Happy Saturday, friends of The Short List!
And Merry Christmas to those who celebrate. 🎅
In honor of the holidays, we’d like to pause the doom and gloom for a day and take a look back at all the good the world has to offer.
The year has been rough. But alongside the challenges the country faced in 2021 were tales of perseverance, bravery and the will to survive. Scientific breakthroughs were made, and everyday people became superheroes.
One of these heroes was 8-year-old Bryson Kliemann, who decided to sell his prized Pokémon cards to save his dog’s life (fair warning: this story is a tear jerker). As Bryson’s story spread through his neighborhood, donations began pouring in and dozens lined up to buy cards at his stand.
USA TODAY reporter Christine Fernando described Bryson as sweet and shy little man of few words. “His love for his dog and giving nature really warmed my heart.”
The good news: Bryson’s dog, Bruce, is now healthy and happy.
If that didn’t restore your faith in humanity, here are more of the best stories to end the year on a high note: