When we feel there’s no hope left, life reminds us by bringing some optimism. These times, no matter how fortunate, always teach us that good still exists wherever things are not clear. Stories in this anthology show how fierce we can be and how important kindness is.
Story 1:
Grandma spent her last years with me, as my siblings kept busy raising their own families. All I remember is that, when she died, her co-workers got all of her jewelry and I inherited only her old car. I didn’t attempt writing for over a year after that.
I drove it around today. The cassette started and I heard my Grandma’s voice. She asked me, “Open the glove compartment, darling Sara!” I opened the card and was completely surprised. After entering, I found a stack of twenties and a small pile of letters, all in Grandma’s handwriting. I started to cry.
I didn’t expect she had saved the money for me and it was just what I needed then. However, her words meant even more to me than all the cash in the world. By letter, she explained how much she loved me and how much she liked our time spent together.
My grandmother told me she felt proud when I helped her, because I did it without even knowing how wealthy she was. The letters gave me power in my life. They are what I owe to my parents.
Story 2:
After my father died, I stopped taking notice of the mail. One of my neighbors secretly checked the place out for me. They sorted out the unnecessary papers and put up sticky notes reminding me, for example, “Looks like a bill, my apologies.” They were completely anonymous.
I received a note after about two months which simply read, “The world will always move on, but you can go at your own speed.” That’s when I started crying. That’s when I started opening my mail boxes again.
Story 3:
Story 4:
I arrived home after a bad day, sat on the subway and stared into nothing. A girl brought in a violin and set it up next to me while playing something gentle and lovely. It wasn’t until she stopped playing that I remembered I was crying.
She didn’t tell me she needed money. She wasn’t trying to make a profit from me. She simply got her bag and left the train at the next stop. We never reunited again, but the songs stayed engraved in my heart longer than my deep sadness ever did.
Story 5:
I’d visit this coffee shop on my way to school every day. I joked with him that it was my birthday one morning.
My name was written on a cup in fun script the following morning and I was given a muffin with a candle in it. “We remembered,” added the barista as she smiled. Happy birthday was the first and only thing I read that year. Their contributions mattered a lot more than most people could ever realize.
Story 6:
I arrived at the airport after my flight was canceled and I didn’t have money for food that evening. A kind elderly couple saw I was crying and brought me a sandwich and hot chocolate.
For over two hours, they visited with me. Back then, I was told, they shared the same experiences I am going through now. We also give each other holiday cards, even in recent years.
Story 7:
Story 8:
I started to panic in the library, so I picked up a math book and hid behind it before finals. After I opened the box, a small crane made of paper came out and had the words “You’re stronger than you think” on it. Someone left that note for me and it seemed like they were reaching out to offer me a hug.
The crane stayed in my pencil case as I went to class all semester. I felt that the universe still cared about me. Seeing an origami bird always makes me smile. I’ve begun hiding and making them myself as well.
Story 9:
My flat tire happened in the rain and I had no idea what to do. A man driving an old work vehicle stopped, barely said hello and started shoveling. Within ten minutes, he had taken off the old tire, placed on the new one and completely soaked in rain.
Instead of taking my money, he said, “If someone is in need, just help them.” I couldn’t say much more than a hello because he just took off without giving his name.
Story 10:
At college, I used to work at the library long into the evening. At first, I hardly paid attention to the janitor, but slowly he started giving me treats and cheerful notes to find while I studied. Messages such as “Tough times won’t last always,” or “You have what it takes.” I did not witness his last goodbyes, yet they always improved my entire evening.
I caught him once and thanked him for what he had done. He only said, “I noticed how hard you are working.” Thought you’d appreciate some cheering from me.
Story 11:
I was in a women’s shelter for a few evenings because things went badly at home. I spent most of my time not talking and not sleeping. One of the volunteers, who didn’t talk much, would always be by my side at breakfast and give me her extra toast or share a chocolate bar with me.
As I was leaving, she gave me a bag with travel shampoo, a note and some socks. The note told me, “You are still whole.” I started crying. She didn’t talk, but just held my hand. It was the first time in a long while that I felt like a person.
Story 12:
There was a little boy at the park whose mom he was signing to. Once, I smiled at him and he came straight over to me and showed me the sign for friend. Every time we met afterward, he would introduce another concept by saying “sun,” “happy,” or “cookie.” It didn’t matter to him that I was grown or someone he didn’t know.
Over time, my real interest in ASL developed thanks to my husband. He told me that kindness often appears as shared sweets and little signals between us. I didn’t know his name, but he made a big difference in how I think about people.
Story 13:
Story 14:
Since I couldn’t find a job on my own, I posted about it in a career advice subreddit. A user I met randomly offered to put me in touch with their company. They didn’t recognize me, yet they coached me for the interview for the entire hour.
I was offered the job. I have no idea what their real name is, just what they go by online. As soon as I see my pay, I think back to what I owe them.
Story 15:
I found I needed an extra $3 when I got to the checkout. Someone behind me took over right away, paying what I didn’t have. I felt embarrassed, though, he just laughed and decided that I should pass it along this time.
Two months later, I did the exact same thing because someone else missed out. Whenever something like this comes up, I remember to spend my kindness budget.