When Paul Cotter's father began to show signs of early-onset Alzheimer's disease, he lost job after job. Then, a small local company offered him a role that helped rebuild his sense of purpose.
On a flight home, Caitlin Shetterly told the man next to her that after 9/11, flying made her nervous. Then the man told her something she'll never forget: "Most people are good."
Melissa Barbanell's 7-year-old son was severely injured after being hit by a pickup truck. A stranger, who turned out to be a nurse, let Barbanell know he was going to be OK.
When Cara Beth Rogers was studying abroad in college, her brother died in an accident. On the plane ride home, a stranger made her overwhelming grief a bit easier to bear.
When Claire Burnside Och was a server at a high-end restaurant, she made a mistake opening a bottle of wine. But instead of acting annoyed, the customer handled it with grace.
When Kimberly Godsey was training to become a nurse practitioner, a physician taught her how to deliver painful news with compassion. Years later, his lesson showed up in her own life.
When Charlie Essers arrived at the scene of his wife's bike accident, he found four women shielding and soothing her until emergency crews could arrive.
Many years ago, Karleen was physically attacked by her then-boyfriend. Terrified, she left their condo, sat down on the curb, and began to cry. Then, a kind stranger invited her to Hanukkah.
Caroline Davis was about to make a mistake that could have severely damaged her car. Then a stranger stepped in, with an offer of help that brought her to tears.
In first grade, Clara Temple had to get a hot lunch at school for the first time. The process was confusing. She ended up in tears. Then a cafeteria worker stepped in — and made a lasting impression.
