The first Feel-Good Friday of 2026, and I am so excited for the stories that will be discovered this year. As is the new tradition (thank you, reader/commenter Sarcastic Frog), we look back at the most-read Feel-Good Friday stories of 2025!
That's my family's Christmas card in the featured image because these are our 2025 feel-good moments. One of the reasons I love sending Christmas cards is that it is close to a physical touch, as well as an exercise in goodwill. The world has gotten way too immersed in digital land, sending virtual greetings on Facebook and other social media because it's convenient, doesn't involve a whole lot of effort, and doesn't require stamps.
How often do we receive greeting cards in the mail these days? I find it so much more fulfilling to do so. It is our special way of reaching back to all the friends and family that have shaped our lives, many who we no longer see on a regular basis. It also invites others to celebrate the season, and celebrate with us over God's blessings for another year.
Every Feel-Good Friday is much like that. It is a celebration of America and Americans. Our stories, our sacrifices, and the attitudes and actions that make us exceptional. Our capacity to show unconditional love, offer charity in the midst of hardship, and to continue to fight for what is good was uncovered, given a spotlight, and celebrated with gratitude.
So, without further adieu, here are the Top 5 Feel-Good Friday of 2025 that resonated.
No. 5: This 9-Year-Old Boy Dressed for Success to Adopt His New Best Friend
Cairo Hall, now 10-years old, had the maturity and moxie to take animal adoption seriously. Cairo researched, prepared, got permission from his parents, and then dressed for success for his meet and greet with Waylon the Pit Bull. It was love at first sight, and the rest is history! This received some of the most comments, too. As commenter Patrick said:
What an absolute gem of a story! Cairo Hall is the kind of kid who gives you hope for the future — thoughtful, prepared, and full of heart. In a world where instant gratification and selfies often rule the day, here’s a young man who slowed down, dressed up, did his homework, and approached dog adoption with the seriousness and respect it truly deserves. That level of maturity, empathy, and responsibility at just nine years old? Remarkable.
Well said. I peeped in on Cairo and Waylon's Instagram, and they are still going strong, a dog and his boy living their best lives. Cairo's message to his followers embodies the very spirit of Feel-Good Friday.
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I'm so grateful for our incredible community on this platform this year! Your kind words and encouragement in the comments have meant everything. Here are some highlights from my year: #1 adopting Waylon @pawsshelter, having the #bestdayever with Ringo and the Texas Stars @txstarshockey thanks to @bestday.tv, sharing my story with @careforequity,and being inspired to spread kindness at the Gala for @bestday.tv. I'm also thankful for doing a podcast with @lilleaders and of course sharing what I learn with all of you! 📹 Honorable mentions include our exchange student from 🇮🇹 Italy visiting me again and graduating from speech class after 5 years (sharing videos with you all has greatly improved my speech). And so much more ! Thanks to @purina, @nulopetfood, @treaty.pet, @goodboybiscuitco, and @petlife.unlimited for treating Waylon like the amazing dog he is. To those who've shared my story and videos to promote shelter adoptions and dog education, thank you. There are so many ! And to the amazing dog trainers at @charmingbuddiesdogtraining and @petprojectdogtraining, for teaching me how to care for Waylon. In 2026, I'm committing to #52weeksofkindness inspired by @bestday.tv - doing one kind thing for a pet or person each week. Who's with me? You can join in by supporting awesome organizations or finding your own ways to spread kindness! What are your plans for 2026? Kindness can change the world, no act is too small. #smile 🌍 ❤️ #waylonandcai #2025 #2026 #dogsofinstagram #52weeksofkindness
No. 4: GA Teen Who Left His Graduation to Work a Fast-Food Shift, Reaps Surprising Rewards
There were so many fun Graduation Season 2025 stories featured on Feel-Good Friday, and they did well; but this one reached the stratosphere for a number of reasons. Mykale Baker, an 18-year-old high school graduate, put others above himself by going to work a shift at Burger King directly after his commencement ceremony, in order to help out his coworkers. Mykale wasn't even scheduled to work! He could have been celebrating with family and friends, but he chose to be a good colleague and a good employee.
A mother named Maria Mendoza, whose daughter also graduated with Mykale, saw him in the drive-thru line as she was waiting for her food, and was so touched by Mykale's spirit, work ethic, and act of service, that she decided to start a GoFundMe titled, "From Burger King to a College Dream" to raise money for his college. Then there's the supposedly evil corporation that was anything but. Burger King not only matched this mother's generous act with their own financial gift to Mykale of $10,000, but they gave the same scholarship gift to Mendoza's daughter for her college!
As of this writing, the GoFundMe Mendoza started for Mykale has garnered $237,156. Because of the community and the nation's generosity, Mykale, who had planned to take a gap year to earn money for college, was able to go straight away. Mykale is studying auto mechanics at Gwinnett Technical College. When he graduates, I would want him to work on my auto — he has already proven his worth as well as his work ethic.
Goodness all around. As commenter Ironhead1970 wrote:
This story brought tears to my eyes such kindness and good old fashion ethics and dedication to help another person has been absent in the majority of our society for many years all it takes is a spark to show there are still people willing to do for others without asking anything in return.
No. 3: Boy Injured by Philly Plane Crash Asks After Surgery: 'Daddy, Did I Save My Sister?'
Flight tragedies were a horrible way to begin 2025, but the country saw more than a few. One was particularly sad: a Medivac flight crashed over Philadelphia, killing the pilot and passengers (six), and one person on the ground, while injuring at least 19 others. Andre (Trey) Howard III was one of those injured.
The 10-year-old was in a car with his father and siblings, and became a hero for protecting his sister from the falling debris. Trey suffered a serious head injury, and had to be rushed into surgery. When he awakened, one of the first things he asked was, "Daddy, did I save my sister?" A month after the tragic crash, his father spoke with ABC News about how Trey was doing, and the moment that brought him to tears.
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How precious is that? Trey not only made it through surgery, but made steady progress where he was able to be transferred to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for rehab. An avid Eagles fan (duh), Trey was able to watch the Super Bowl from his hospital room to see his favorite player, wide receiver A.J. Brown help his team take the win. Brown made a promise on X and the radio that he would visit Trey, and A.J. Brown kept that promise. Despite the doctors' prognoses that Trey might not walk again and that his speech could be impaired, Trey was not only able to walk, but conversed with Brown during that visit.
"Just with my son walking, being able to have a conversation with A.J. Brown," Howard said. "These are things that I look at as a dad. ... These are iconic moments."
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Trey is still recovering, and has a long way to go. But with the love of his family, and the emotional boost from a player whom he admires, the odds are that this hero will go on to continue to do great things. Commenter Ray Dunn agreed:
This kind of story gives me hope for the country’s future ! Great job kid !
No. 2: Bride Who Grew Up Without a Father Gets an Unlikely Friend to Walk Her Down the Aisle
This one happened to be my personal favorite because it is so similar to my own story (as I mention in the article). But it also incorporates subjects that the left likes to use to divide us: race, class, family, and loss, and turns them on their head. A young Black woman named Noir met her Prince Charming and they were to be married. But Noir had no family and no one to walk her down the aisle, until Bill — an older white man who was also her landlord and friend — offered to fill that void. As I concluded in the article, "Those deep, spiritual connections create bonds that go beyond skin-deep and transcend blood."
Commenter Truth Always Wins expressed:
Wow, just wow! If only the media would focus on stories like this instead of always trying to divide us. Your story brought tears to my eyes.
No. 1: Homeless Vet Gives Away His Last Dollar. Then a Kind Stranger Transforms His Life
The most popular and widely-read Feel-Good Friday story of 2025 is really no surprise. Navy veteran Jeff Daley represents not only the best of our country, but how as Americans we need to step up for those who fought for our freedoms. Jeff's homelessness crisis, coupled with his determination to refuse to give up and move forward, is inspiring. Jeff was simply going about his day and doing his job at Sprouts when he intersected with internet influencer Jimmy Darts. Jeff gave Jimmy Darts his last dollar, and through that act of kindness, Jimmy Darts helped change the trajectory of his life.
The tale resonated with so many, and was the most commented upon Feel-Good Friday of 2025.
Commenter Ornery Coot had this to say:
This is the way. Charity should come from the people, helping those who are willing to help themselves. Jeff Daley was willing to work, made an effort to maintain himself, and was found to be a kind man regardless of his circumstances. Perfect example of a man who deserves a hand up. He didn't even ask for it. I absolutely love this.
I am still researching to find out how Jeff is doing, but the hope is that with this hand up from Jimmy Darts, Jeff's 2026 is looking much better than the last year did.
Looking forward to sharing more of the feel-good stories that this year will bring.
Happy New Year!
Editor's Note: At RedState, it's not all about politics and policy. We like to bring attention to what's good in the world, with columns like "Feel-Good Friday," "Start Your Weekend Right," and "Hoge's Heroes."
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