4 stories that will warm your heart

All in for the team

“My 8-year-old grandson, Jayden, is a football fanatic, just like his dad. The two really do it up for Super Bowl Sunday every year with refreshments and decorations. But last year, when Jayden had to have an appendectomy two days before the big game, it was a big blow.

“‘The Super Bowl is ruined now,’ he moaned to his parents and me while the nurse checked his vitals.

“The Sunday of the big game, I went to visit Jayden and heard commotion from his room. When I went inside, I couldn’t believe my eyes. There were balloons, team banners and a smiling Jayden in a football jersey, watching the big game. Seeing my stunned face, he pointed at the nurse who’d been caring for him. ‘She did everything,’ he exclaimed. ‘It’s just like home!’

“I looked at this humble stranger with grateful tears. ‘Like they say, home is where the heart is,’ I replied, knowing this kind caregiver had plenty of that.”

—Ann Cry, 60, Sioux Falls, SD

One fated friendship

“I was panicked when I realized I’d lost my wallet at the grocery store. When I checked with customer service, they said nobody had turned it in, but they took my number should it turn up.

“An hour later, I got a call from the store saying someone had found my wallet and wanted to talk to me. A man came on the phone, stating that when he looked inside for an ID, he saw an old photo of a policeman. ‘I worked with Officer Jeff Burns years ago. Are you related?’ he asked.

“My throat grew tight. My father was killed on duty when I was young. When I shared that I was his daughter, we were both amazed. He told me he had more photos and stories about my dad that he’d love to share with me. That was the beginning of a precious friendship.

“I never imagined losing my wallet would be such a blessing to us both.”

—Christine Ballentine, 47, Albany, KY

A love for all seasons

“I knew when I adopted a senior cat that our time together would be short. But I had to take her. The moment I saw Tulip’s sweet face on our local shelter’s website, I fell in love. And when I brought her home, it was clear the feeling was mutual.

“I was amazed at how effortlessly we bonded. From day one, Tulip was always by my side, cuddling, purring, attentively watching whatever I was doing. When after just a year together, she passed away in her sleep, it hit me hard. I felt lost without my very best friend and couldn’t help but wonder if she was happy in Heaven.

“Weeks passed, and I just couldn’t shake my sadness. One morning as I was getting ready for work, I was feeling extra down, still half-expecting Tulip to brush against my leg or to hear a ‘meow’ fill the air.

“‘Oh, Tulip, I miss you so much,’ I sighed as I grabbed my car keys.

“I then went out the front door and froze in my tracks. I spotted a splash of bright pink against the white of the snow that blanketed my garden. A perfectly formed tulip stood tall…despite it being the middle of winter.

“I felt chills run down my spine as I melted into tears of joy. ‘Thank you, sweetie… it’s beautiful,’ I uttered, knowing without a doubt that my

Tulip was close and that the love we shared would last forever.”

—Liz Lindstrom, 51,

Frederick, MD

Wrapped in happiness

“For my 62nd birthday, my sister sent me a surprise from her favorite online store. I anxiously opened the box to find a red winter coat with a gray fur collar and a belt at the waist. It was the kind of stylish coat she always wore, but I never would consider for myself.

“She was younger, fashionable and slim, while I carried extra pounds right around my middle. The winter coat I’d worn for decades had been a black boxy button-down. This wasn’t me. Then

I saw a gift note that read: You’ll look gorgeous in this! Happy birthday! All my love, Sis.

“I sighed, hoping it was refundable as I slipped it on. But as I took in my reflection in the mirror, I stared in awe. The belt gave me a nice shape, and the vibrant color made me absolutely glow. I didn’t feel like a dowdy woman; I felt gorgeous!

“Just then, my cell pinged with a text. It was my sister asking if I’d gotten my surprise yet. Smiling, I typed back. I have it on now! You knew just what I needed—thank you! It’s going to be a beautiful year!” —Tanya Everly, 63, Albany, NY