There are angels among us.
When I was a kid, my mom took me along to a drive-thru KFC. After we got our bucket of greasy goodness, my mom veered over to where she thought was the driveway onto the street.
It turned out to be a very high curb and we were stuck there not knowing what to do.
Fortunately, a random guy happened to be walking by, assessed the situation, and told us to hold on as he ran over to the lumber store that conveniently was located next to Colonel Sander's hut.
The man who literally looked like the dude from Brawny paper towels brought over cut planks of lumber to build a makeshift ramp for us so my mom could navigate the car safely and efficiently. It was brilliant.
When my mom – nearly in tears – profusely thanked the man in her broken English for his random act of kindness, he gently kissed the back of her hand and told her she was a beautiful lady and wished us well.
His very random act of kindness stayed with me.
Curious to hear similar anecdotes of the kindness of strangers, Redditor Daqueef asked:
"What's a random act of kindness that stuck with you?"
Stranger In A Strange Land
Being in a different country can be a thrilling experience until something goes wrong. Fortunately, these locals demonstrated that kindness is a universal language.
Stranded In South Korea
"A few years ago, living in South Korea. Just gotten back from a trip, and was trying to get a taxi from a highway rest stop at like 2am (aka, very difficult). Finally managed to book a taxi, but I couldn't find the driver when he got there. He was calling me and getting frustrated, and I was getting overwhelmed. I don't know if you've ever had to exist in a language that's not your native language, but there usually comes a point where you're so tired, you just can't anymore, and even if you know you understand, it's just not making sense.
I had reached that point, so I sat down and resigned myself to losing the taxi and having to camp at the rest stop for the night. Some random old Korean man saw me crying and saying 'I don't speak Korean well. I'm sorry. I don't understand.' and grabbed the phone, got me to the taxi, and his wife (I assume) handed me some candy and patted my arm and told me I'd be okay. And then the taxi driver was super sweet and was all like 'It's okay. You'll be home soon.' All of them could have very easily ignored me, but were just like 'Here's a person who obviously needs help, so I'm gonna help.'"
When In Albany
"An Albanian man who picked me up while hitchhiking. At the end he gave me 50€ saying that they're good people and not like how they're described in Italy (my country). This happened in southern Albania."
Merci Beaucoup
"Yeah the language barrier is so tough, especially when something unexpected happens. My first time in France I got on a train that I thought was going to the airport. Well I was on the right line but the specific train I was on had a terminus before the airport. My small town doesn't have public transit (and the Paris metro/RER is not the most straightforward system) so I have no idea what's going on. The RER B goes to the airport so I got on the RER B. Well we get to the terminus and everyone gets off. I sit tight because we're not at the airport but everyone is telling me I have to get off so I do. I'm clearly agitated, don't have a cell, don't know where I am or how to get anywhere, and I have a plane to catch. A lady who barely speaks any English tries to comfort me. 'You going airport?' 'Yes' she points down the track and said 'he is coming.' Then she thinks for a second and says 'she is coming.' Then she stayed with me until the next train came and assured me it would take me to the airport."
"Another time in Bordeaux I asked a lady for change for a 5 or 10 or whatever because the ticket machine only took coins. My French was a little better but still terrible, so I was able to ask her for the change but I didn't understand her response. She didn't have change for my bill but she just gave me the money for the ticket. The French aren't super outgoing with strangers but I'm not sure why they get the stereotype of being rude. I've found them quite helpful."
– baxbooch
The Hitchhikers
"I was backpacking in Central American and ended up on the island Flores in Guatemala. My travel buddy and I wanted to see ruins nearby. We took a bus out there, got lost a little, but eventually found the trail to the town(ruins). So we're walking for about 3 hours and realize once the we get to the gate of the ruins we may just have to turn right back around to catch the last bus back. We decide to move forward and try to hitch hike our way back since we really wanted to see these ruins. Right when we finally reach the gate a truck pulls up and offers us a ride in, we decline saying we've already made it so we were good. The guy informs us it's about another hour or so walk past the gate to even get to the town so we take him up on the offer. We get, find out he works for the government and he gave us an hours long in depth tour of this historical site. This was especially awesome because it wasn't a popular spot so there wasn't a ton of informational placards around. Then at the end he asked us where we were staying and he told us he was also staying on Flores for a few days so he offered us a ride back. On the way back, him and his wife bought us dinner and then dropped us off and gave us their contact in case we got lost somewhere or needed suggestions on places to visit. It really made me feel like there is always help out there for you, sometimes you have to search and sometimes it falls into your lap. It was an awesome day I'll remember forever."
– mlnied36
Recognition
These Redditors were recognized for traits they were not conscious of at the time.
Sweet Compliment
"I did my makeup nice one day and I felt proud of it, mostly because I hid my acne/scars pretty well without looking cakey. A friend came up to me and told me I looked very pretty today and motioned a hand over her face to signal, what I assumed, meant my makeup. So I thanked her and told her what foundation I was using. She made a point to interrupt me and said no your skin looks very good today. That was the only time in my life my skin has been complimented and it made me realize my skin care is making a difference, I'm just too critical of myself. I was so in shock to her saying that I just got speechless and teared up a bit. Probably not as extreme as other comments on here, but hopefully it resonates with someone."
The Consultant
"My manager texted me with a random cartoon question and when I had the answer he came in on Monday with 100$ for me cause I apparently had won him money."
"Felt pretty random since we nearly never talked and I think he just knew I was the office nerd."
When No One Else Stops
There are those who see people in distress and feign ignorance.
And then there are these caring souls who will stop and help someone in a time of need.
The Rain Stopper
"When I was in college I was walking back to my apartment and it starting pouring rain. I was getting drenched and of course got stuck at a crosswalk."
"Out of nowhere the rain stopped pouring and I looked up and saw an umbrella a girl behind me had put over me."
"She went past my apartment and then walked away. No one ever had done something that nice in my life, I was just shocked."
The Lift
"When I broke my ankle, every single person looked at me on the ground bleeding and walked on. It was really strange to experience. One guy saw me, brought his whole truck around and offered to take me to the hospital. There was already an ambulance coming so I declined, but he sat there and talked to me and told me it's going to be okay."
"He really sticks out. Almost 10 people walked by and minded their business while I was on the ground, my bone sticking out of my leg. He came up and helped. I really hope he's doing okay."
– Rhylain
Drunk Driver
"My husband and I were in a car accident where a drunk guy ran onto the highway and we hit him (in the middle of the day, just bolted in front of the car)."
"We sat there in a smashed up car with a dead body lying behind the car for 15 minutes before a car stopped and helped us. Neither of us could speak because of the shock. This lady saw us in the car and made her husband come back around so she could help. Hundreds of cars passed, she was the only one who stopped. She called the police and ambulance, and waited until they arrived. Really grateful for her and her husband."
Got Milk
"When I was in the 1st grade I lived about 3/4 block from the corner store. I'd learned to ride my bike and previously had been sent on foot to buy milk or similar simple purchases."
"Sent with a buck to buy 1/2 gallon of milk, I rode my bike. Purchase made, with the milk and change in a paper sack, I attempted to ride my bike and promptly ate sh*t, the milk bottle rupturing in the paper sack and going everywhere."
"Picking up myself, bike, soaked sack, and coins, I started to cry."
"A stranger asked me if I was ok. I was. He bought me another 1/2 gallon of milk. I walked home with the milk returning later to fetch my bike."
"This is the first time I've ever told anyone."
Extreme Compassion
"A lady in the parc with her husband passing by, both well dressed, there was a guy sitting, didn't look homeless but looked like he didn't shower for a while, wasn't crying then but his face suggests he had been crying his eyes out."
"The lady got on her knees, spoke to him and hugged him, she kept hugging him and conforting him. Her husband didn't like that and kept telling her that they should be going, she just gave him a cold stare and kept hugging the sad dude."
"I fell in love with that lady right then."
– KuroOni
Check This Out
Cashiers witnessed charitable acts from these panicked customers.
Card Denied
"When I was 20, I worked at a fabic/craft store. A lady came to the register to checkout with probably $100+ worth of stuff. It was all like... just random cuts of fabric, paint, assorted craft supplies. A LOT of stuff."
"Her card got declined, and she looked really upset. Started putting it all back in the cart, trying to determine what she could pay for. The lady behind her in line just stepped forward and said 'put it all back, I'll pay for it.' Put her card in the reader and the first lady started crying, quietly thanking her."
"The cynical side of me thinks it was a scam by the lady to get free sh*t, as I'd definitely seen that before. (Another woman a few weeks before literally said 'can anyone pay for me?') But the good part of me believes that lady just needed a little bit of happiness in her craft supplies during a hard time. The lady who paid for it just did so with no hesitation."
Battery's On Me
"Working at the register and this guy's car battery was shot, his bank froze his card so he couldn't pay. This other guy seeing what's going on walks up and pays for the battery then walks out as I'm telling the first guy his battery has been paid for."
Picking Up The Tab
"I met a guy at the bar who insisted to pay for my dinner. I didn't know why really. He also insisted I pay for somebody else's and it would be just like him buying them dinner. He said if everyone I meet pays it forward life will he better for everyone. I did pay it forward."
While there are plenty of cruel people in what can be a cruel world, there are just as many of us whose goal is to help others.
These saints among us who put the needs of other people first should serve as a reminder that we too should pay it forward.
I may not have large pieces of wood to help out a motorist in distress, but I would help them get assistance for sure.
Because if it weren't for that chivalrous gentleman who helped my mom drive off the curb on that fateful day, we would have had cold chicken for dinner.
Gay Man Has Spent The Last Three Years Dressing As Mike Pence To Collect Donations For Progressive Organizations
Mike Pence isn't seen as an incredibly tolerant figure in the world of politics...unless you visit the version of him that often strolls through Times Square, collecting money for various charities like Planned Parenthood.
If you've encountered the Times Square Pence, you likely won't forget it.
Not only is he more open and loving than his White House counterpart, he also happens to wear short shorts.
This is Mike Hot-Pence.
Mike Hot-Pence, embodied by 51-year-old graphic designer Glen Pannell, burst into public view after being photographed and profiled by Howard Sherman in 2016.
Sherman is a blogger who takes photos of Times Square performers and shares their stories online.
Pannell spoke with Buzzfeed about how, following the 2016 election, he felt he needed to do something. That's when he decided to take advantage of something many friends had surely commented on: his resemblance to the new Vice President.
He commented:
"The depression kept feeding on itself so I finally decided I had to do something, and it had to be bold and immediate, something I could point to at the end of the day and say, 'Here's what I did to make change.'"
Hot-Pence has already collected tens of thousands of dollars for "Planned Parenthood, the Natural Resources Defense Council, and the Trevor Project."
Pannell's alter-ego is also active on Twitter, where you can follow the account @MikeHotPence for updates on how our spiritual VP is doing.
Pannell noted a spike in his popularity again in December 2019.
Pannell made it clear this activity was more than just a hobby.
"These are all groups and causes that suffered when Pence was in office, so I worry about them in the next few years under a Trump-Pence administration."
Since Pannell has a full time job, Hot-Pence can only be found during the weekends, and will hope to find an indoor place to operate as the weather gets colder in NYC.
Pannell is confident, however, that his silly work is making a real difference.
"People want to give and they want to talk. I'm 51. I never expect anything I do to go viral online. I do understand why people respond to it. It's funny, and it's hopeful, and people need that right now."
There's only one thing left to say: Mike Hot-Pence 2020.
This Couple Cleverly Tricked A Stranger In Need Into Getting A Free Car
It seems as our government and society grows more and more divided, people are taking the time to share positive stories of humanity trying to balance things out.
Recently Reddit user JeffTrav posted to the subReddit "HumansBeingBros," a subReddit dedicated to such stories.
He titled his story:
"The opposite of r/ChoosingBeggars - my wife trying to sell her car."
JeffTrav posted a long, spliced together screenshot of a text conversation he had with the now-owner of his car.
from HumansBeingBros
Since then OP, JeffTrav, commented to give more back story and updated viewers twice.
"At first, she was going to put it on [Craig's List] for free, but I said that wasn't a great idea, because you'd get scrappers or just anyone wanting a free car who didn't really need it."
He proceeded to explain how they "valued" their car.
"We decided to list it as $1200, a bit below its value, because anyone looking for a car in that price range probably just really needs a car."
In his first update he thanked everyone for their suggestions on how to transfer the car title.
He also said that his wife, the instigator of this little trick, was also planning on putting $500 in the glove compartment of the vehicle.
In his second update, JeffTrav shared their experience meeting the young woman and her mother.
"Everything went great and she is now driving her new car."
"Thanks to everyone for tips and ideas to make the whole thing go smoothly."
"Met at the DMV. The girl actually getting the car (from the texts) was pretty quiet and shy, but thankful."
"Her mother, on the other hand, was super excited (maybe to the embarrassment of her daughter?)."
"We offered to pay for the registration, but she said she had it, and I didn't want to make it awkward by insisting."
"My wife did leave some money in the glove compartment with a note for her to find later. When she was done at the DMV, the girl hugged my wife and thanked her again."
The internet is reeling from this couple's kindness.
"Today you, tomorrow me" - RobertBearson (Reddit)
"Is your wife an angel?" - tanman5797 (Reddit)
"That is honestly such a nice gesture. I had opened your post on another tab and closed the main page, I had to go back and find this post again just so I can come here to comment."
"You could tell just from the way the "buyer" was responding that they were also a genuinely nice person, almost didn't want it at first for free. This was just an all around wholesome post. What made it better was the comment by the OP, they are planning to give some extra cash on top of the free car. I mean, what can I say."
"Bravo Sir! Bravo!" - Jackandcokeguy (Reddit)
"I honestly needed this. There's so much negative shit on social media, and lately it's been making me depressed. Your wife is amazing and you rock for supporting her with this. I know many guys that would argue with their wives about giving away a car for free to a stranger. I wish I could give you gold or send you a pizza or something. Only thing I can do is try to let you know that you guys are good people and you touch hearts. Keep on being awesome. ❤" - Huckdog (Reddit)
"This warmed my cold, jaded heart. Sometimes I think I spend too much time on r/choosingbeggars and so it's really nice to see something like this." - cakebakerlady (Reddit)
Others wanted to be sure to thank the real hero of the story — his wife.
"Oh please give your wife a big hug from some random girl y'all are making cry with this act of kindness. She was waiting on a car for her tax return...probably been waiting for months for that check like lots of us. Now she's not only not having to spend it but y'all are giving her a mode of transportation that is her OWN. You're giving her some independence. This is so much more than the value of the car. Man, you guys. And then I come here and read that your wife is throwing half a grand on top of that to just be so sweet it makes my stomach tell me to stop reading because it can't take anymore sugar today! Your wife is great, you're obviously great by association. I love seeing stuff like this even if it makes me bawl my eyeballs out." - girlthatmakesglaze (Reddit)
"You and your wife literally changed an entire family's life for the better, beyond their wildest dreams (I'm sure). Good on you and your wife for being good people. Karma will be looking out for you both. How freaking wholesome, this is awesome." - daddydunc (Reddit)
"I had a really rough day yesterday. This morning I was still feeling down but this post truly made me fell better. Thank you and please pass along a thank you to your wife for me." - Gunitsreject (Reddit)
"This is so beautiful. Thank you! You have a great wife." - Uh_cakeplease (Reddit)
"It seems like in the last few years the world has been inundated with people who see kindness as a character flaw and generosity as an exploitation of the weak and gullible. It's been disheartening and sad. Seeing examples like this however, reaffirms for me that there are still special people around who do things not for personal gain but rather to benefit others and make their lives better. Thank you for sharing this and for showing that someone with true riches isn't a Trump or an Osteen but rather someone with a huge heart. Please give your wife a hug for me." - DanishWhoreHens (Reddit)
What a beautiful story.
Steven Tyler Holds 'Scarf-Cutting' Ceremony For His New Home For Abused And Neglected Memphis-Area Girls
Legendary Aerosmith frontrunner Steven Tyler used a trademark accessory used to wrap his microphone stands to officially herald the opening of a new facility that welcomes girls who are victims of neglect and abuse.
On Monday, the Grammy Award-winner conducted a scarf-cutting ceremony to open Janie's House in Memphis, Tennessee, inspired by the song, "Janie's Got a Gun"— the band's second single from their album Pump from 1989 with themes centered around child abuse and incest.
"This does my heart and my soul good," said the 70-year-old at the ceremony. "This is real."
Tyler's organization, Janie's Fund, which he founded in 2015, donated $500,000 towards renovating the home that will act as a safe space and offer therapy for young women who have been abused.
WATCH: Steven Tyler just opened a home for abused girls named "Janie's House," which was inspired by the 1989 Aeros… https://t.co/BqqGQfI2h7— CBS News (@CBS News) 1549399226
The origin for Janie's House has roots going back to when the singer was in treatment and witnessed first-hand the effects on abused victims. He felt an obligation to do something.
"While I was there, all the girls I met had been abused either physically, mentally or verbally, or at least 90 percent of them all."
"So when I got out of there, I laid it all on Janie. I said what are you going to do?"
Twitter agrees. His philanthropy rocks.
@CBSNews This! I want more of this type of news! Thank you @IamStevenT— Cats-R-Us (@Cats-R-Us) 1549400397
@CBSNews That is amazing StevenTyler . Thank you!!— margaret Smith (@margaret Smith) 1549400253
Fans were moved by Tyler channeling his personal healing to help others.
@CBSNews @dianemariereid It is amazing how much Tyler cleaned up his act.....He is an inspiration to anyone who has… https://t.co/qmMuCXIXNt— John (@John) 1549402759
@CBSNews @JaniesFund I applaud all of @IamStevenT efforts in creating a warm & welcoming environment, to help all f… https://t.co/iQgQU6dtQq— spring benavides (@spring benavides) 1549415473
@CBSNews @BudGothmog44 Yes I agree that even just helping one person makes you happy! Thank you Steven! This is so… https://t.co/CBJY5xUCUB— Rose 🌹 🇺🇲 (@Rose 🌹 🇺🇲) 1549402659
@dianemariereid @CBSNews yea, he does seem sincere when it comes to wanting to help others On a different note, he… https://t.co/JxOUQj4QV0— John (@John) 1549403039
@CBSNews Such an great cause...talk about turning your life around and helping others. Positive person!!— Lise J. Hunter (@Lise J. Hunter) 1549462347
How can you help? Look no further. You can visit the Janiesfund.org website and make a donation.
@CBSNews @JaniesFund Would love to find out a way to help with Janie's fund. It's an amazing cause. More of these h… https://t.co/iwcBbRDrBx— Tracey Taylor (@Tracey Taylor) 1549415474
@Trixiet01 @CBSNews @JaniesFund Here you go: https://t.co/1GGbvqtYoR— CALL: 202-224-3121 💙💛🇺🇦 (@CALL: 202-224-3121 💙💛🇺🇦) 1549418489
Tyler said "Janie's Got a Gun" took nine months to write, although he knew the title and melody of the song beforehand. He connected the song with child abuse after reading a Newsweek article on gun violence.
In the song, the girl shoots and kills her sexually abusive father, with the original lyrics changing from "He raped a little bitty baby," to "He jacked a little bitty baby," for commercial purposes.
"I got really angry that nobody was paying homage to those who were abused by Mom and Dad," he told Billboard.
This is the second Janie's House to open – after the first location in Atlanta – and can accommodate up to 14 girls until they're ready to return back to society. "It's God. Look at the sun," said Tyler at the scarf-cutting. "Just when the world seems over, you can turn into a butterfly."
Now that, my friends, is some "Sweet Emotion."