Today, my dad and I were getting in our car at the grocery store parking lot when a scruffy man walked up asked if we had any empty plastic bottles. Next to him was the most beautiful, obedient Labrador. My dad said he didn’t have any bottles, but handed the man a $5 bill instead. His face lit up and he thanked us with a big smile. And as he walked away we heard him say happily to his dog, "You get to have a big dinner tonight!" and his dog barked. MMT

Today, at the age of 30 I kissed a man for the first time in my life, out of my own free will. After years of counseling from the sexual abuse I endured from my uncle when I was just a kid, I finally feel healed. MMT

Today, he's your perfect stranger, he's my brother, he's a good friend, he's a musician, he's another handsome face in the crowd, he's a baseball player… He's a cancer survivor who was fought a rare form of cancer since he was twelve years old. He struggled through chemo for five years, stayed in school, and somehow made it through. My best friend Devon won his battle with cancer yesterday. His strength, outlook on life, and love and determination MMT.

Today, a woman who couldn’t swim tried to kill herself by jumping into a rough part of the Amazon River in South America. Without a moment's hesitation, I witnessed a complete stranger jump in, grab her, grab on to a log and pull the woman to safety. This all happened in less than two minutes flat. MMT

Today, on the evening my ex-wife remarried on some tropical island, I got to spend time with my two sons - ages 8 and 9. And I realized tonight that the recession had pretty much taken everything from me - my wife, my career, my house, etc. - with the exception of my boys. They have been my rock - my meaning. And every time they look into my eyes and say "I love you dad," I feel quite rich. MMT

Today, when wrote an email to my mentor and business investor about how I was discouraged, and how I thought our small non-profit was never going to touch as many lives as I had hoped, he replied with the following: “Jay, we’re already changing the world. Making a difference in a few people’s lives can change the world. Maybe not the whole world, but their world. We’re still small, but we’re really important to the ones who need us most.” MMT

Today, on the one year anniversary of the car accident that left me with sever back problems and no best friend, I woke up crying again. My older brother heard me and came into my room quietly. As I tried to pull myself together, he sat down next to me, put his hand on my shoulder, and said, “Keep crying Katie. It’s OK. Crying doesn't indicate that you’re weak. Since birth, it has always been a sign that you're still alive.” MMT

Today, out of the blue she thanked me for saving her life. During our teenage years she survived assault and molestation by a family member. She felt unloved and damaged. She confided in me and I helped her as best as I could. Apparently, without knowing it, I gave her a reason to live. At least that’s what she told me today. MMT

Today, my wife of 25 years has beaten cancer twice – breast cancer in 1999 and lung cancer in 2012. The doctors just told us for the second time that she is 100% clear. I hope so this time it’s for good. MMT

Today, my son died of muscular dystrophy at the age of 58. Not quite a full life in years, but goodness did he bring joy to the lives of everyone who met him. He packed as much life into that 58 years as he possibly could, despite his disability. And considering the fact that doctors told me he wouldn’t live beyond 5 years of age, his life was FULL. MMT

Today, at the grocery store where I work I witness a man try to kidnap a little girl. Her mom saw it from a distance and started screaming. The suddenly, a passing teenage boy ran as fast as he could and tackled the man, and was closely followed by his friends who helped restrain him until the police arrived. MMT

Today I was walking down the street and saw a mom and her little boy, probably about 4-years-old. His shirt said "Society says I'm autistic, God says I'm perfect." MMT

Today, after months of deliberation, I finally decided to tell my best friend that I'm a lesbian. When I saw her I said, "There’s something I have to tell you about my personal life." She replied, "I already know." When I asked why she didn't say anything, she replied, "I didn’t think it mattered. You're still the same person, right? And we’re still friends, right? But I’m glad you’re comfortable with it now too." MMT

Today, there’s a guy in my Government class that always stands up and says "I volunteer as a tribute!" whenever the teacher asks someone to volunteer for something. Last month he was diagnosed with Leukemia and was forced to shave the rest of his hair. This afternoon, the teacher asked if anyone wanted to shave their heads for him as a surprise (he was out sick today). At least 75% of the class stood up and screamed "I volunteer as a tribute!" MMT

Today, a friend who has been partially paralyzed for the past 12 years told me I was her inspiration to never give up on life. We met in physical therapy rehabilitation after my motorcycle accident and her car accident. Today she held my hand, and with me took her first assisted steps since January of 2001. MMT

Today, in celebration of New Years, I also celebrate life – both my life and the life of a selfless donor who saved my life 3 years ago. New Years Eve 2010 a woman died. New Years Day 2010 I received a kidney after having lethal kidney function for over a year. Thank you again. I am eternally grateful. MMT

Today, a homeless man literally yanked me backwards off the edge of a street curb as a speeding car lost control on the icy road and slammed into the curb where I had been standing. I thanked the man and tried to buy him dinner, but he just nodded a few times and hustled off. Him coming out of nowhere, anticipating the accident, and saving me from serious injury, MMT.

Today, I'm a single mom. My four-year-old son loves to draw the two of us with crayons. I've been with this wonderful guy for just over a year now. My son came home last week with a bunch of pictures with not two, but three stick people in them. I told my boyfriend jokingly, "You can't go anywhere now. My son says you're part of the family." But then he unexpectedly started talking about marriage. He MMT. And the fact that I may have a second shot at lasting love MMT.

Today, was my graduation ceremony from college. My Dad has been deployed overseas since last February. Obviously my dad wasn't able to make it to my graduation. But at the ceremony, before all the graduates were ready to go, the principal announced there was one thing that needed to be said first. A video of my dad appeared on the big screen, congratulating me and all the graduates. MMT

Today, while working at the blood bank, a 22 year old girl came in, and explained that she was deathly afraid of needles. After she had gotten done, I asked her why she chose to donate her blood if she was so scared of needles. She hesitated for a second and then told me, “My brother passed away on Christmas Day five years ago because he needed blood. We were living in a small town at the time, and the hospital there didn’t have enough blood for his blood type. I’ve donated once a month ever since, but I still hate these needles.” MMT