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As the days get darker, it’s easier and easier to slide into a gloom-and-doom mindset, particularly if you spend too much time online. So it can be helpful to explore some of the good things in life as a reminder that not everything is bad.

The “Heartwarming Stories” Facebook page is dedicated to wholesome, cute and just happy posts. We also got in touch with Charles de Vilmorin, CEO and Co-founder of “Old People Are Cool,” an advocacy group for the elderly to learn more. So get comfortable as you scroll through, upvote your favorites and be sure to comment your thoughts below.

More info: Facebook | Old People Are Cool

#1

Heartwarming-Stories

"This is my step-dad and I. I'm German, and my mother married him when I was 4 years old. He was only 18. He raised me better than my own mother or father did, even through a nasty divorce where he was cheated on by her. Even with all the racism and stereotypes I heard when we were out together, he didn't let it faze him and proudly proclaimed me as his daughter. Thankfully he is still there for me when I need him"

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    #2

    Heartwarming-Stories

    "I have a confession to make. I would not know Jon Bor Jovi if he walked in this building. I cannot name a single song he has ever recorded. It's not that I don't like him or his music, I have just never really been exposed to it. This superstar is washing dishes at one of his JBJ Soul Kitchen restaurants that feed the homeless. They're still cooking. Still making food for those in need during these uncertain times. And instead of disappearing to wait out the pandemic in a fancy penthouse somewhere, Jon Bon Jovi is showing up to be a dishwasher. Now THAT's what it means to be a rock star."

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    Bored Panda got in touch with Charles de Vilmorin, CEO and Co-founder of “Old People Are Cool,” an organization dedicated to changing the way people see the elderly. First and foremost, we wanted to hear if there was a story behind him creating the group.

    “Yes! I was meeting with a professor in New Hampshire and saw these 4 words graffiti on a wall; driving back I thought I had seen something awesome that day. I printed stickers and handed them out at a Senior Living trade show where we were exhibiting. People were rushing to get them and we started having amazing conversations. This has then led to the start of the Old People Are Cool campaign to fight ageism.”

    #4

    Heartwarming-Stories

    Indiana construction worker Jason Haney hid a giant "Where's Waldo" cutout all over his work site for the children in a nearby hospital to find. Once he received word that they'd found him, he moved Waldo to a new location so they could start looking for him again.

    Heartwarming Stories Report

    #5

    Heartwarming-Stories

    "Anthony Borges who used his body to hola his class door shut from a gunman, protecting his 20 classmates whilst being shot through the door five times. Fortunately he survived and has made a complete recovery"

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    #6

    Heartwarming-Stories

    Parents listen to their son's transplanted heart beat in the chest of the recipient of his gift. There is only one race. The human race.

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    audrey-hobart-anderson avatar
    donadams_1 avatar
    Don Adams
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I recently received a heart, and hope to be in contact with the donor family. I have written them a letter, and am hopeful of a response. If you can, please Register as an organ donor. You cannot believe the value of your gift.

    cali-tabby-katz avatar
    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Don, that's wonderful; I hope you are able to get in contact with your donor's family. I have been an organ donor since the moment I got my driver's license when I was 16, in 1998. I can only hope that I am in good condition (however I may die) to be able to donate at least one organ when I die.

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    aragornjauncey avatar
    cerinamroth
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A couple who are family friends of ours recently lost their 9 year old son and one of the only things keeping them going is knowing that his organs are now giving life to others. He was so in love with nature and our beautiful world. God bless all the grieving parents and may they find glimmers of comfort where they can.

    beth38 avatar
    Beth Wheeler
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Now I really more over their little boy. So sorry they lost him, they have given others and incredible gift and I hope they get to meet them if that's what they want.

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    marneederider40 avatar
    Marnie
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why the f**k make this about race? I think by now we're all fully aware that not everyone is racist. You don't need to harp on that in every picture that shows people of different "races" acting like human beings. Also, it's not even factually correct. There really is no race at all, because race can not be fully defined and has no backing in reality. (Scientists tried really hard to separate humans by race and found that they couldn't.) We are, however, all one SPECIES, and have only the slightest genetic variance among all of us.

    popper03244 avatar
    Jonnathan Poirier
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The father's face breaks my heart 💔 Amazing humans saving another life with how difficult this must be amazing.

    saderman avatar
    Shelli Aderman
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I LOVE THIS! Although I am curious how a child’s heart can be transplanted into an adult.

    sneacy123 avatar
    lindarobinett avatar
    Linda Robinett
    Community Member
    3 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How sweet, to hear their son's heart. I hope it was big enough for this big hearted man.

    jaybird3939 avatar
    Jaybird3939
    Community Member
    3 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He has such a beautiful, serene look on his face as they listen.

    robynpicknell avatar
    Robyn Picknell
    Community Member
    4 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    See!! Outside means nothing because we are ALL the SAME inside!!!

    hlmorgan avatar
    Big Chungus
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My mom just received the gift of a heart from someone, unfortunately we don't know who's it was or where it came from, but I hope their family knows we appreciate it

    lafoffi avatar
    Sofia
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    if you're a f1 pilot there is more than one race... (sorry couldnt rexists)

    shaunlee avatar
    SheamusFanFrom1987
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We all go home eventually. This is what I hope to leave behind and I hope others will too: a beautiful legacy *sheds a tear of pride*

    carrieb avatar
    Carrie B
    Community Member
    1 week ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Aw sh!t I wasn't expecting to cry so early this morning.

    bluedogs1967 avatar
    The Chronic Insomniac
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've seen this photo dozens of times and it makes me tear up again EVERY time.

    rileyhquinn avatar
    Riley Quinn
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Famously said and taught by anti-racism educator, Jane Elliott. I wonder how all of us would've turned out if our classrooms had a Jane Elliott on the teaching staff. Hatred is learned, as is love and acceptance.

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    Naturally, we were then interested to learn more about ageism and general misconceptions about the elderly. So we asked Charles to give some examples of what many people misunderstand or get wrong about older folks. For example “They aren't happy, it's the reverse, see the happiness curve,” he suggested.

    #7

    Heartwarming-Stories

    This goose used her wings to protect an abandoned puppy from the cold. The puppy was shivering so she folded her wings around this baby & moved him closer to her so he could benefit from her body warmth. Puppy stopped shivering & went to sleep

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    #9

    Heartwarming-Stories

    "Noah Woods, a five-year-old Georgia boy, awoke to flames in the bedroom. He jumped out of bed, grabbed his two-year-old sister, and got out of the house through an open window. He then went back in to get the family dog and pulled it to safety. He will be recognized as an Honorary Bartow County Firefighter and presented with a Life-saving award."

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    This refers to the idea that, for most people, their 40s tend to be their most unhappy years, while joy actually increases as the person gets older. This doesn’t necessarily mean an actually higher quality of life, just the self-perception of happiness. You can think of it as a U-shaped curve, with high happiness at the start and at the end.

    #11

    Heartwarming-Stories

    A man named Dale Schroeder grew up poor in lowa, never married, had no children, and worked as a carpenter at the same company for 67 years and only owned two jeans. He spent his life savings to send 33 students to college. Today, the 33 strangers have formed a group and call themselves "Dale's kids." Comprised of doctors, teachers and therapists, they honor Schroeder for changing their lives.

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    #12

    Heartwarming-Stories

    An 83-year-old retired Marine kept the promise he made to his friend while in a bunker in Vietnam, and stood guard one last time.

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    Other misconceptions Charles shared: “They have great physical and cognitive decline - While some physical and cognitive changes are normal with aging, many older adults remain physically active and mentally sharp well into their later years. They are not resistant to change.”

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    #14

    Heartwarming-Stories

    The escalator scared the 83 yr old stranger at the mall. The 23 year old noticed & said I'll take you down...

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    “They are not productive - Some of the great inventors, entrepreneurs and contributors to society produced their best work in later ages. They bring valuable experience, wisdom, and skills to the workforce and volunteer activities, making significant contributions to their communities.”

    #16

    Heartwarming-Stories

    A family in Mississippi lost everything in a tornado on Friday. The next day, they went back to see their cat sitting on the pile that used to be their home, waiting for them.

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    #17

    Heartwarming-Stories

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    RagDollLali
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This planet does not deserve the likes of Ms. Dolly, who is a genuinely big-hearted and amazing human being 💗

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    “They don't have sex and relationships - this is not true,” he shared. “They are all the same - they are as diverse as any other segment of the population. They are a burden on Society: Some may use more healthcare services, many contribute economically and socially through work, volunteering, and caregiving.”

    #20

    Heartwarming-Stories

    Private Kevin Elliot was k**led fighting in Afghanistan. His friend Barry and him made a promise that if one of them died, they'd wear a bright green dress to the other ones' funeral. Barry stayed true to that promise

    Heartwarming Stories Report

    So we also asked him to detail some of the impacts of discriminating against the elderly. “Ageism, which involves discrimination or prejudice against individuals based on their age, poses several problems: a negative Impact on health - negative age belief is known to reduce health span by 7.5 years. It can lead to employment discrimination, healthcare inequities, social isolation and a negative self-perception.”

    #22

    Heartwarming-Stories

    There were a group of characters dressed as superheroes at a local costume shop. This young boy, who uses a walker, did his best to walk and approach Superman and simply just said "Thank you". Even Superman started to cry.

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    #24

    Heartwarming-Stories

    He waited 2 years at a hospital for a heart transplant. Now he's a Cardiology Fellow at the same hospital

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    So we wanted to know in his opinion what made people special. “TBH, I think this question is ageist - I think old people are not special, they're just old which is a great thing. If there is ONE criticism of the Old People Are Cool message is that it implies that old people are cooler than others which is not the case. It's a bit like saying Black Lives Matters: of course, all lives matter but the message is to enforce and support a discriminated population.

    #26

    Heartwarming-Stories

    "17 years ago my wife and I sat in a room and were told by a Dr that our 11 year old son had an incurable brain tumour that he wouldn't survive. Today we saw him get married, he's the best person I know I'm I so very proud to still have him"

    Heartwarming Stories Report

    #27

    Heartwarming-Stories

    Thanks to Internet popularity, the kid from the "Success Kid meme" made enough money to fund his Dad's kidney transplant

    Heartwarming Stories Report

    Lastly, we wanted to know if he had any final thoughts. “Aging is a beautiful experience because it's part of life. Your future self is as good, or maybe better, than your today's self!” If you are interested in learning more, you can find information at Old People Are Cool.

    #28

    Heartwarming-Stories

    "This person's daughter died of cancer. Before she died, she made this drawing for him, now he wears it on his skin."

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    #29

    Heartwarming-Stories

    "My Dad is afraid to fly, so when I was 5 yrs old I made him a doll to hold on the plane. Mom just sent me this picture. He is packed to come visit me. The doll is 43 years old!"

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    alice_ann_landers avatar
    Alice Landers
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What a nice intuitive son/daughter especially at that age you were ! How sweet that he still carries it with him.

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    #30

    Heartwarming-Stories

    Sean Misner, one of the 19 firefighters who lost their lives in Arizona, on his way home. Trucks were on every overpass from Arizona to the Santa Ynez Valley, with firefighters saluting as Misner's wife drove by with his ashes.

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    #35

    Heartwarming-Stories

    "My son has very little experience with babies but wanted to keep trying ways to get her to stop crying. Surprised at the silence I returned to the room to see him bouncing gently on an exercise ball, totally pleased with himself"

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    #36

    Heartwarming-Stories

    It doesn't matter how strong & confident you may appear on the outside. Some days you just need your Pooh Bear

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    fredneobob90 avatar
    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This reminds me of a friend's dog (I'm terrible with breeds, but it's larger than this and not a great dane) who often carries around a support toy. Favourite is Elmo, though I think she is on at least number 3, because she does accidentally destroy them when anxious.

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    #37

    Heartwarming-Stories

    A girl in my geography class had to bring her newborr to class today. The baby started crying in the middle of our quiz. When she took him out to hold him, my professor insisted that he wouldn't mind feeding the baby and rocking his car seat until she was done. This is my so so awesome, sweet professor, on his knees.

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    #40

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    jk_20 avatar
    JK
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Glad you had that experience. I lived across from a station and they would sometimes come out and help me shovel my car out from 3 feet of snow.

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    #41

    Heartwarming-Stories

    Sad shelter dog whose only friend was this elephant toy learns that he and his toy are getting new home

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    #45

    Heartwarming-Stories

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    RagDollLali
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This happened here in Houston. One of the charges against him was dropped and by the time he made it to sentencing they gave him time served and let him go. What he did was extreme obviously, but he was right when he says the hospital was moving too fast and making decisions without the input of his family (they were even already notifying transplant patients that they had his son's organs lined up for them before they even started the process of removing him from life support). My heart goes out to this man for what he must have been going through emotionally at that time.

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    #47

    Heartwarming-Stories

    Elderly YouTuber writes his subscribers down in a notebook, then thanks them individually

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    #48

    Heartwarming-Stories

    "My dad was admitted to the hospital right before Christmas. We didn't know if he would make it home at all and especially not for Christmas. This is my parents slow dancing to "I'll be home for Christmas" on Christmas Day."

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    #49

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    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's Mom, coming to visit. Absolutely. I don't even believe in Heaven or souls. But that's 100% OP's mom visiting. Just taking a peek, making sure her little caterpillar is doing all right :)

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    #50

    Heartwarming-Stories

    Thousands of people attended a barbecue in front of the home of a vegan Australian woman who took her neighbors to court over the smell of meat cooking in their own backyard

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    calebrichardson avatar
    DudeFortitude (He/Him)
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's fine if you're vegan or vegetarian, just don't force it on others and don't be an åsshole.

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    Note: this post originally had 84 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.