ATLANTA — We’re not going to sugarcoat it: it’s been (another) pretty rotten year. But in the midst of a seemingly never-ending pandemic and a bunch of loss, there have been some glimmers of hope this year.
Here are some of our favorite feel-good moments of 2021:
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
Let’s start with the obvious: That time an Atlanta sports team finally won again:
🍾 WORLD SERIES CHAMPS! The Atlanta Braves have won their first title since 1995. Watch live celebration coverage now on Channel 2 Action News: https://2wsb.tv/3k0qHEN #FortheA #ChopOn #Champs
Posted by WSB-TV on Tuesday, November 2, 2021
That time a UPS driver’s message for a new mom paid him back tenfold:
Since he wished the new mom well through her doorbell camera, this new dad has been showered with love by the community.
Posted by WSB-TV on Thursday, December 23, 2021
That time the Carters proved once again they are the world’s most adorable couple:
You can still feel the love between these two after 74 years together... ❤️
Posted by WSB-TV on Friday, January 1, 2021
That time Devon Gales was accepted into UGA, 6 years after being injured there:
"God has a plan for you son!!!!" his mom wrote.
Posted by WSB-TV on Saturday, May 15, 2021
That time an Uber passenger paid a single mom’s tuition balance:
A deep conversation during an Uber ride turned into an unexpected friendship. The single mom will graduate from Georgia State next week
Posted by WSB-TV on Tuesday, December 10, 2019
That time 2 rappers posted bail so low-level offenders could reunite with their families:
Two of Atlanta’s biggest hip-hop superstars are using their fame and fortune to reunite families with their loved ones.
Posted by WSB-TV on Monday, April 26, 2021
That time teachers and staff in Henry County gifted their co-worker a car:
This is the best video you'll see all day.
Posted by WSB-TV on Sunday, September 12, 2021
[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
That time the Buford community rallied to help a homeless man who was hit by a car:
That time Freddie Freeman surprised a young Phillies fan who gave a HR ball to a Braves fan:
This is what baseball and sportsmanship are all about! Class acts from the young fan and Freddie 👏
Posted by WSB-TV on Sunday, April 11, 2021
That time the community came together to celebrate the 100th birthday of a longtime Atlanta teacher:
She credits her students for her longevity. “I’m survived by lovely people and wonderful students that I taught for 32 years,” Jones said. “And they just loved me and I love them.”
Posted by WSB-TV on Sunday, May 23, 2021
That time a community came together to celebrate a beloved mailman’s retirement:
Neighbors decorated their mailboxes and presented Mr. Ed with a special plaque and $2,500 in cash.
Posted by WSB-TV on Saturday, July 10, 2021
That time a custodian with DeKalb County Schools went from cleaning a classroom to teaching in one:
Congratulations! Mr. Bailey would spend all day making sure the elementary school was in tip top shape before spending all night in class.
Posted by WSB-TV on Monday, May 10, 2021
That time a COVID-19 patient in south Georgia got to go home after three months:
Lisa spent 59 days on a ventilator, 40 days in a coma and suffered a stroke. She walked out of the hospital on New Year's Eve.
Posted by WSB-TV on Monday, January 4, 2021
That time this very good boy got to retire after an amazing career:
Congratulations, Fino! 🐕🚔
Posted by WSB-TV on Tuesday, July 13, 2021
That time two sisters got to buy the ice cream shop where they worked as teens:
They started as scoopers -- and now they're here!
Posted by WSB-TV on Monday, January 18, 2021
That time Willie Spence brought us all to tears on American Idol and then won runner-up:
One step closer! ⭐ Willie Spence survived another night of live voting! He's got a one in FIVE chance at being the next American Idol!
Posted by WSB-TV on Sunday, May 9, 2021
That time an Atlanta teen broke a swimming world record and won Paralympic gold:
Gia Pergolini may be a junior at St. Francis High School in Milton, but she’s also the world record holder for the women’s 100-meter backstroke.
Posted by WSB-TV on Saturday, August 28, 2021
That time this guy was reunited with his dog:
Isabella the dog is home safe and sound because of a microchip!
Posted by WSB-TV on Saturday, February 13, 2021
©2021 Cox Media Group
