness," he responded. So she decided, why not get him 100 birthday cards?
The care home posted a photo of Joe holding a sign: "I’m a WWII veteran who will be turning 100 on March 2, 2019. I would like to receive 100 birthday cards.”
The photo not only went viral, but he also received more than 2,500 birthday cards and 100 gifts from people all over the world.
Little gestures of generosity can amaze the elderly and put a smile on their faces that will melt your heart.
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2. Homeless man hands out résumés instead of asking for money.
A homeless man named Frederick Callison, 52, would sit outside a grocery store, not to ask for food or money, but to hand out his résumé. His act stood out to a kind man named Michael Marteen, 25. When Michael asked for his résumé, Frederick stood up and expressed his skills and experiences as if it were an actual interview, which inspired him.
"I've been in situations where I had nothing and had to bust my butt to get work, and there he was doing that, so I have a lot of respect for him."
Michael then took a picture of Callison's résumé and posted it on Facebook, which led to him getting a job as a cook at a downtown restaurant called Pizza Rock. The restaurant also gave him clothes to wear and a place to stay (through a friend) until he could get back on track.
It's easy to look at people and make a judgment, just like Michael first thought that Callison was just a homeless man. But when he started talking to him, he realized Callison is so much more. He's someone full of inspiration and a positive attitude of never giving up. Isn't that what we’re all looking for at the end of the day
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Ginny Burton, born in the US, became a mother to two children by the age of 23, was in an abusive relationship, and had become a heroin addict.
In 2012, Ginny had her final arrest when she crashed a stolen truck into a tree and had to sit in the backseat of the police car, when she realized that was the end. She decided she was going to turn her life around.
After completing a court-ordered drug program, Ginny began taking classes at South Seattle College. She later got accepted at the University of Washington and excelled in political science. Not only did she receive an award for being a scholar in her chosen field, but she also graduated at the age of 48, got married, and is living clean from drugs outside of the city.
Her story is a beautiful reminder that anyone can turn their life around, and that a few broken days don’t mean a broken life. Find more stories like this waiting for you.
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4. A woman named Victoria Wright was born with a rare genetic condition, but she continues to inspire others.
Growing up with a changing face due to cherubism, a rare genetic condition, doctors said that her head was as heavy as a cannonball. Victoria became the target of intense bullying and the world’s judgment, including verbal abuse from strangers and children mocking her with cruel names like “Fat Chin” or “Desperate Dan.”
Despite that, Victoria never lost her strength. She refused to undergo surgery and instead embraced her appearance.
She later met with a UK charity, Changing Faces, where she connected with people going through similar challenges. That gave her the confidence that she needed. She’s now a role model for people with similar genetic conditions and for those living with facial differences.
Victoria's story teaches us that resilience and strength are 'within us' to overcome a world full of judgment. But if you're running short of strength and having tough days, here's some exercises to build you back up.
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5. 94-year-old sleeps with photo of his late wife every night, so a caregiver gifted him a special pillow.
Ken Benbow, 94, lost his wife Ada, 71, last August. Since then, he has gone to bed with a photo of his wife.
The 94-year-old has been living in a nursing home in Preston, United Kingdom, for a while now. Watching him sleep that way, his caregiver decided to surprise him with a photo of his wife printed on a pillow, so that he could hug her and fall asleep. Ken broke down in tears when the caregiver finally gifted him that pillow.
“I’ve got you a present,” Tobin said.
“What’s that, darling?” asked Ken, before he received the pillow.
But after seeing his wife's photo on the pillow, he started crying. The caregiver held his hand and said, “I thought this might be a bit better than your photograph.” Ken responded to Tobin with a hug.
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Our stories are for those days when you’ve lost a little faith in people. These feel-good, wholesome stories are here to remind you that kindness still exists, and that small moments can make the biggest difference. If you’d like more of these reminders, you can subscribe and never miss a story.
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