Even if life isn’t always easy, occasionally we are reminded of the goodness in the world and the beauty of life by unexpected bursts of generosity, hope, and brightness. We’ll share true tales in this book that encapsulate the wonder and magic that can lift the spirits on even the gloomiest days.

Story 1: 

A few days before my 30th birthday, my (now ex) wife told me she had a meeting in the city and would be home late — but she actually drove to the airport to pick up my best friend, who had secretly flown in from out of state to surprise me.
The next day, she took us to a spot a few hours away, where we spent my birthday weekend with a bunch of my other friends. It was one of the best weekends of my life! © TempleOfCyclops / Reddit

Story 2: 

When I was pregnant with my daughter, my ex and I were looking for a new place to live. We found a private rental, and when the landlord was showing us around, she asked if I knew what I was having. I told her we were having a girl.

When we moved in, the room for the nursery had been painted pink, and beautiful pink blackout curtains had been added.

The day we moved out, she even came over to help me pack and clean. Just a genuinely beautiful human who showed me so much kindness. © snoozlybar / Reddit

Story 3: 

A few years ago, my siblings and I hosted a 70th birthday party for my dad on my birthday. My birthday is in July; his is in February. We had him fooled into thinking the surprise party was for me, and he was shocked when he walked in and realized it was his party. Half the fun was watching him almost spoil the surprise about half a dozen times.

Fast-forward to yesterday: I got a package in the mail with a super cozy sweatshirt and a note from Dad saying it was a birthday gift for me on his birthday. In the note, he wrote, “I couldn’t think of a better person I would want to swap birthdays with.” I’m not gonna lie, the note was the real gift. © Tanaisy / Reddit