My friend had no family and fell gravely ill. Desperate, she begged me for $6,000 to save her life. I needed that money myself, but I gave it to her anyway. She promised to pay me back—then disappeared.Nine years later, I heard she had returned. I went to confront her, full of mixed emotions. When I saw her, I was stunned. She looked confident, elegant, and successful. Her home was filled with beautiful, modern furniture—the kind I had always dreamed of.

She told me that after recovering, she left town, worked tirelessly, and eventually became a partner at a top law firm. Now she was back to start a new business—and to thank me. She asked me to check my bank account. When I did, tears filled my eyes. She had transferred $60,000.

At the time, I was going through a painful divorce and struggling financially. That money felt like a lifeline. She told me she had never forgotten my kindness, and that repaying me had been one of her greatest motivations to succeed. The second story happened after I lost my dad. I sank into deep depression and finally sought help.

While picking up antidepressants, I broke down crying at the pharmacy and apologized for “crying like a child.” The pharmacist gently said, “You don’t need to apologize. You’re facing your struggle and taking steps to heal. That’s brave.”Those simple words changed how I viewed my healing journey—and reminded me how powerful kindness can be.