heartwarming

The world isn't the happiest place right now, and with all the crazy stories appearing almost daily on our newsfeed about how everything is falling apart, we need a few pick-me-ups. These heartwarming stories will give you all the feel-good vibes you need to restore your faith in humanity and give you the wholesome feelings you're craving.

Fatherhood is a gift that many take for granted. Although kids come with their fair share of headaches, they are still a beautiful addition to family life. These dads have got into the full swing of things when it comes to being a father, and I'm sure their kids feel the love every day. 

2020 is almost over. This dumpster fire year has certainly been a sh*t show, and so we'll take anything we can get to give ourselves a boost. This collection of wholesome memes might not take away how bad the past year has been, but it can make today a little bit brighter, and maybe, that's enough to get you through to tomorrow.

Whether you've had a bad day, or you simply want some wholesome images flooding through your brain (because let's face it, everyone could use a pick-me-up right now), then these heartwarming memes are for you. Scroll through this gallery of cuteness overload for some guaranteed "awww" moments.

People meet their significant others in all types of ways. Whether it's on a dating app, through friends, or a chance happening, they say love appears when you least expect it. So when Twitter user @jreganwilliams posted, "I may have asked this before, but how did you meet your partner? I love hearing the stories", people jumped at the chance to share the adorable love stories. And adorable, they indeed were. Enjoy reading these short tales of how love can emerge out of nowhere and catch you by pleasant surprise.

Getting a tattoo means you have something meaningful that you want to be inked into your skin forever. It's something that requires a lot of thought (unless you decided to get a tattoo when you were drunk on a night out) because, after all, it will be there for a very long time. And what is more meaningful than getting a matching tattoo with your parents, which bonds you for life? It's an incredible way to show your love for one another and your special connection. Check out these people who got matching tattoos with their parents, because they're giving us all the feels.

Although people typically map out their career path in their 20's, not everyone is fortunate enough to figure out their life's calling at such a young age. Whether it be down to lack of opportunity, becoming a parent and not working, or just not figuring it out sooner, many people only decide what they want to do much later in life. Those who return to school and start a new career at an older age need a tremendous amount of tenacity and determination and should be admired. One guy, Doug Murano, wanted to celebrate these people and tweeted that he was "tired of "under 40" lists," he called for Twitter users to "Show me someone who got their Ph.D. at 60 after losing everything. Give me the 70-year-old debut novelist who writes from a lifetime of love and grief. Give me calloused hands and tender hearts." People were eager to share their 'over-40' success stories, which were the definition of heartwarming. Here are some of the best.

Birthdays are a special day for everyone. Whether it's the thoughtful gifts you receive, the surprise birthday parties your friends and family make, or just spending time with your loved ones, there are infinite ways to make someone's birthday extra special. Some people managed to capture these special moments on camera, and as you browse through these photos, you can feel the heartwarming moments of the birthdays. It just goes to show, it's all about the little things...

Having a bad day? Wholesome memes will fix it. Having a good day? Wholesome memes will make it even better. Essentially, wholesome memes are never a bad thing. And here are 15 that you scroll through, smile, and make you forget all the cr*p that's going on in the world right now. 

The photos of a dad who took part in a mermaid photoshoot with his eight-year-old daughter for her birthday have gone viral, capturing the hearts of everyone who saw them. Donned in pink and purple costumes - including mermaid tails - the pair looked like the best time creating the special memories for the little girl's birthday. Dad goals much?

Desirae Deal, the photographer who captured the event said, "I had the honor of doing a mermaid session for this sweet girl's 8th birthday, and all she wanted was for her Dad to join in on the fun. Let me tell you he did NOT disappoint! The laughs, the joy, and the memories they created were the absolute best gift he could've gave her. I have no doubt that this story, this priceless memory, will be talked about and cherished for generations to come. Take the pictures. Play with them every chance you get, for they are only little for so long." Check out the precious pictures below! 

Lockdown has been tough on everyone and finding things to do to keep entertained is becoming more and more of a challenge. Especially for the elderly in nursing homes; with no family or outside entertainment able to visit, it can't be easy. But Sydmar Lodge Care Home in Middlesex, UK, has come up with a brilliant way to keep heir elderly residents entertained during these difficult times. The home's activities coordinator, Robert Speker has helped the residents to recreate a whole bunch of iconic album covers. From Madonna to Adele to Bruce Springsteen, the results of the viral project are breathtaking. Take a look for yourself. 

Witnessing your kids get married is one of the proudest moments for any parent. But there's something about dads seeing their little girls in a wedding dress that sets them off, making the tears flow and the moment super emotional. Look through these pictures of dads losing it when they see their daughters on their wedding day, but make sure you have some tissues next to you because you might shed a few tears too.

Have you ever been having a bad day and a small act of kindness from a stranger has lifted your mood right up? It could be something as small as a smile, but often when a stranger goes out of their way to help us, it restores our faith in humanity and reminds us that there are so many good people out there. These wholesome images show how small acts of kindness can be the difference between a good and a bad day; it never hurts to be kind!

Breanna Lockwood, a 29 influencer from Chicago, together with her husband Aaron, 28, has been struggling to conceive naturally for many years. Having undergone several surgeries, various attempts at harvesting eggs and failed embryo transfers, as well as miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies, they have decided to take drastic measures to get pregnant. 

Breanna's 51-year-old mother has lovingly offered to be a surrogate mother for her daughter's child and is now carrying their baby which was conceived back in March. Although Julie (Breanna's mom) is 51 and surrogate mothers must be 35 or younger in order to carry a baby, her exceptional health means that she was approved and could help give her daughter the ultimate gift. Check out the adorable pictures so far of their incredible and unique journey.

Amy Jandrisevitz, a woman from Wisconsin is creating incredible lookalike dolls for children with disabilities and illnesses in an attempt to help them feel less alone. The doll maker's incredible journey started five years ago when she was approached by a mom who asked her to customize a unique doll for her daughter who unfortunately lost a leg due to an amputation. From there, she continued receiving requests and eventually started a nonprofit called "A Doll Like Me". Although each doll costs $100, Amy covers any expenses that parents can't afford out of her own pocket. The aim is to stop children who have skin, limb, or facial differences to feel ostracized. Here are some of Amy's incredible creations. 

Life is full of wonderful moments that make us realize what's really important. Friends, family, and health are the truly meaningful things that make our lives whole and these pictures show just how much some people had to go through to appreciate those things. Scroll through these pics, but make sure you have some tissues on hand because there may be a few tears shed!