12 People Who Prove That a Tender Heart Can Move Mountains

Being kind to others isn’t always easy, especially when emotions run high, or we’re dealing with our own stuff. But having each other’s back and showing a little compassion can really go a long way. It’s those small moments of support that can make someone’s day better.

• I rushed over when I saw a woman struggling to carry a stroller up the stairs. “I’ve got it!” I smiled. “Been there. I have two kids myself.” She laughed, “Oh, I don’t have kids.”
  I was confused. I glanced down and was shocked to see a tiny dog wearing a bonnet and wrapped in a blanket. She chuckled, “He’s my baby. His name’s Muffin.”
  We laughed, and as I helped her up the stairs, she said, “You’re the first person who didn’t judge me for loving him like family.”

• I hadn’t seen my daughter in nearly a year. After her wedding, she kept her distance. My calls went unanswered. I figured she was too busy with her life.
  Then one night, I heard frantic knocking. It was her. She sobbed and said, “Mom, can we stay here tonight?” That’s when I noticed she was holding a sleepy baby.
  I held them both without a word. In the kitchen, over tea, she said, “He said I was a burden. He took everything.” I hugged her tighter than I ever had before and said, “You always have a home here.” She finally smiled.

• My sister let a homeless man named James live with her and her family for half a year. She fed and clothed him, but they moved back in with my parents, and he had to leave, unfortunately. He still comes by our house every now and then. I always offer some water and food. © Unknown author / Reddit

• When my husband and I adopted our dog from the shelter, a woman came to us and paid for our fees without asking any questions. She said it was in memory of her son. It was such a kind and beautiful gesture, I hope I’ll be able to do that one day. © Unknown author / Reddit

• I was moving out of an apartment, trying to pack heavy things into my car. A stranger witnessed this, offered to help, and spent a solid hour helping me carry furniture, densely packed clothes, and a TV down some stairs into my car. © NigNagNug / Reddit

• I was getting breakfast on my way to work and managed to leave my phone at the counter. Ten minutes later, a woman tapped me on the shoulder right as I was about to go into my office building and said, “Is this yours?” She’d chased me down that far, for that long, just to return my phone. © Unknown author / Reddit

• I was on the bus, and one of my heavy shopping bags broke. I was near my stop. I was going to cry because I was stressed out and didn’t want to have to walk even farther with my heavy bags.
  A stranger took out one of her reusable shopping bags, put my things on it, and helped me off at my stop. Still makes me warm to think about. © Mentally*** / Reddit

• A man who lived across the country gave his bone marrow and nearly lost his life due to complications so he could save my dad from leukemia. He’s the reason my dad was able to raise me, and even though I’ve never met him, I’m eternally grateful. I’m signed up to be a bone marrow donor now because of it! © Unknown author / Reddit

• My ex and I were on the side of the road, trying to figure out how to change a tire for the first time, and looking clueless. Some guy stopped and taught us how to change it, and then asked if we wanted a coupon for a free frozen pizza he had since we had a bad day. It was mildly surreal. © Unknown author / Reddit

• At Easter, I was ten dollars short in the grocery line. We really needed food, so I was about to put back the two Easter bunnies (chocolate) and the jelly beans when the lady behind me said, “Don’t you dare!” and paid for them. I cried and thanked her repeatedly. © PenelopeMarsh / Reddit

• I once lost $500 in a bank envelope after withdrawing it from my account. I got back to work and realized I couldn’t find the envelope. I freaked out and immediately took off to backtrack my errand runs.
  Finally, after about an hour, I was ready to give up. I just lost $500 in cash. Then my bank called me and said they found my money.
  Another customer found it in the bank’s parking lot and returned it. The customer left a number, so I called this wonderful old woman in absolute tears, thanking her for returning the money. She was truly an angel. © viktor72 / Reddit

• I was homeless and living in a sanctioned tent city. An elderly volunteer drove me to her home, did my laundry, fed me a huge breakfast and let me get a shower. I was so alone at the time, and it was such a loving thing to do.
  Now, 4–5 years later, I’m housed in a city that is 2 hours away. I made a good friend here. A year later, I found out that the kind lady is his mother. © Soylentcrackers / Reddit

The power of kindness can turn someone’s whole day around with just a simple act. If you’re in the mood for more touching examples, don’t miss these 17 Little Gestures of Love That Meant the World to Someone.