12 Acts of Kindness That Prove Quiet Compassion Can Return Hope and Happiness to Sad Hearts

Hope is the substance of life

My coworker brings a birthday cake for every single person in our office. Forty-seven people. She bakes them herself. Nobody asked her to. One year her own birthday fell on a Saturday so nobody was at work.
On Monday morning she walked in and there were forty-seven cakes on her desk. Every single person had baked one. Most were terrible. One was literally just frosting on a plate. She cried at her desk for twenty minutes.
The woman who remembered everyone finally got remembered back. She said later, “I never did it so people would do it for me.” One coworker said, “We know. That’s why we did.”

Kathleen Gainor

I think Debbie Downer is actually right and anybody who criticizes her has lost their capacity to understand that I believe her intentions for to protect the woman not discourage her. She's absolutely right. Maybe we should care more about each other and Debbie Downer did. She's not being a Karen. So he's protecting her from Karen!!!

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My son was stillborn 2 days before his due date. A nurse held my hand and never left our side.
3 years later, I found her number on my husband’s phone. I thought it was about me, until I opened their chat and saw a photo of a child. My body froze as I read: “This is Noah. He turned 3 last week. Look at that smile.”
My husband explained quietly. During those dark hospital days, he had told her everything — our grief, our fear that we’d never have a family. She never forgot. Noah was her nephew, adopted at birth.
She had watched him grow into this bright, joyful little boy and thought of us often. She wasn’t offering advice. She was offering proof. That love doesn’t only come one way. That a family can be built, chosen, and just as whole.
We talked that whole night. About fear, about hope, about whether we were ready. We decided we were.
We’ve just been approved to adopt. We don’t know our child’s name yet. But we know what’s possible, because a kind nurse sent us a photo of a little boy in red boots, laughing like the whole world was good.

Tamara Rhoades

🥰 She is a Beautiful Person. This is what the world needs more of🙏

An old man at the park feeds pigeons every morning. A jogger once said, “You know they’re just pigeons, right?” The old man said, “And you’re just running in circles. We all have our thing.” I overheard it and laughed so hard I sat down next to him.
We’ve had coffee together every Saturday for three years now. He’s 87. He was a pilot. He feeds pigeons because he said, “I spent my life in the sky. Now I bring the sky down to me.” Best friendship I’ve ever had started because a jogger was rude to the right person.

Tamara Rhoades

♥️

My mom got fired at 58. Applied everywhere. Nothing. She started baking out of stress. Cookies, cakes, pies — our kitchen was a disaster zone. Our mailman tasted one and said, “You should sell these.”
She laughed it off. He didn’t. He told every house on his route. Then he started delivering her baked goods with the mail. Unofficial, completely against regulations. Within a month she had forty regular orders.
She now runs a bakery out of our kitchen that makes more than her old salary. Her business card says “Recommended by the US Postal Service.” It isn’t. But a mailman who ate one cookie decided it should be.

Wow! Fabulous ❤️❤️❤️

I hate to be a downer, but based on the details in this story, your mother is probably violating at least a dozen laws I can think of off the top of my head--not to mention exposing that postman to serious career consequences. Hopefully, you're just leaving out details about business licenses and heath certifications, but if not, your mother needs to consult a business lawyer quickly!

Virginia

You are definitely a downer... Please get a life!!!

Virginia

I have a life--and I'd like to be sure that this woman doesn't lose hers when the Health Department or the IRS comes calling. I'm glad this woman found a second act, but beyond a certain income level, even selling cookies out your back door becomes subject to the same laws and regulations as any other food service business. If found in violation, she could end up being fined tens of thousands of dollars. And while that postal carrier may have been being compassionate, the USPS doesn't mess around when it comes to federal regulations. He could lose his job, his pension, and even face criminal charges. How heartwarming would this story be then?

Dorey Bell

You're being very negative. I'm surprised you assume that a stranger doesn't pay their taxes

Dorey Bell

JULIANA IS SIMPLY POINTING OUT THAT SELLING ANYTHING "HOME MADE" OUT OF YOUR OWN KITCHEN REQUIRES LOTS OF REGULATORY APPROVAL. STANDARDS FOR SANITATION, WASTE DISPOSAL, STORAGE OF INGREDIENTS, ETC... TAXES ARE THE LEAST OF THE ISSUE. GOOD FOOD OR NOT, IT IS CONSIDERED A BUSINESS AND YOU CAN'T JUST SELL FROM YOUR OWN KITCHEN WITHOUT INCURRING SERIOUS REPERCUSSIONS, IF THOSE REGULATIONS ARE NOT FOLLOWED. NOT TO MENTION THE POSTMAN COULD HAVE EMPLOYMENT ISSUES DOWN THE ROAD.

just now

This comment is too shy. It's hiding.

Excellent advice!

Why do you think you're so much smarter than everyone else? For all you know she could have a business degree

Van Davidson

PROBABLY BECAUSE SHE IS. READ HER COMMENTS, THEY ARE COGENT, WELL THOUGHT OUT AND ON POINT, AS THEY RELATE TO THE STORY. WHEN THESE STORIES DON'T GIVE ENOUGH PERTINENT INFORMATION, JULIANA PRESENTS PLAUSIBLE THEORIES. MAYBE YOU SHOULD TRY THAT, TOO.

Cheryl60

I’m sure she’s got the relevant paperwork Debbie downer , didn’t need to be put in the post, dam all these are lovely posts of lovely things happening and then there is you ! trying to rip it ll down get over yourself already

Just shut the f up!

Cottage Food Law. Look it up.

Sharon Berry

BFD. CFL DOESN'T ADDRESS JULIANA'S CONCERNS, OR QUESTIONS. CFL HAS REGULATIONS TOO. IT IS ALSO NOT THE "LAW" EVERYWHERE. UNLESS AND UNTIL THESE STORIES ADDRESS ALL OF THE ISSUES BY GIVING THE WHOLE STORY, THESE QUESTIONS ARE GOING TO BE ASKED. JULIANNA HAS A VALID POINT, JUST LIKE YOU DO. GETTING UPSET AT HER FOR PROVIDING ANOTHER VIEWPOINT IS CHILDISH AND POINTLESS. THE MONETARY REQUIREMENTS ALONE (FROM A HOUSE KITCHEN) RAISE MORE QUESTIONS, THAN EXPLANATIONS.

I GOT YOUR BACK ON THIS ONE. THESE PEOPLE WHO ARE BITCHIN' AT YOU WOULD BE THE FIRST IN LINE TO SUE, IF THEY GOT SICK OR WORSE. I USED TO BAKE, CAN FOOD, AND MAKE FOOD FOR A LOT OF THE SINGLE FOLKS IN MY SMALL TOWN, BECAUSE I ENJOYED DOING IT. IF THEY REQUESTED SOMETHING, THEY WOULD PROVIDE THE INGREDIENTS. BUT I DID NOT SELL IT. I COULD HAVE, BUT IT REQUIRED TOO MUCH PAPERWORK AND REGULATIONS, AND A LOT OF WORK WITH VOLUME ORDERS. NOT CHEAP OR EASY.

Thanks, Cheryl--most people seem to have missed the fact that I hoped that this woman would succeed and that the concerns I raised were only because of relevant facts left out of the original story. I never post with the intention of being negative or mean spirited, and I know realistically that the original author is probably never going to see what I've written, so when I make comments like this, it's with the hope that if someone else reading these posts finds themselves in a similar situation, they can make better--or at least more informed--choices.

I GET IT. I DO THE SAME THING, BUT NOT AS TACTFULLY AS YOU. AT LEAST ACCORDING TO THE NASTY COMMENTS I GET. WE ALL LOVE FEEL GOOD, HAPPY ENDING STORIES. WE (YOU AND I) HAVE JUST BEEN THROUGH ENOUGH IN REAL LIFE, THAT WE CAN SEE THE DOWNSIDES. PLUS WE BOTH HAVE GOOD HUSBANDS TO GET FEEDBACK FROM. OH WELL, HAVE A GOOD EVENING.

just now

No comment – no problem.

amen!

haha true!

Yes, a downer for sure. Be happy she's employed; no one got sick from her products

just now

This is so personal that we just can't show it to you.

Virginia

PLEASE COME UP WITH AN ORIGINAL RETORT. YOU TELL EVERYONE TO "GET A LIFE". PROJECT MUCH? BESIDES, JULIANNA IS RIGHT, THERE ARE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES TO WHAT SHE IS DOING. NO MATTER THE REASON OR RESULT.

FR!!

The "downer" is right. Laws and guidelines need to be followed, or the lady could be in deep trouble!😵‍💫 It doesn't hurt (and it could help) to see if the lady knows what the laws are.

Hahahahah true!!!

a downer for sure

Wow I love it when someone tries rain on a positive thing happening

yeah....

You negative folks don't know if she has a license or not. Can't you ever just appreciate when something works out?

Seriously?!

If you "hate to be a downer", why are you one?☹️

Tami Gormley

This is a GREAT STORY. ♡
You've rained on my parade.

John's Legend

U most certainly meant to be a downer. Grow up and get a life

Anice Herndon

In Las Vegas, you can cook and sell out of your own kitchen.
You are a downer who sees the glass as half empty

Anice Herndon

ANOTHER REASON NOT TO GO TO LAS VEGAS.

just now

Oops, the admin pressed "delete".

Rebecca James

Can't u just smile at the story and feel the warmth from it Karen?? Someone's in need of a hug.......

Rebecca James

SURE, UNTIL SOMEONE GETS DEATHLY ILL, OR HAS AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO HER BAKED GOODS. THERE ARE REASONS FOR BEING PESSIMISTIC. YOU KNOW THAT YOU WOULD SUE THE HELL OUT OF SOMEONE IF YOU GOT ILL FROM "HOME MADE" FOOD YOU BOUGHT FROM THEIR KITCHEN. THIS ISN'T "THE PIONEER WOMAN" WE ARE TALKING ABOUT.

just now

Something crazy happened here... Sorry, it's a secret.

just now

A cat is having a nap right on this comment.

just now

We took this comment away to our comment museum.

Sammie Becker

She isn't breaking any laws. Most states have what they call a "Cottage Law".. Home Cooks/Bakers can sell out of their homes as long as the items are in clear packaging and have a list of ingredients. We sold Fudge out of our home for many years. We were pretty famous in our small town, people ordered it from miles away. The PO isn't really that doing anything wrong either as long as he doesn't accept payment for his delivery. Try reading the laws before being a Debbie Downer.

Sammie Becker

TRY UNDERSTANDING THAT JULIANA HAS A VALID PERSPECTIVE, AND RELEVANT POINT. YOU ALL ARE ACTING LIKE SHE PISSED IN THE FOOD.

just now

The comment has been deleted but it will stay in our hearts forever.

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I left my wallet at a restaurant. Realized an hour later. Drove back panicking. The busboy, a teenager, was waiting outside holding it. Everything inside.
He said, “I counted it so you’d know.” Not so I’d trust him. So I wouldn’t have to wonder. He removed the doubt before I could feel it. I tipped him $100.
He tried to refuse. I said, “You counted it for me. That’s worth more than what’s in it.” He taught me something about integrity at seventeen that nobody taught me at forty.

Louise Ascott

What sweet young boy!

My daughter failed her art school application three times. Third rejection she burned all her sketchbooks in the backyard. Every single one.
Next morning she found a brand new sketchbook on her pillow. No note. She assumed it was me. It wasn’t.
Her younger brother, who’s eight and can barely draw stick figures, had biked to the store with his allowance. She said, “Why?” He said, “Because you can’t quit if you still have a blank page.”
She’s in art school now. That sketchbook is full. She keeps it separate from the rest. She told me, “Everything in that one is for him.”

Lillian

That's a REALLY SPECIAL brother! She should keep him!! ❤️

My barber has a rule. Every kid who brings home a good report card gets a free haircut. No proof needed. He just asks, “How’s school?” If the kid says good, he cuts for free.
I said, “Kids could lie.” He said, “Some do. But they’re sitting in a chair where an adult is asking about their grades. That’s more than most of them get at home.”
He’s not giving free haircuts. He’s creating a room where a kid’s education matters to a stranger. He loses maybe $200 a month. He says it’s the best investment in the neighborhood.

Liz

Smart and kind barber ❤️

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I dropped my groceries in a parking lot. Eggs smashed, cans rolling everywhere. A man in a suit crouched down and started helping without a word. His knees were in a puddle. His suit was getting destroyed.
I said, “Your suit—” He said, “It’s a suit. These are your eggs.” He prioritized my groceries over his dry cleaning in a split second. When we finished, he stood up, soaking wet from the knees down, nodded, and walked to his car.
I never even said thank you fast enough. He was gone. A man in a $500 suit knelt in a puddle for a stranger’s eggs and disappeared before the gratitude could land.

Sloane D.

I've never seen someone act like that boy. Usually people ignore and carry on

My kid found a $50 bill in a parking lot. He was ecstatic. Then he saw a woman three cars over frantically searching her pockets. He watched her for ten seconds. I watched him. He was calculating.
Then he walked over and said, “Did you drop this?” She grabbed it and said, “Oh thank goodness, that’s my son’s field trip money.” My kid walked back to me and I expected disappointment.
He said, “Did you see her face? That was way better than $50.” He’s nine. He did a cost-benefit analysis between money and a stranger’s relief and decided the face was worth more than the bill. I’ve never been able to argue with that math.

Liz

You’re raising a wonderful young man❤️❤️❤️

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A kid at my gym couldn’t afford a membership. He did pull-ups on the tree outside every morning. Rain or shine. The owner watched him for a week through the window. On day eight he walked outside and said, “The tree doesn’t have a bench press. Get inside.”
Kid’s been training for free for two years. He just won a state wrestling championship. The owner framed the newspaper clipping and hung it next to the front desk. Under it he wrote, “Started on a tree.”

Tami Gormley

THAT'S VERY KIND. ♡

My grandfather planted a tree the day each grandchild was born. Fourteen trees. He watered them every single day. We thought it was a hobby.
When he died we found his will. Each tree was assigned to a grandchild. The instructions said, “When you need to sell the lumber, the wood is yours.”
He’d planted fourteen slow-growing hardwood trees. Worth almost nothing when we were kids. Worth thousands now, decades later. He planted our inheritance in dirt when we were born because he knew he wouldn’t be alive when we’d need money most.
My tree is an oak. I drive past it sometimes. It’s taller than his house now. I’ll never cut it down. Some inheritances are worth more standing.

Jan Mc

My grandparents planted a pine tree for me when I was born in 1980 and again for my brother when he was born in 1987. Sadly, I lost mine 39 years later in a horrible wind storm. Must be where my love of pine trees came from?

My wife and I had our worst year ever. Medical bills, job loss, everything breaking at once. Christmas was coming and we had nothing for the kids. My wife sold her wedding dress online. Didn’t tell me.
I found out when I saw the empty garment bag in the closet. I confronted her. She said, “It was sitting in a bag doing nothing. Our kids need a Christmas.”
I was gutted. She said, “Don’t be. I don’t need a dress to prove I married you.” Our kids had Christmas.
A year later when things got better I tried to buy her a new dress. She said, “Don’t you dare. That dress bought our kids the Christmas they still talk about. No dress in any store has ever been worth that much.”
She’s right. She traded silk and lace for her kids’ faces on Christmas morning and considered it the best deal she ever made.

Mandie Christensen

We Mums always put our babies first, no matter their age.

Our next pick for you: 12 Stories That Prove Quiet Kindness Survives Even When Hope Doesn’t

Have you ever encountered someone whose act of kindness had a lasting impact on your life?

Louise Ascott

kind people are everywhere. you just have to look carefully

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Amanda Lorens