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Man standing with two daughters, a black purse and a handwritten note (inset)
Uplifting News

Grieving Daughter Goes Thrift Store Shopping - Finds an Unexpected Note In a Purse

Thrifting can net all sorts of treasures. Shoppers can snatch up everything from vintage clothes to mid-century modern furniture to kitschy knick-knacks, all without breaking the bank. But for one grieving woman, she found a hidden gem that was truly priceless.

Little girl at a lemonade stand and a little girl hugging her mother.
Uplifting News

7-Year-Old’s Family Can't Afford to Buy Her Late Mom a Tombstone - So She Starts a Lemonade Stand

Two months ago, 7-year-old Emouree Johnson woke up to the "worst news of her life." Tragically, her single mother, Karli, had died unexpectedly at the age of 29.Without insurance, the loss was not only emotionally devastating but also financially straining for the family. Barely able to cover funeral costs, the family couldn't afford to buy a proper headstone.And that's when little Emouree got to work.

Man with a beard talking into a microphone and an elderly judge looking at him.
Stories

Man Faces Hefty Fine For Running a Red Light - Then the Judge Learns Why He Did It

We’re getting better as a society about talking about trauma and grief and the pain that comes with certain experiences. Doing so can put us on a path toward healing. But so can kindness, which one judge exemplified when a grieving motorist came into his courtroom one day.

Liam Neeson Left His Son After Losing Wife Natasha Richardson
Videos

Liam Neeson Left His Son After Losing Wife Natasha Richardson

Following the tragic loss of his wife Natasha Richardson, Liam Neeson found solace in work, immersing himself in acting to cope with profound grief. Despite prioritizing family, he struggled to be present for his son during this tumultuous period. However, an opportunity arose to reconcile when Neeson reached out to his son, Michael Richardson, offering him a role in "Made In Italy," ultimately bringing them closer together and facilitating healing.

Man Takes Care of the Bills for 4 Decades - After He Passes Away, His Wife Makes an Incredible Discovery
Love Stories

Man Takes Care of the Bills for 4 Decades - After He Passes Away, His Wife Makes an Incredible Discovery

*Featured image contains photos by Mikhail NilovAs one incredible final act of love, one husband made certain that his wife was taken care of long after he was gone. And if this isn't the epitome of true love, I don't know what is.Husband's Legacy of LoveIn most marriages, household responsibilities tend to get divvied up between both partners. It's not uncommon for one person to take the lead in managing household bills and expenses.For forty-one years, X (formerly Twitter) user @AriThinks' father exclusively took care of all the household bills. In fact, he took such good care of them that his wife never had to pay a bill. Now, even in death, he's still doing it. In a tweet that's gone viral with over 5.2 MILLION views (because who doesn't want a love like this??) @AriThinks shares that her father passed away a few days ago.After he died, the family made an incredible discovery. Her father had paid off all the bills six months in advance so her mother could rest easy and take the time to grieve in peace. "My Dad passed a few days ago and my Mom doesn’t even know who he makes payments to because she’s never paid a bill," she wrote. "So we call and find out that like all the bills were paid up 6 months in advance." Not only did he pay the bills six months in advance, but he also put credits on the utilities, including gas, water, and electricity, that will last her FOR YEARS. Reaction to the Viral TweetIn addition to being viewed millions of times, thousands of people came forward to offer their condolences and to praise @AriThinks' father for his selflessness and unwavering devotion to his family."He loves her. Even death couldn’t take that away. May his sweet soul rest in perfect peace."@Lewa_Forbes via X"Accept my condolences but your father is truly an amazing man, RIP to him. Not all heroes wears capes... Salute," wrote @Nueladedoyinfi1."Wow, that peace to give her. Sorry for your loss. Condolences to you & your family," said @highlyher."So sorry for your loss. R.I.P. What an amazing thoughtful gift your father gave all of you! Oh my goodness to think that far ahead knowing all would need his foresight," Karen Williams commented.True Love Lasts ForeverThe commenters are right. It's not just the fact that the bills are paid that makes the gesture so heartwarming. It's the fact that this man had the foresight to ensure that his wife wouldn't have to shoulder the responsibility alone. Losing someone we love is one of the most painful and difficult things we have to endure in life. Sometimes it's all we can do to just keep breathing, never mind having to look after the day-to-day duties. By securing these essentials for his wife, he has provided her with a sense of security and stability during a time that feels anything but.His actions reflect a level of care, dedication, and consideration that goes beyond mere financial responsibility; it is love...in its purest form.He loved her so much in life that he wanted to make sure she was still okay in his death.Grand gestures of love are great but it's in the everyday, looking out for each other kind of ways, where true love is really found. It's in the small things people do for each other, just to make life easier. It's in sharing responsibilities so one person doesn't have to carry the burden alone. Even though he's gone, this husband's love for his wife lives on in his small gestures of kindness and care. And that? Is the kind of love that lasts forever.More from Goalcast:Woman Is Diagnosed With Dementia – So Her Husband of 55 Years Makes a VowShocked Mom Finds Dozens of Notes In Her Daughter’s Drawers – Realizes Her Husband Has Given ThemWoman Wakes Up to Husband’s Dirty Dishes in the Sink – Instead of Cleaning Up, He Left Her a Note With 3 Words

Woman Who Lost Her Entire Family Waits for a Friend - But Someone She Wasnt Expecting at All Shows Up Instead
Uplifting News

Woman Who Lost Her Entire Family Waits for a Friend - But Someone She Wasnt Expecting at All Shows Up Instead

In the tight-knit community of Sugar City, amidst tales of loss and heartache, a remarkable story of compassion and resilience emerges.Ruth Clark, a woman whose life has been marked by unfathomable tragedy, finds herself at the center of a touching display of kindness.The Tough Times One Woman Was Going ThroughPhoto by Karolina GrabowskaHaving endured the heartbreaking loss of her five children to illness and the recent passing of her beloved husband, Rick, Ruth's journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit.A heartwarming video from East Idaho News captures the essence of Ruth's story, showcasing her unwavering dedication and selflessness in the face of adversity.Despite the immense challenges she has faced, Ruth remained steadfast in her role as a caregiver, balancing the demands of caring for her four sons with Muscular Dystrophy and her daughter's illness while also juggling a job.Yet, amidst her own trials, Ruth displayed an extraordinary level of empathy and generosity. A few years ago, she selflessly donated her wheelchair-accessible van to a family in need, demonstrating her compassion for others despite her own hardships.Tragically, the recent loss of her husband compounded Ruth's grief, leaving her burdened with the financial strain of funeral expenses.How Strangers Surprised a Grieving WomanIn a heartening turn of events, Secret Santa, through the East Idaho News team, orchestrated a surprise visit to Ruth's home, bearing not only financial assistance but also a message of community support and love.Ruth, expecting a visit from a friend, opens the door to the unexpected visitors, and is greeted with warmth and compassion. The revelation that Secret Santa will cover her husband's funeral expenses and provide additional funds for her to visit a grandchild in Maine leaves Ruth overcome with tears of gratitude and disbelief.This touching moment captured on camera serves as a powerful reminder of the kindness that exists within communities, offering a glimmer of hope in the midst of sorrow.Ruth's journey, though marred by tragedy, serves as a beacon of resilience and compassion, inspiring acts of kindness and solidarity far beyond the borders of Sugar City.How One Woman Proved the Importance of CompassionIn a world often overshadowed by darkness, Ruth's story shines as a testament to the enduring power of human compassion and the transformative impact of even the smallest acts of kindness.Ultimately, Ruth's experience reminds us that in moments of despair, it is the outpouring of love and support from others that sustains us and restores our faith in humanity.As we witness Ruth's journey unfold, let us be inspired to embrace compassion, extend a helping hand to those in need, and foster a community built on empathy, understanding, and unwavering support.More from Goalcast:Flight Attendant Notices Grieving Mom and Hands Her a Note – Little Did She Know He Would Become Her SolaceGrieving Mother Honors the Memory of Her Young Daughter With a Gift to a Stranger – The Note She Writes Moves an Entire Toy Store to TearsWaiter Pays for Grieving Stranger’s Grocery Bill – Then She Comes to His Workplace With a Heart-wrenching Note

Widowed Veteran Comes Up With an Incredible Idea to Combat His Depression - And Hes Doing It for Free
Uplifting News

Widowed Veteran Comes Up With an Incredible Idea to Combat His Depression - And Hes Doing It for Free

In November 2022, Daniel Chauvin, 76, didn't just lose his wife of 53 years, he started losing himself. Stricken with grief and struggling with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from serving in the Vietnam War, Chauvin was in a dark place. He knew he needed to fill his mind by filling his time. So, he began doing odd jobs for people in his community - FOR FREE.And somewhere, along the way, not only did he fix what people needed fixing, but he also mended his own broken heart. "Idle Hands Make Fretful Minds"After his wife, Patricia, died, and with his children and grandchildren living in another state, Chauvin had only his dog, Panda, and his parrot, Zeke for company. And while pets make great companions, they're no substitute for human connection. To add to the loneliness and isolation, Chauvin was haunted by the horrors of his past. "I can't sit around the house...my wife died last year and after that, it's just sitting around. That doesn't do it, especially with being a Vietnam veteran. Stuff starts coming back to you and haunts you."Daniel Chauvin via WLOX NewsIn order to combat the ghosts and keep his sanity, Chauvin, a retired construction worker, decided to channel his depression into something meaningful. After spending more than four decades in the building industry and even more than that keeping his wife happy by checking off items from her "honey-do" list, he turned to what he knew. In September 2023, Chauvin posted a selfie in a local Facebook group, Residents & Visitors of Bay St. Louis, alongside the message: "Any single woman needing honey-do job that they can't do themselves I am willing to see if I can do it for you FREE because I lost my wife of 53 years and I am trying to stay busy by helping others !!!"The "Honey-Do Dude" was born.The Honey-Do DudeChauvin's post "spread like wildfire." Turns out, there are A LOT of people with unresolved "honey-do" lists.And now, every day, upwards of four times a day, Chauvin can be found doing various handyman jobs up and down the Mississippi coast. A jack-of-all-trades, he does everything from fixing roofs to fixing floors and everything in between.If you need it, you can bet he can do it. Need a porch swing hung? Done. Need a dishwasher or light fixture installed? Check. Need a trellis built? Pass the hammer. As for his price? It can't be beat. All he asks for in return is a picture. A visible reminder that he isn't alone. Because, as he shares, what he needs isn't money, it's friends. Contrary to his original Facebook post, Chauvin doesn't just help single women, he helps anyone who needs it. He's even offered training to people who want to learn the skills to tackle their honey-do lists on their own. Since September he's helped more than 100 very grateful people cross items off their honey-do lists. And in the process, he's made a lot of new friends. https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid023Nbn5dQ8L7QAgdK9jNU47kcgHU1g4ZiB71NcFPkJb1nDDcGdNcui8PVLU5LvMwvbl&id=61554684731702Finding Peace and Healing by Helping OthersDespite the odd person on social media questioning his motives, Chauvin has no plans of quitting. He hopes sharing his stories on his Facebook page will reassure people that it isn't a scam. He's just a lonely guy, fighting his demons, one odd job at a time. And it's working. Since starting his business, his PTSD has significantly improved. "That's what I was looking for," he tells CBS News. Proving that in the act of giving, we often find the greatest healing of all.More from Goalcast:100-Year-Old Veteran Wasn’t Interested in 96-Year-Old When They First Met – Now They’re Getting MarriedUnemployed Veteran Gets a Call From His Roommate – Then, He Finds Out 2 Girls Showed up on His Doorstep92-Year-Old Veteran Calls Police for Help – Responding Officer Makes Horrific Discovery at His Home

Woman Is Angry at Driver Responsible for Her Moms Death for YEARS - Walks Up to Her in Court and Utters 3 Simple Words
Uplifting News

Woman Is Angry at Driver Responsible for Her Moms Death for YEARS - Walks Up to Her in Court and Utters 3 Simple Words

After tragically losing her mother in a car crash, no one would blame Staci Green if she never forgave the person responsible. After all, her mother was gone; the victim of someone else's reckless driving. And anger and bitterness can be easier pills to swallow than forgiveness. And for a long time, this was the case. Green fell into a deep depression. Unable to focus, she lost her job. Consumed by rage and grief, she was happy to watch Nikia Cherry suffer. But what started with heartache and soul-crushing loss incredibly evolved into a masterclass in forgiveness. And we can all learn something from it.The Car CrashPhoto by PixabayOn January 20, 2020, Cherry was doing 73 miles per hour in a 45-mph zone when she collided with 76-year-old Rosie Minor, a mother of four and a grandmother of nine. Rosie died in hospital a few hours later.Police charged Cherry with speeding and vehicular homicide. After pleading guilty, she was sentenced to 24 months probation, 240 hours of community service, and a $2500 fine, according to CBS News. On top of the criminal proceedings, there was also a civil trial. One that would result in Rosie's family receiving a $10 million settlement with Allstate Insurance. For three years, Green was FURIOUS with Cherry. Fueled by resentment and pain, she stood by and watched her mother's killer's life unravel. She was determined to see her to pay. But as she found out, seeing your enemy suffer doesn't actually make you happy. At least, not for long. Nearly four years after the accident, something inside of Green changed. She says it was a miracle. Maybe it was.In October 2023, in a courthouse in Atlanta, Georgia, Green walked up to Cherry and said three simple words, "I forgive you.""And when I forgave her, it was like I was reborn again."Staci Green - CBS NewsBecause as it turns out, forgiveness isn't for the other person, it's for ourselves. Taking Forgiveness to a Whole Other LevelAfter the accident, Cherry, a mother of four, lost everything. Her home, her job, her car, her life. And while this may seem like righteous retribution to some, to Green it was a call to action. Forgiving Cherry was just the beginning. Green made a vow that she would do whatever she could to make Cherry's life better. And she's kept that promise and then some."So I am committed to her life getting better," Green told CBS News. "So, I've helped her with money for food...rent. I was her daughter's secret Santa."She even booked Cherry a trip to Miami for her 40th birthday."She's like a God-mama to me," Cherry said of her relationship with Green, holding back tears. "I talk to her every day."The Power of ForgivenessAccording to Green, she was just doing what she knew her mama, an ordained minister, would have wanted her to do. And she believes that if she hadn't forgiven Cherry, she never would have been able to forgive herself.“My mom is already dead,” she said, “and I was walking around dead. In order to get my life back, I had to forgive her. It doesn’t make sense to have two dead people.”Forgiving Cherry didn't mean condoning her actions that led to the accident. And it wasn't about forgetting what had happened.Rather, forgiveness was about freeing herself. From the burden of anger and bitterness that threatened to consume her. Because carrying all of that weight, the hatred and vitriol, it comes with a heavy price. And in her forgiveness, she has discovered something else. Healing, not only for herself, but for Cherry as well. Forgiveness is not about forgetting, it's about choosing to move forward with love and compassion, even in the face of unimaginable pain. Not for the sake of others. But for your own. More from Goalcast:From Debt Collectors to Debt Forgivers—What Happened When Two Men Decided They’d Had EnoughDad Witnesses 10-Year-Old Daughter Being Hit By A Car- Immediately Decides To Forgive HimWhy John Legend Had To Forgive His Mother To Become a Better Man

Farmer's Tribute for His Late Wife Goes Unnoticed - Until a Stranger Stumbles Upon It by Chance
Uplifting News

Farmer's Tribute for His Late Wife Goes Unnoticed - Until a Stranger Stumbles Upon It by Chance

In the vast meadows of England, where love often whispers through the winds, Winston Howes crafted a tribute so touching and hidden that it took a serendipitous hot air balloon flight to reveal its beauty. One Loving Husband’s Heartwarming Tribute Love, a force that propels us to do the extraordinary, has fueled the hearts of lovers throughout history — Paris and Helen, Romeo and Juliet, and the enduring love stories of our grandparents. Winston Howes and his wife, Janet, were no exception. They met, fell in love at first sight, and in 1962, sealed their devotion in marriage. Their life together was a tapestry woven with threads of love and shared dreams. They moved to a picturesque farmhouse, raised a family, and nurtured a flourishing business. But life, as it often does, dealt a cruel hand. After three decades of love, Janet succumbed to a heart failure at the tender age of 50, leaving Winston and their son bereft. Grieving, Winston sought solace, attempting various methods to heal his wounded heart. Yet, none proved effective until he conceived a poignant idea — a tribute to his beloved Janet, akin to the legendary Hanging Garden of Babylon. How One Man Is Keeping His Wife’s Memory Alive Transforming a meadow Janet cherished, Winston created a hidden sanctuary — a heart-shaped forest. In the quiet expanse of their home, a profound symbol of love took root, a place where he and his son could find solace, especially in the face of life's hardships. This testament of love, Winston's clandestine creation, remained a secret until the heavens intervened. A hot air balloon, piloted by Andy, a frequent flyer, chanced upon this heart-shaped haven during one of its journeys. Andy, astounded by the unexpected sight, exclaimed, "It was a perfect heart hidden away from view — you wouldn’t know it was there!" The breath-stealing view, a heart etched into the landscape, tells a story of love, loss, and an enduring connection. Although it can't resurrect Janet, Winston's heartwarming tribute keeps the flame of their memories alive, a testament to the timeless power of love. More from Goalcast: Man Explains Why He Refuses to Help His Wife and 4 Kids Around the House – And Strangers Are Praising Him for It Man Accuses Wife With Full Time Job of ‘Doing Nothing Around the House’ – So After Getting Revenge, She Leaves for Vacation Woman Has a Dream About the Same Baby for Months – Fights to Adopt Her Husband’s Dead Ex-wife’s Son

Woman Texted Her Daddy Every Day After His Death - 4 Years Later She Receives a Shocking Response
Uplifting News

Woman Texted Her Daddy Every Day After His Death - 4 Years Later She Receives a Shocking Response

Losing someone we love is one of the hardest experiences we ever have to endure. And despite the fact that grief eventually comes for us all, it doesn't come with a handy instruction manual outlining "10 Easy Ways to Overcome Grief," unfortunately.Because grief ISN'T easy. And we all deal with it differently, in our own time and in our own way. For 23-year-old Chastity Patterson, losing her "Daddy" in 2015 in a horrific car accident was devastating. Jason Ligons may not have been her biological father but according to Chastity, "blood could not make him any closer.”To help her cope with her grief, Chastity texted him every day after his death. For years. On the fourth anniversary of his death, she received a reply.An Unlikely Connection Between StrangersFor four years, Chastity sent daily text messages to Jason's phone number, sharing updates about her life. In a crazy twist of fate, it turns out that her messages weren't just floating aimlessly in the cloud.Unbeknownst to Chastity, they were being received by a man named Brad, who tragically lost his daughter in a car accident in 2014. *Chills*Every day for four years the grieving dad quietly looked forward to and read Chastity's texts. And for four years, it was these very texts that kept him going. On the eve of Jason's fourth death anniversary, Chastity decided to send a lengthy message, sharing all the highs and lows of the past four years. "Hey Dad it's ME," she wrote. "Tomorrow is going to be a tough day again!" Chastity went on to tell him that she beat cancer and graduated college with honors. She fell in love, had her heart broken ("you would have killed him"), lost all her friends, and hit rock bottom, but she came back stronger than ever. She ended the text with, “I’m doing great, you would be so proud of the woman I have become...I just wanted to say I love you and I really do miss you.” And then...Brad responded. (Gird your hearts.)A Grieving Father’s Response to a Grieving Daughter"Hi sweetheart, I am not your father, but I have been getting all your messages for the past four years," Brad wrote back. "I look forward to your morning messages and your nightly updates. My name is Brad and I lost my daughter in a car wreck August 2014 and your messages kept me alive. When you text me, I know it's a message from God.’"Brad via Facebook/Chastity PattersonBrad explained that he wanted to text her back for years but he didn't want to break her heart.He continued, "You are an extraordinary woman and I wish my daughter would have become the woman you are, thank you for your everyday updates, you remind me that there is a God and it wasn't his fault that my little girl is gone."He went on to call her his "little angel" and to tell her, "I'm sorry you have to go through this, but if it makes it any better, I am very proud of you." A Grieving Daughter Is Finally Ready to Move OnBrad's words of affirmation were the sign Chastity needed to finally close the chapter on her grief. She shared screenshots of the text messages on Facebook and captioned her post: "I text my dad everyday to let him know how my day goes, for the past Four years! Today was my sign that everything is okay and I can let him rest!"Her post (which has since been removed) went viral, capturing the hearts of millions. (And the ire of a few cynics who questioned if it was real).Chastity quickly responded to the naysayers with a follow-up post, explaining that Jason may not have been her biological father but he was still her dad and a role model for a lot of the kids in her small hometown in Arkansas."He never missed a school dance, prom, my games and YES he would give me long talks about my mouth and attitude. I had to introduce my boyfriends to him (If I was allowed to date) and he would act like a normal dad and give us the long talk," she wrote. "I've cried with him, told him everything and even became very independent because he took the time to love me and show me what happiness looks like. SO YES Jason was my father but he was a role model for many kids in our town," Chastity added. As for why she chose to share the texts in the first place? She wanted her friends and family to know that no one walks through grief alone. "I shared my messages for my friends and family to see that there is a God and it might take 4 years, but he shows up right on time!" Chastity PattersonThe Power of Human ConnectionCall it fate, or a miracle, or some crazy twist of happenstance, but it would seem that Chastity and Brad's connection was meant to be. Two complete strangers, walking similar paths, somehow found each other when they needed it most. Chastity's texts helped her to feel connected to her dad even in death, but even more incredible is that they helped a grieving dad cope with the unimaginable pain of losing his daughter.Knowing that we aren't alone, especially when the world feels darkest, may not stop the agony of grief but it does go a long way in finding healing and peace. More from Goalcast:Man Messages His High School Bully on Facebook After 20 Years and Confronts Him – But He Receives an Unexpected ResponsePolice Officer Saves 5-Year-Old From Fire – Years Later, She “Facebook Stalks” Him and Sends Him a MessageWoman Away on Vacation Receives a Notification – Finds the Message a 13-Year-Old Had Left for Her on Her Doorbell Camera