5 of Las Vegas’ most heartwarming stories from 2013

There were stories about shootings and other violent crimes. Fires, flash floods and heartrending stories of human loss. But there were stories of human triumph, too. Las Vegas Valley residents came together to show that for all the bad in the world, there is plenty of good. Here are just a few of the stories that made us smile, made us cry and made us hopeful for 2014.

1. Couples share their stories of meeting and falling in love

Couples in the Las Vegas Valley have taken divergent paths toward finding love, and on Valentine’s Day some of them shared their stories.

For some, it was love at first sight. Others fell in love with someone who had been there all along. Months passed for some before they realized what had happened; for others, it was years.

Their stories remind us that love can be found where you least expect it. Read them here.

2. Friendship forms between pair from different sides of the war

It was an unlikely friendship.

A U.S. soldier and a North Korean prisoner of war both survived brushes with death during the Korean War.

After the war, they each ended up in Henderson, and it was there that they met in 2009 through a mutual acquaintance. They may have been on opposite sides, but found that time really had healed their wounds.

They shared their experiences in the war with the RJ on Memorial Day.

3. Spirit of recovery to propel Pink Paddlers at Henderson’s regatta

In October, a group of breast cancer survivors participated in the Rose Regatta Dragon Boat Race & Festival at Lake Las Vegas.

Some had been battling cancer for years. Others had been diagnosed just a few months before. All looked at the race as a way to show that they were beating cancer, not the other way around.

Preparing for the race was a different kind of treatment. “We are a floating support group,” one woman said.

4. Firefighters save puppies in blaze that displaces 12 people

A house fire in North Las Vegas in October displaced 12 people. While firefighters fought to contain the blaze, it was something that happened outside of the burning house that caused the surrounding crowd to burst into applause.

Firefighters found two unresponsive puppies while searching the home and performed CPR. The puppies were seen running around as crews took care of the rest of the fire.

5. Centenarians celebrate 82 years of married life

In fifth grade, Harold Owings gave the girl he was sweet on a Baby Ruth candy bar every day at school.

Even then, he knew he would marry Edna. It was just a matter of time.

Fast-forward almost a century and the childhood sweethearts were sitting in front of a Baby Ruth cake for their 82nd wedding anniversary.

At Palace Station in November they shared their love story and how they made it last.

“It’s been a happy last chapter,” Harold said.

We know there are more heartwarming stories out there. Send your favorite to social@reviewjournal.com.

Reporter Annalise Porter contributed to this report.

Contact Stephanie Grimes at sgrimes@reviewjournal.com. Find her on Twitter: @steph_grimes