Autumn Barnes
Stories
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She couldn't pay it back — so she paid it forward
In the midst of a divorce, Jolena Rothweil asked to borrow some money from a friend. All he asked in return was that she pay it forward, and that act began a chain of kindness.
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In a fraught political moment, one woman finds comfort on her morning commute
In 2008, when banning same-sex marriage in California was put on the ballot, Kate Elsley's commute changed. Seeing signs supporting the ban became a reminder of what she might not be able to do.
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How one teacher's kindness changed a grieving teenager's life
When Eric Schwartz was 15, his mother died. The first day back at school after the loss was difficult, but one teacher's kindness changed his experience of the day and the rest of his life.
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She was about to drop out of college, but then her professor stepped in
Midway through her first semester of college, Silvana Clark realized she didn't have enough money to finish the year. Then, her drama professor stepped in.
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After fireworks caused her dog to panic, a stranger offered them a ride home
Lara Friedman was walking her large rottweiler on July 4 when fireworks went off. Her dog went into panic mode. Then a stranger offered to help, ensuring both got home safely.
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Alone in a foreign country, a young woman is saved by two strangers
In 1980, Elaine Batchelor was attacked on a night train while backpacking alone in Europe. Two strangers stepped in and stayed by her side for the rest of the 12-hour ride.
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How a nurse's call eased a daughter's burden
Ashley Ludlow's mother passed away in the hospital in 2005. She had followed her mother's wishes and asked that she not be resuscitated. That decision weighed heavy on her until a nurse reassured her.
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In the midst of grief, a woman is comforted by a stranger on the subway
A few days after her sister died, Maureen was on the subway when a stranger asked how she was doing. The conversation that followed is one that she will forever cherish.
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He was experiencing psychosis. Then, his boss made a decision that saved his life
A few years ago, "A" experienced a psychotic episode. His boss made a decision that saved his life.
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'That was masterful': How a stranger's words made Vivian Curren feel like a good mom
After Vivian Curren's young son threw sand on another child at a park, she assumed she was about to be judged for poor parenting. Instead, a stranger's response made Curren feel like a good mom.
