Heart Stories

Name Peter

Where Did You Spread or Receive a Heart (city, state)?: Chicago, IL

Tell Us about the Person You Spread a Heart to and/or Received a Heart from: Alisa, a flight attendant on an American Airlines flight from Chicago to Minneapolis. An passenger on the flight was consistently telling Alisa what to do relative to his luggage and I loved her reaction and handling of the issue. I see flight attendants deal with customer issues on a daily basis and when one is so professional and still very nice, it makes me happy to be traveling with the likes of Alisa. Thanks, Alisa!

How Did Spreading or Receiving a Heart Impact You?: I appreciated Alisa's attitude and professionalism and it felt good to acknowledge that to her.

Name Marcenia

Where Did You Spread or Receive a Heart (city, state)?: Chicago, IL

Tell Us about the Person You Spread a Heart to and/or Received a Heart from: I spread a heart to my mom who is paralyzed. I visited her at her home and gave her a small box. I told her “I see you, mom. You are loved. I cherish you.” My mom responded as if she received a diamond! Her face lit up, tears filled her eyes, and she told me - “I will cherish this for the rest of my life.”

How Did Spreading or Receiving a Heart Impact You?:

Name Kathleen and Mila

Where Did You Spread or Receive a Heart (city, state)?: Illinois and Israel

Tell Us about the Person You Spread a Heart to and/or Received a Heart from: This morning my manicurist Mila shared with me a heart story: her significant other's mother passed away a few weeks ago and he went to Israel for the funeral. Mila was not able to attend so she wrote a special letter to her would be sister-in-law and included a "spreading hearts" heart in the letter. Her significant other said his sister sobbed when reading the letter and receiving the heart.

How Did Spreading or Receiving a Heart Impact You?: This heart is the same one I gave to Mila at the funeral of the unexpected passing of her husband six years ago. She remembered the story of me handing her the heart at the funeral and how it forever impacted her.

Name Kate McCue

Where Did You Spread or Receive a Heart (city, state)?: Las Vegas, Nevada

Tell Us about the Person You Spread a Heart to and/or Received a Heart from: Small acts of kindness matter. Ngl, this trip back to work is a tough one without my sweet sidekick along for the ride. Getting ready to leave home, I felt like I was leaving her behind. Guilt, sadness, and of course grief. It's ironic that after she passed, I felt like I didn't have many photos or things to remind me of her around the house but going through the rooms, I realized that she is everywhere. In each room I kissed her pictures. I kissed where I'd see her in rainbows. I put her photos in places where I knew they would get sunlight and where there isn't sunshine I left the lamps on to make sure she wasn't in darkness. There were tears. Lots of tears. And saying farewell to my parents just brings more. Mum & Dad brought me & Nikola to the airport, and rather than a quick stop, drop & run, they came in with us. Mum was in line with me while Nikola was checking bags. We approached the @americanair counter and could tell gate agent, Vernon, had beautiful, calming energy. He gave thoughtful compliments (especially to my Mum), and he made funny jokes. He instantly lifted our mood with his genuine kindness. Since Bug passed, I carry crystal hearts in my pocket for people like Vernon. I gave him one, and he immediately pulled a red and white cloth bag from his pocket. He asked for my phone. I handed it to him and he handed it back with a website open to spreadinghearts.org 🩷. He then took two tiny pewter hearts from his red and white bag and gave one to me and one to Mum. Mum gave him a Murano glass angel in return. He made my Mum cry, which will always make me cry.

How Did Spreading or Receiving a Heart Impact You?: Such a small gesture that meant the world to us, especially today. @americanair I hope you see this and I hope you know what an incredible individual you have working for you. And @spreadinghearts I will be ordering hearts soon so others get to experience the gift that Vernon gave us. See love. Be love.

Name Karrie

Where Did You Spread or Receive a Heart (city, state)?: Chicago, IL

Tell Us about the Person You Spread a Heart to and/or Received a Heart from: I spread a heart to a young woman I met at a MRI center when I was anxiously trying to obtain answers regarding my health in a quick and accurate manner. I was extremely frustrated by how slow the referral/insurance process was and desperately wanting an answer to explain my lower leg pain. This woman, let's call her Amy, was so kind, helpful, understanding, and absolutely went above and beyond to help me obtain accurate answers in a timely manner. After I gave her a heart as a small token of my huge thanks she emailed me and said: "Also, I just wanted to say thank you again for the heart from spreadinghearts.org. I cannot tell you how touching this is to me. I recently lost my mother-in-law and she was such a proponent of these things. This act from you really brought me great memories of her. I told my husband and he even said, wow my mom would have loved to hear this story. I did not even have to say "hey wouldn't your mom think this was cool" he just got it instantly. Thank you again."

How Did Spreading or Receiving a Heart Impact You?: Hearing the ways that giving a small pewter heart at just the right time to Amy encouraged her reminded me that God knows -- He knows how to intersect complete strangers at just the right times to remind us of His presence in our lives and fill our fuel tanks with hope and comfort exactly when we need it. I was also reminded that pausing in our busy days and listening for the "nudges" to encourage someone and acting on those nudges can have a lasting impact on both the receiver and giver.

Name Ivor

Where Did You Spread or Receive a Heart (city, state)?: South Africa

Tell Us about the Person You Spread a Heart to and/or Received a Heart from: I gave a heart to my friend in 2012 when we first became friends. I saw him today, four years later, and wanted to give him a new heart (forgetting I had already given him one) and he pulled out his old one! It looked worn, and not so shiny, but also beautiful with a story to tell.

How Did Spreading or Receiving a Heart Impact You?:

Name Lannie

Where Did You Spread or Receive a Heart (city, state)?: Indianapolis, Indiana

Tell Us about the Person You Spread a Heart to and/or Received a Heart from: My husband John underwent open heart surgery at St. Vincent's Heart Hospital in Indianapolis last week, and within the first day of his hospital stay, I experienced the love and care of so many doctors, nurses, caregivers, plus family and dear friends. I was moved to show my gratitude and appreciation in a concrete way. I was also touched by John's brave and sweet attitude--always showing interest in others and gratitude for their care--even when he was in pain or probably scared. I secured the hearts from my friend and began giving them out.

How Did Spreading or Receiving a Heart Impact You?: The hearts were a perfect "thank you" to those taking care of John's heart! From the surgeon, to the nurses, to the patient care technicians, to the housekeepers, we showed our gratitude openly and often. I have to say, John led the way in these relationships with his fantastic attitude, and I would also say, we had some of the biggest laughs we've ever had in our lives there in the intensive care unit with those blessed helpers. Nothing like helplessness to bring out our humanity! Those who received the hearts were surprised and pleased, some more openly than others. In turn, I am sure John was probably helped more because of his attitude and gratitude. Many of the workers put them in their plastic ID badges, keeping their pewter hearts close to their own heart. I like think the pewter heart will remind them of the deep importance of their work and of the lives they touch and save.

Name Elizabeth

Where Did You Spread or Receive a Heart (city, state)?: Norwood, MA; Alabama, England...I'll be in Wyoming soon and I’ll share some there as well! I have mailed them across the country to friends I love and miss and hand them out to everyone I can. Everyone deserves LOVE!

Tell Us about the Person You Spread a Heart to and/or Received a Heart from: I'm a GIVER. I LOVE giving these! Here's the note people receive from me: “Hi! If you are receiving this, you know me in some way. I am a happy person and love to spread smiles, happiness and joy! So here is a heart, from me to you. I found these and LOVE these so I want you to know you are not alone. I am not alone. You are loved and so am I – just as we are.

How Did Spreading or Receiving a Heart Impact You?: I have had people cry, hug me, be thrilled, and excited like it was the best gift in the whole world. I am humbled by people. I just want to share, simple things are the most beautiful. I have shared almost 350 hearts and have ordered more.

Name Terie

Where Did You Spread or Receive a Heart (city, state)?: Norwood, MA

Tell Us about the Person You Spread a Heart to and/or Received a Heart from: Elizabeth is an amazing wonderful, loving person who always, always has a positive outlook. She continually has kind words and knows how to make any situation look positive. She truly emanates spreading love.️

How Did Spreading or Receiving a Heart Impact You?: It has had a loving impact on me and my family.

Name Ashley

Where Did You Spread or Receive a Heart (city, state)?: Birmingham, Alabama

Tell Us about the Person You Spread a Heart to and/or Received a Heart from: My sweet friend from Boston, MA sent my two children and myself hearts. My daughter put hers in her special box and I put mine on my vision board for the year. My son wasn't as excited although he does love getting treasures from my friend!

How Did Spreading or Receiving a Heart Impact You?: I love my friend. To be reminded of her love for me across so many miles and so little time spent together was a beautiful testimony to our friendship.

Name Kathy

Where Did You Spread or Receive a Heart (city, state)?: Johnston, RI

Tell Us about the Person You Spread a Heart to and/or Received a Heart from: I, and a group of great women, received a heart from Elizabeth Ekborg while at a gathering. What a wonderful way to spread love. It warmed my heart.

How Did Spreading or Receiving a Heart Impact You?: It encouraged me to spread my love and affection to those who mean so much to me. It's not the gift giving which is meaningful, it's the love which was signified by this heart.

Name Meri

Where Did You Spread or Receive a Heart (city, state)?: Minneapolis, MN

Tell Us about the Person You Spread a Heart to and/or Received a Heart from: I received a heart from my only brother, Pete. Along with warming my heart, it brought tears to my eyes and still does every time I wear it. I have a special place in my heart for Pete that will never be vacant. I've been with him twice now as he has given hearts to others. My brother is not only earnestly seeking the good in others, he is purposefully bringing their kindness to the surface, telling them he admires their strength (sometimes through difficult situations). Although the first two alone are spirit lifting gifts, he gives another gift of the everlasting pewter heart, as a constant reminder to always continue kindness and seek the good in others.

How Did Spreading or Receiving a Heart Impact You?: Words can't reach the depth of impact in my mind, heart, and soul. Continue impacting. THIS is an important labor.

Name Peter

Where Did You Spread or Receive a Heart (city, state)?: Chicago, IL

Tell Us about the Person You Spread a Heart to and/or Received a Heart from: Fran is an Admirals Club agent for American Airlines and she always makes you smile, inside and out. Fran constantly tries to find the good in people and events and if you are upset or sad, you leave an interaction with Fran with a smile on your face. I gave Fran a heart because she moves me every time I meet her or see her interact with others. Thanks, Fran!

How Did Spreading or Receiving a Heart Impact You?: It made me smile, and I enjoyed seeing Fran smile!

Name Cindy

Where Did You Spread or Receive a Heart (city, state)?: Simi Valley, CA

Tell Us about the Person You Spread a Heart to and/or Received a Heart from: I was at the supermarket and there was a young woman who seemed a little dazed. She was holding the cutest baby that just loved me. He gravitated to me, smiling at me. I struck up a conversation with the mom and I found out that her husband was overseas on a cruise ship. He is a chef and she had not seen him in eight months. I wanted her to smile and I remembered I had a heart to give her.

How Did Spreading or Receiving a Heart Impact You?: It made me feel good to see her smile.

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