2016 was a rough year. It caused us to question who we are and what matter most. 2016 had it highs and lows but here are 16 reasons why it isn't a total loss.
1. High Quality Memes
Between Joe Biden, Arthur's Fist, Harambe, Evil Kermit, Gavin, Honey Bun Baby, and Petty Skai Jackson, we were blessed with a year of really wholesome memes.
2. The Chicago Cubs Won a World Series
After a 108 year drought, the Lovable Losers are losers no more. They even won in a dramatic fashion 10 innings, 8 Runs - 108 Years. Fly the W forever y'all.
3. Travis Rudolph Ate Lunch with an Autistic 6th Grader
During an event at a local Middle School, Rudolph noticed a boy sitting alone and offered to eat lunch with him. After the boy's mom made a Facebook post thanking him, his actions went viral.
4. Carpool Karaoke
We have to be eternally grateful to James Corden for bringing us Carpool Karaoke with some of our favorite stars. Yes it technically started in 2015, but the best ones have come in 2016 including: Lin Manuel Miranda, Adele, and Bruno Mars.
4. The First Refugee Olympic Team
As a tribute to other refugees 10 men and women who fled their countries came together in Rio and walked under the Olympic flag.
6. The Skit David S. Pumpkins on SNL
Besides having Tom Hanks host SNL, they had him star in one of the best skits of the year.
7. Three Californian Women Saved a Woman After a Man Drugged Her Drink
After alerting the restaurant manager the women spoke to police and their actions resulted in Micheal Hsu getting arrested and charged with one felony count each of administering a drug and assault with intent to commit a sex crime.
8. Leo Decaprio Finally Won an Oscar
After years of anticipation Leo finally won his Oscar and happily put all the jokes to bed.
9. Tiger, Mantee and Panda Numbers are Increasing.
Giant Panda numbers have actually grown so much that they have been removed from the Endangered Species list. They had been on the list since 1984.
10. Finding Dory was Released
Disney and Pixar fans everywhere rejoiced with the release of Finding Dory. It introduced us to a host of new, lovable characters and reunited us with some of our old favorites.
11. Harriet Tubman Will Replace Andrew Jackson on the 20 Dollar Bill
In August it was announced that Harriet Tubman would in fact oust Andrew Jackson on the 20 dollar bill. Other women leaders will be added to the 5 and 10 dollar bills as well.
12. A New Harry Potter Book Was Released
The Harry Potter Generation proved it is far from over with the release and opening on The Cursed Child.
13. And Movie
Which ushered in the Era of the Hufflepuff. What more could we want.
14. Inmates Broke Out of Their Cell to Save an Officer's Life.
In July a video surfaced online of inmates breaking out of their cell to save the officer that was watching them. The officer had been talking to them when he suddenly slumped over in his chair. After noticing that something was wrong the inmates broke out of their cell and called for help over the officers radio.
The officer's life was saved and the inmates received no further charges for leaving the cell.
15. An Elderly Man and Young Girl Became Best Friends at the Supermarket.
After Mr. Dan asking for a picture, 4 year old Norah Woods stole his heart. After experiencing the loss of his wife, Mr. Dan needed someone to love and little Norah is just that person. They are real friendship goals.
16. It's Almost Over
We lost some of our most beloved artists, dealt with of the nastiest US election cycles and experienced horrendous acts of violence and now it almost over. Even in it's hardest moments 2016 taught us the importance of loving one another and as we begin 2017 we should remember that love with always win.
So here's to a happy new year. Come on 2017!
