I started the Feel-Good Fridays column in September 2021. August 2021 was an incredibly difficult and depressing month on a number of levels, not the least of which was the aftermath of the Biden-Harris botched withdrawal from Afghanistan resulting in the death of 13 brave service members at Abbey Gate. All of us at Team RedState and all the Townhall Media properties were writing non-stop about the horrific fallout from that period, and after so many weeks of it, I personally needed something to feel good about and that could celebrate what was right with America rather than what was wrong; and with this last regime, there was a lot of wrong rolling out. I wanted to leave our readers with a smile on their faces, a tug at their heartstrings, or something that might bring a thankful tear to the eyes, no matter what had transpired in the news of the week.

Thus, "Feel-Good Fridays" was born and is now a toddler! It's been three years of seeking out and highlighting stories that celebrate Americans and the American story. As Samwise Gamgee said to Frodo Baggins in "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers": “There's some good in this world, Mr. Frodo, and it's worth fighting for.” In this truly amazing year, our now President-elect Donald Trump pretty much said the same thing when on July 13, after surviving an assassination attempt on his life, he stood to his feet, pumped his fist in the air, with blood streaming down his face, and said, "Fight! Fight! Fight!"

So, this week's Feel-Good Friday is a celebration of Americans and their stories of sacrifice, unconditional love, charity, and always fighting for the good that resides in our nation and its people. With just a few days before the end of 2024, this FINAL 2024 Feel-Good Friday celebrates the top five stories that resonated with you this year, and gratitude that the outlook for America and its citizens is looking much brighter than it did in September 2021. 

Kudos and thanks to Sarcastic Frog for recommending this. Here are the five best Feel-Good Friday stories of 2024.

No 1: Bob's Red Mill Founder Bob Moore Dies, Leaves Company to His Employees

One of the reasons I am so passionate about small business is because of the impact it has on individual lives and individual communities; and sometimes that impact transforms an entire nation and world. The late Bob Moore who built Bob's Red Mill and then left the company to his employees is a glowing reflection that one man can make a difference, and was the most viewed Feel-Good Friday story of the year.

No. 2: The Resurrection of Western North Carolina Is an Example of America at Its Finest

The aftermath of Hurricane Helene left horrific damage and exposed our corrupt government, but brought out incredible stories of incredible, everyday heroes and how Americans take care of each other in the worst of times. Feel-Good Friday is all about restoration and restored lives, so expect to hear more about how Western North Carolina rises from the mud and the people who are instrumental in making that happen.

No. 3: Kelvin Ellis Gives His Last Dollar to a Homeless Man, Who Happened to Be a Millionaire

Hebrews 13:2 says, "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it." In our journey through this life, we never know who we might encounter and how they could affect our life. It's the stories that Hollywood tries to write, but life is often better than fiction. Young Kelvin Ellis thought he was doing a good deed for a homeless person, and ended up encountering a millionaire who took him under his wing as a friend and mentor. You cannot make that stuff up, and it's a beautiful example that despite all they are up against, the kids are definitely going to be all right. 

No. 4: 5-Year-Old Who Saved His Neighbors in a House Fire Earns Worthy Hero's Reward

Thanks to the situational awareness (uncommon for a 5-year old) of Bennett Bashford, he was able to wake up his father Zach, who then alerted their neighbors of a fire in their home. The Bashfords helped to save an entire family from certain death and forged a bond between father and son, and neighbor-to-neighbor that will not be broken. A young one knows that he matters to the world and his community, and understands the importance of being and having good neighbors. 

No. 5: Bone Marrow Donor Buys More Years for a Man's Family, Then Forges a Bond With Widow

This very popular article was a surprise, because it didn't have a concrete "Happy" ending. While Jill Thompson's donation of bone marrow to Montie Duncan bought him some time with his family, he never recovered fully from the transplant and soon died. However, Jill forged a bond with Montie's wife Marla, and many years later they have formed a strong friendship. As one commenter said, "It is one of those unmistakable truths of life: the full magnitude of happiness and joy is often realized when we have experienced grief and suffering." Sometimes we understand that spectrum of joy more fully because of the depth of our grief, as well as the people who walk with us through that grief.

Many of you know that I lost my last sister this September. Grief is hard, and I am blessed with good friends and community to navigate it, as well as forging new relationships in the midst of loss. One of my sister's spiritual daughters (my sister was a pastor) has been forging a friendship with me and has kept in regular contact since then. I think it was Joni Mitchell who said, "Well, something's lost, but something's gained In living every day."

I have gained so much from seeking the good and sharing the good in our nation and our world. I know that you have too, as these Top 5 stories show. May 2025 bring us more stories of America and Americans triumphs and defeats, wins and losses, and all that we gain from participating in this thing called life.

Happy New Year!