13 of 2017's most inspiring, heartwarming stories

It's been a tumultuous year, but these stories gave us hope.

ByABC News
December 27, 2017, 12:29 AM

— -- 2017 was a tumultuous year by any standards.

But despite a charged political environment, tragedy and sadness, there have been great stories of inspiration and hope. We covered many of them at ABC News and are proud of the joy and hope they brought of readers and viewers.

Of all the inspirational stories we reported, there are a few that stand out. We hope you enjoy revisiting them as much as we did.

In no particular order:

PHOTO: Twins Audrey Doering and Gracie Rainsberry, who were separated at birth, meet for the first time on "Good Morning America," Jan 11, 2017.
Twins Audrey Doering and Gracie Rainsberry, who were separated at birth, meet for the first time on "Good Morning America," Jan 11, 2017.
PHOTO: Robert Leibowitz and his kidney donor Richie Sully in Times Square.
Robert Leibowitz and his kidney donor Richie Sully in Times Square.
PHOTO: Sara Chivers, who has brain cancer, penned a goodbye letter to her sons that is being shared around the world.
Sara Chivers, who has brain cancer, penned a goodbye letter to her sons that is being shared around the world.
VIDEO: Man serenades 98-year-old grandma with 'Unforgettable'
VIDEO: Man serenades 98-year-old grandma with 'Unforgettable'
PHOTO: Caylee and Joey Renick were married in May 2017 in Florida. They met at a camp for kids with cancer and their siblings when they were 10 years old.
Caylee and Joey Renick were married in May 2017 in Florida. They met at a camp for kids with cancer and their siblings when they were 10 years old.
Andrew Vaughan said the dogs made him "so happy."
Andrew Vaughan said the dogs made him "so happy."
PHOTO: Oliver and Kinnon Foley of Charlestown, Massachusetts, pose with an ultrasound photo of their unborn daughter, Tenley.
Oliver and Kinnon Foley of Charlestown, Massachusetts, pose with an ultrasound photo of their unborn daughter, Tenley.
PHOTO: The Tiny Sparrow Foundation arranged for a photo shoot of the Cummings family with photographer Katie Cartwright.
The Tiny Sparrow Foundation arranged for a photo shoot of the Cummings family with photographer Katie Cartwright.
The cancer has led to severe facial abnormalities but has not dampened the girl's spirit.
The cancer has led to severe facial abnormalities but has not dampened the girl's spirit.
PHOTO: Setsuko Harmon, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's eight years ago, spends time with her granddaughter, Sadie Mae Stone, born Oct. 11, 2017.
Setsuko Harmon, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's eight years ago, spends time with her granddaughter, Sadie Mae Stone, born Oct. 11, 2017.
PHOTO: Homeless veteran Johnny Bobbitt is pictured on Nov. 25, 2017 during an interview with "Good Morning America."
Homeless veteran Johnny Bobbitt is pictured on Nov. 25, 2017 during an interview with "Good Morning America."
PHOTO: Hayden Meadows Elementary School student Amiah Van Hill, 6, used lemonade stands to raise money to pay off fellow students' lunch debts.
Hayden Meadows Elementary School student Amiah Van Hill, 6, used lemonade stands to raise money to pay off fellow students' lunch debts.
PHOTO: Grant Tribbett proposed to his girlfriend Cassandra Reschar and her 5-year-old daughter, Adrianna, on May 27, 2017.
Grant Tribbett proposed to his girlfriend Cassandra Reschar and her 5-year-old daughter, Adrianna, on May 27, 2017.

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