Here, we take a look back at some of the feel-good Houston-area stories that came out of this particular calendar year, the news that did our hearts good, the joyful tales so sweet they made us smile from ear to ear, the acts of kindness so inspiring they warmed our hearts and made us shed a tear -- or several.

The ultimate Astros fan got a grand-slam surprise -- two tickets to Game 1 of the American League Championship Series. And her daughter captured the whole thing on camera and shared in with KPRC 2.