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There may be a thousand ways to say, ‘Happy Birthday!’ but the sweetest of all may very well be a special chocolate message that was recently served up by an amazingly thoughtful restaurant staff. Creating natal felicitations in warm liquid cocoa was nothing new at London’s Luciano by Gino D’Acampo restaurant, but for birthday girl Natalie Te Paa, who is totally blind, the best wishes were spelled out in Braille. What gave the message an even greater meaning was that there was no advance planning involved. When the restaurant crew learned the dinner Te Paa was sharing with friend Claire Sara was a birthday celebration, they took it upon themselves to find and recreate the Braille translation that summed up their best wishes in well-chilled chocolate. Te Paa could barely believe her fingertips as she traced over the raised confectionary dots. “My mind was blank for a second and then I was like, ‘Is this in Braille?’” Ta Paa told TODAY. “I’ve never had anything happen like that before. It was wild. They just really did go above and beyond.” Dinner companion Sara recorded Te Paa’s delighted reaction to what had become a very different kind of surprise party. While restaurant manager Giovanni Galluccio maintains the impromptu gesture was simply part of the customer service, they strive to extend to all their patrons, clocking in with close to 16 million views to date, the internet judged the extraordinary act of kindness extra special. As Te Paa stated, “The fact that people have responded so much and so well to it just shows how much the world needs kindness right now, how much the world needs a message of hope, needs to see people doing things and going above and beyond for each other.” Despite how broken the world is right now, true kindness still exists.

In the real world, falling in love isn’t usually an adventure that literally begins with a daring ocean rescue—but sometimes that’s exactly how a story unfolds. In February 2019, yoga instructor Nupur Gupta was swimming in the waters off a beach in Goa when the current got the better of her. While a strong swimmer, she feared she’d be unable to make it back to shore. Hope came in the form of Hungarian-born financial adviser Attila Bosnyak, who’d spied his soon-true-love-to-be in trouble and was swimming to her aid. Though a capable swimmer, once he reached Gupta, Bosnyak realized he wouldn’t be able to get both of them to safety on his own. Rather than towing Gupta in, he swam toward a nearby rock formation. After several attempts in which he was pounded by fierce waves and smashed against the rocks, he was able to climb up and signal to the lifeguards on shore for help. Once he saw a guard making a beeline for Gupta, a bleeding Bosnyak, who’d suffered numerous scrapes and bruises, swam back to shore and collapsed on a beach chair. A grateful Gupta, who’d quickly bounced back from her own ordeal, felt compelled to help the stranger who’d saved her life. Swiftly procuring first-aid supplies—and chocolate ice-cream as a thank you—she returned to her hero’s side. After tending to his injuries, she tendered him the ice cream. Some might blame it on the chocolate, but in that instant, Gupta’s emotional landscape underwent a sea change—and she wasn’t the only one. Bosnyak felt the “magic” surge of attraction, too. Gupta and Bosnyak were both staying at the same yoga resort; she, as a teacher and he, as a student (though not in any of her advanced classes). Over the course of the next few days, the promising relationship began taking shape. However, since the retreat was soon to end and each was scheduled to go back to their respective lives—for Bosnyak, that meant his job in the Netherlands and for Gupta, home to Kerala—it looked as if the budding romance might never get a chance to blossom. But the pair of them decided to take a chance on love. Putting their real lives on hold for another week, the couple spent Valentine’s Day together. In the coming months, thanks to social media, their bond continued to grow, albeit long distance. After a month of back and forth, Bosnyak knew he wanted to see where the relationship could go. He asked Gupta how she felt. She too wanted to move ahead. “I immediately agreed without any second thoughts, despite knowing that it’s a huge distance, different cultures, continents, countries, cities,” she confessed. “I wanted to do this. I mean, I wanted to have this experience. I loved his vibe for that time when I was around him and I was very happy.” While the sweethearts hoped to meet in person for some quality couple time, plans for a vacation had to be put on hold when it was learned Gupta’s mother required emergency surgery for a brain tumor. After Gupta explained why she had to cancel their plans, without missing a beat, Bosnyak offered to fly there to be with her. Once Gupta’s mother recovered, the pair embarked on a series of meet-ups in Dubai, Serbia, and eventually, Thailand. The sites weren’t chosen for their romantic potential but by what their travel visas would allow. In September 2019, Gupta was granted a Dutch visa. She joined Bosnyak in the Netherlands and traveled with him to meet his family in Hungary. While it took her time to adapt to both the culture and the climate, in her heart, she knew the move might prove to be a permanent one—and it did. Bosnyak and Gupta were wed on March 21, 2020, at Trouwlocatie Groenmarkt which once served as city hall to The Hague. In fact, they were the last couple to marry at the prestigious site prior to the pandemic lockdown. The newlyweds spent the next few months pretty much exclusively in one another’s company. “It’s the acid test, I think, for a relationship,” Bosnyak told CNN. “That you can live with that person for months and months and months with no events around, no places to visit, no fun activities apart from the ones you can invent inside your apartment—or during your short walks in the next one and a half, two kilometers in your neighborhood. So if you can make it, and keep on your happiness, then that relationship is rock solid.” The couple’s road to a fairytale ending hasn’t been without its bumps, with Gupta recently contracting coronavirus. But she’s now on the mend, and she and Bosnyak are currently doing what they can to help friends and family as the pandemic continues to rage in India. Next summer, Gupta and Bosnyak, along with their dog, Sukhi Ram, should be moving to Athens where Bosynak has been offered a job. If all goes according to plan, it looks as if an addition to the family might be in the cards as well. And while “happily ever after” is never guaranteed, we think that for a real-life romantic tale that started out with soggy Prince Charming and a damsel in distress, that sounds pretty darn close.

Many are wowed by a Michigan woman for her honesty after she turned in nearly $15,000 in cash that she found at a gas station, which turned out to be contributions from guests for a newlywed couple who were overwhelmed by her integrity. Sixty-five-year-old Dianne Gordon has been walking 2.7 miles to and from her job behind a deli counter every day since her Jeep broke down and she couldn’t afford to fix it. On this day, while stopping at a gas station for a snack, she noticed a plastic bag on the ground; inside was a significant amount of cash along with greeting cards. Without hesitation, Gordon called the police to report her find, stating, “If it doesn’t belong to you, you don’t keep it,” and emphasizing that she did not consider keeping the money because it was not hers. Just doing what she “was taught to do” the grandmother of two called the police, who sent an officer to take custody of the sum. Gordon could have walked into any dealership in the state and driven something off the lot that day, but she knew that would be wrong in all shades because the money wasn’t hers, it wasn’t correct to take it. “If it doesn’t belong to you, you don’t keep it,” she told the Washington Post. “I didn’t do anything special. All I did was return something that didn’t belong to me.” Police Chief Dan Keller of the White Lake Township Police Department telephoned Gordon later that day to tell her they had used the information on the cards inside the bag to track down the owners. The happy couple was “overwhelmed” by Gordon’s honesty, as was Keller’s wife Stacy Connell. “As a police officer’s wife, I typically hear the bad things, so this was obviously heartwarming,” said Connell. “I was hoping we could help her get a car, since she could have walked into any dealership and used that money.” Connell set up a GoFundMe, and in just 6 days it raised four times as much money from people wanting to reward Gordon’s act of selflessness as she had found in the sealed bag that morning. Grateful for the money and the words of encouragement from all the contributors, which at the time of publishing, raised $82,000 and then closed. On February 8th, Friends of Dianne wrote: “Dianne officially signed for her new Jeep Compass yesterday at Szott M-59 in White Lake Township. Along with the new car, she also got an extended warranty, maintenance, insurance, and plates/tabs.” There was also an inspection done at her home to evaluate some much-needed repairs that will be done very soon. Kind people are mostly honest hearts, because they do to others as they themselves would want to be treated and this is about the highest point of kindness. It’s a beautiful story that shows more often than not, honesty pays.

Students from the Air Force Military School and Air Force Girls Military School in Jos were transported to their homes across various states in Nigeria using military aircraft. This unprecedented move by the Nigerian Air Force aims to ensure student safety during a time when road travel is fraught with risks. The airlift, which began on August 3, 2024, involved a total of 582 students being flown to destinations including Abuja, Enugu, Ilorin, Kaduna, Kano, Markurdi, Port Harcourt, Lagos, and Yola. This commendable action reflects the Air Force’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of its students and mitigating the dangers associated with road travel in the current security climate. In this gesture, the incorporation of kindness and thoughtfulness into their operations, stands glaringly tall for all to see. Furthermore, the Nigerian Air Force has announced plans to airlift the students back to school once the holiday period concludes, ensuring a smooth transition for their return to academic life. When we lace our policies with kindness, life becomes so beautiful.

When the Stitt family was fundraising to purchase a wheelchair-accessible van for their 17-year-old son, Jake, who has cerebral palsy, they likely didn’t expect a music icon to intervene. However, Justin Timberlake, upon hearing about their crowdfunding campaign, chose to make their dream a reality by covering the cost of Jake’s custom-built van and arranging for its delivery. Tim Stitt shared that Timberlake was deeply moved by their story and wanted to help. “It was just a blessing to be able to speak to that gentleman and for him to be able to meet Jake and see what he needed,” he said. Timberlake revealed the surprise to Jake during a Zoom call, and shortly before Thanksgiving, a parade celebrated the van’s arrival at the Stitt home. The family, including Jake, was overjoyed, as the van not only represents a significant gift but also the independence it provides for Jake and his caregivers in Morristown. While the Stitts had already raised a considerable amount for the van, Timberlake’s generosity allows them to allocate those funds toward Jake’s future care and expenses. Tim Stitt expressed gratitude, stating, “God’s always provided for us and we keep our faith and we’re thankful every day. It is a true meaning to thanksgiving… It’s very humbling.” When the Universe blesses us with water, it is humane that we also give to those that are thirsty. Let’s stay kind always.

When Greg Smith frequently encountered a homeless woman, who greeted him with a warm “good morning” and well wishes without ever asking for anything, he felt compelled to act. He decided to share his lunch with her every Tuesday. As their friendship blossomed, Amy revealed a heartbreaking truth: she was unable to read. While Greg had the support of loving parents, Amy Joe had faced significant hardships throughout her life. This revelation inspired Greg not only to continue sharing meals but also to teach her how to read. Greg sought no recognition for his efforts; he simply wanted to make a positive impact on Amy’s life and motivate others to assist the homeless in their communities. His kindness extended beyond lunch; he took Amy grocery shopping, helped her buy new clothes, treated her to a stylish haircut, and even arranged for her to stay in a hotel. The moment Amy realized Greg was taking her to a hotel room, she was drowning in a pool of happiness and sincere gratitude to her benefactor, gasping and crying at the unexpected kindness. It becomes truly inspiring when people do things from a very selfless point, seeking no recognition nor feeling entitled to anything.

Darrin Hand was enjoying a break from work in downtown Oklahoma City when he stumbled upon a poignant scene. A homeless man sat on the sidewalk, his eyes weary and hopeful as he asked passersby for spare change. Darrin felt a familiar pang of empathy but continued on his way. However, his heart was stirred when he noticed a businesswoman approaching the man. She knelt beside him, offering half of her chicken wrap. Darrin watched as they began to converse, their laughter mingling with the sounds of the bustling city. The woman listened intently, her demeanor warm and inviting, as if they were old friends catching up over lunch. Darrin could see the man’s spirit brightening, the simple act of kindness igniting a spark of hope within him. The woman asked questions, showing genuine interest in his life, and for a brief moment, the barriers of society faded away. Darrin felt a sense of appreciation for this woman’s compassion. In a world often characterized by indifference, her actions were a reminder of the power of kindness. She treated the man not as a charity case but as a fellow human being deserving of respect and dignity. As Darrin returned to his office, he carried with him the image of their shared lunch—a small act with a deep reaching impact, inspiring him to consider how he could contribute to the world around him. This encounter would linger in his mind, a clear picture paint of the impact of simple human connection. May we embody the spirit of kindness as we go about our day-to-day activities, for, we may be giving someone hope to face life, and hopefully inspiring others too, to key into the frequency of a kind world.