Happy headlines to start your day. Uplifting and inspirational feel-good news stories to make you smile. 

save the world

Couple replants a Forest

Photo journalist, Sebastiao Riberiro Salgado, and his wife, Lelia, had memories of the beautiful lush forest in Minas Gerais, Brazil. But, the land as they remembered no longer existed- it had become a barren wasteland. So the couple decided to replant the forest! They established the Instituto Terra an “environmental organization dedicated to the sustainable development of the Valley of the River Doce”. Twenty years later, the area is rejuvenated with 293 species of trees, 172 species of birds, 33 species of mammals, and 15 species of amphibians and reptiles. 

the power of forgiveness

brandt jean forgives his brother’s killer

Former Dallas police officer, Amber Guyger, was convicted of the murder of Botham Jean. She says that she mistakenly entered her neighbor – Botham Jean’s – apartment and fatally shot him. Botham’s brother, Brandt Jean, took the stand and forgave Amber Guyger. This young man’s gentleness, sincerity and kindness is overwhelming.

making a difference

Single Father of 7 Adopts 5 More

Lamont Thomas, of Buffalo, NY, believes caring for children is his “God-Given-Call” and is the proud father of 12. In the last 20+ years he has raised his 2 biological children, fostered over 30 kids, adopted and raised another 5 children and recently came out of ‘retirement’ to add 5 siblings—all under 5 years of age—to his growing family.

Thomas told GMA, “In the beginning, I was helping out some friends. They had lost their child to the system. I went on and got certified and became a foster parent. I haven’t stopped since.” Thomas added,”I wanted to make a difference by being a difference, and I love what I do.”

human kindness

Take me out to the ballgame

With special technology, residents of the Ventilator Unit at the Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Commack, Long Island took an amazing trip to see a Mets game. The special equipment, dubbed “VOCSN” by Ventec Life Systems, is a “compact, portable multi-function ventilator that provides mobility for individuals who depend on ventilators for life support”. For many it was the first time in years that they were able to see a live baseball game.