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Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston forged a strong connection while collaborating on the iconic romantic thriller "The Bodyguard." However, Costner carries a poignant regret: he never shared a particular secret with Houston, leaving her unaware of this undisclosed truth.
When the Pinkerton family walks into a restaurant they get noticed. Partly because, on any given day, there's enough of them to field their own baseball team. But mostly because six of their ten children have special needs, including five with Down syndrome and one who is blind and developmentally delayed. He also has dwarfism.The kids, ranging in age from 17 to 27, tend to garner a lot of attention, and unfortunately, not all of it is positive. Despite society's push for inclusion, we still have a long way to go when it comes to embracing diversity. Party of 12Recently, the family was out for dinner at a restaurant when they came face-to-face with a fellow diner's own preconceived bias. Sadly, this isn't new for Shannon. She's used to strangers' judgment.Upon being seated next to the stranger, he made it clear that he didn't want to sit beside the family, revealing an uncomfortable truth about societal attitudes towards people with disabilities. He asked to be moved to a different table. “We’ve had people move away from us at restaurants because they assume we’ll be loud— but my boys are very well-behaved,” Shannon told TODAY.And that day, she proved it. In a lesson right out of the "Actions speak louder than words" playbook, her boys shattered the stranger's limiting and hurtful beliefs and tore down his intolerance.Towards the end of their dinner, the waiter approached the Pinkertons with a note from the stranger. The family opened the letter to find a heartfelt apology."I'm sorry for judging you."Stranger's note per TODAYNot only did the stranger express remorse but he also put his money where his mouth is, covering the entire cost of the Pinkerton's meal.The Path That Led Them HereShannon and Troy have four neurotypical biological children, ages 21 to 33. Twelve years ago, they adopted Joey, then 10-years-old. Joey has Down syndrome. It was just the beginning. They went on to adopt five more foster kids — Tracee (27) who is also nonverbal and autistic, Anthony (24), Cameron (22), Julian (20), and Devlin (17). They were all in their teens at the time of adoption and came to Wyoming from all across the country. It's not a life that most people would choose but for Shannon, it's a calling."The foster care system is broken — especially for kids with special needs. They get placed anywhere, with people who aren't qualified," Shannon told TODAY. "That's one of the reasons we're doing this."Despite the challenges their disabilities may pose, Shannon is determined that the "Pinkerton Boys" as they're known on social media live a rich, full, normal life."The boys like to go out to eat. They like to go into town and go grocery shopping. We're just a normal family," she said.The boys are also responsible for household chores, such as preparing meals and helping their dad with outdoor projects on their 40-acre property. And they share their normal adventures with their impressive 1.2 million followers on TikTok. Breaking Down Stigmas and Redefining AssumptionsAlong with their parents, the boys are dispelling stereotypes that people have about children with Down syndrome and other disabilities. Sometimes one troll at a time.“We've had people come on and be rude and make comments, and then I'll comment back, ‘Well, that's not very nice,’” said Shannon. “I private messaged one guy and said, ‘You know, your comment was kind of rude. But by the way, my kids wanted to tell you that you have great tattoos.’ And then the guy comes back and apologizes, and the next thing I know we’re TikTok friends.”Here's to the power of personal connection and experience. By adopting six kids with special needs, not only did Shannon and Troy change their lives, but they also became unwitting ambassadors for a cause much larger than themselves.And it's stories like this one that encourage us all to look beyond our biases, to see the humanity in others, and to celebrate the beauty that exists in our differences. More from Goalcast:Fourth Grader Makes a Promise to Classmate With Down Syndrome – Years Later, He Shows Up to Fulfill the PactDesperate Mom Puts Out Ad to Hire Friends For Lonely Son With Down Syndrome — The Response is ShockingParents Abandon Baby With Down Syndrome at Birth — Years Later, She’s a Famous Actor
Sometimes we forget how much simple acts of kindness mean to others or how they can transform a day. But leading with compassion is so important because we never really know what other people are going through beneath the surface. And often, people are going through more than we think.This story from Florida reminds us of that, thanks to a football player who made a middle school kid’s day.A Regular Day for This KidCBS NewsBo Paske was three years old when he was diagnosed with autism. His mother, Leah Paske, knew it was important for her son to have a strong support group, which is why when it came time to pick a middle school, she chose Montford Middle School in Tallahassee, Florida, according to Today.The mother knew Bo’s entire elementary school class would be at the middle school, so he would have a lot of friends who “are super protective of him and take care of him,” she explained to the publication. But even with those friends around, Bo often chose to eat lunch alone in the cafeteria. A solo meal was what Bo chose the day the Florida State University football team happened to visit the school. A child sitting there by himself didn’t escape the notice of wide receiver Travis Rudolph.A Game-Changing DecisionWhen Rudolph saw Bo sitting alone, he headed over and joined him. When he made that decision, he had no idea Bo had autism. But that kind act caught the attention of plenty, including Leon County Sheriff’s Deputy Mike Halligan, who happened to be a friend of Paske. He snapped a photo and sent it to the anxious mother, who always thought about how her son was doing at school.According to the publication, Paske shared the photo on Facebook and wrote that she was “overwhelmed with emotion.” It was a big moment for her son, and when she picked him up from school that day, he quickly showed her his autographed lunchbox, saying that he was famous.“I had tears streaming down my face,” Paske wrote. “I'm not sure what exactly made this incredibly kind man share a lunch table with my son, but I'm happy to say that it will not soon be forgotten. This is one day I didn't have to worry if my sweet boy ate lunch alone because he sat across from someone who is a hero in many eyes.”Spreading Kindness Near and FarThe Paskes are now fans for life; this past summer they even traveled to Palm Beach to support Rudolph during recent legal troubles (the player was later cleared of all charges). But this mother added that Bo’s story isn’t just about autism: it’s about kindness and love. That day in the cafeteria, Rudolph showed both to her son, and she was incredibly grateful.“Somebody may not act the same as you, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have the same heart and the same spirit,” she told the publication. “If you see somebody alone, all it takes is a few kind words or a kind gesture to make their day. A hug or a smile can impact people in a way that you can’t even imagine.”It’s a fantastic reminder to practice kindness and love in our own lives, whether it’s dropping a random note or text to a loved one to check in, helping a stranger at the grocery store, smiling and complimenting others, or even just being there to listen.In this world, it’s easy to sometimes feel down and alone. But a smile, kind thought, or gesture can be just the thing someone needs to turn around their day.More from Goalcast:10-Year-Old Boy With Autism Surprises Parents with Hidden Musical MasteryBoy With Autism Was Too Overwhelmed to Get a Haircut – So the Barber Came Up With a Genius SolutionSchool Janitor Takes Boy With Autism Under His Wing – So His Mom Raises $35,000 in Response
In a world often filled with division and discord, it's the unanticipated acts of kindness that truly resonate with our hearts. Picture yourself on a plane, the familiar sounds of engines humming, the limited space, and suddenly, the unmistakable cries of a distressed toddler pierce the cabin.How a Passenger Responded to a Fussy ToddlerMeet Wesley Thomas, a traveler from Sachse, Texas, on a flight to Tampa, Florida, accompanied by his extended family. Everything was proceeding as expected until his young niece decided to voice her discomfort.For anyone who has experienced air travel with a toddler, it's a scenario that often evokes a mix of empathy for the parents and a touch of exasperation among fellow passengers. As the little girl's fussiness gradually escalated, a man with a mane of gray hair decided to step in.You can imagine Wesley's heart racing, anticipating a potential reprimand from a fellow passenger. We all know how frustrating such situations can become. But life has its way of surprising us.Instead of launching into a lecture or offering unsolicited advice, the man extended a hand of compassion. With gentleness in his voice, he asked, "Would she like to draw?" He reached into the overhead bin and pulled out a tablet.With a warm smile, he added, "I have four daughters."It was unmistakable; this man had once walked in those very shoes. Rather than casting judgment or delivering unwanted counsel, he bestowed an act of pure kindness. The scene that followed was nothing short of heartwarming.The little girl became engrossed in her newfound drawing activity, and the man watched with a radiant expression, fully aware of the difference he had made in that moment. Touched by this simple yet profound encounter, Wesley felt compelled to share this story on Twitter.The response was astonishingly positive, a testament to the fact that in a world often marked by division, there's something undeniably heartwarming about witnessing strangers coming to one another's aid.How One Man Proved the Importance of CompassionBut this story doesn't conclude here. Thanks to the power of social media, Wesley was able to uncover the identity of their airplane hero - Tim Lindblom, hailing from Tampa, Florida.When Tim saw the tweet, his response was nothing short of heart-melting: "You've humbled me by tweeting this… I was just sharing love as I was taught by my parents. Always remember, we can change the world one small act of kindness at a time. Bless your family!"Tim's words serve as a poignant reminder of the ripple effect of kindness. It's not just about the recipient; it's also about the giver.Acts of kindness nourish the soul, serving as a powerful reminder of our shared humanity. As one Twitter user aptly commented, "Love! 💕 People are more good than bad. I wish more would stop to remember that being kind is everything."So, the next time you find yourself on a flight, or anywhere else for that matter, let Tim's story be a guiding light. He embodies the ideal fellow traveler we all wish to sit beside, and, more importantly, the kind of person we should all aspire to become. For in a world often filled with noise and negativity, simple acts of kindness have the power to resonate and uplift, creating a brighter, more compassionate world for us all.More from Goalcast:Flight Attendant Notices a Passenger Having a Panic Attack – Her Next Move Is Captured by a Fellow PassengerAirline Refuses to Let Man Board Flight With His Newborn – Then an Elderly Woman Takes Them Both AwayAngry Passengers Throw Insults at Flight Crew – One Attendant Finally Decides He Has Had Enough
In life, it's often the simplest acts of kindness that can create the most profound impact. And when an 88-year-old grandmother named Gloria Porter found herself in the hospital battling pneumonia, she experienced such an act that would touch her heart and inspire everyone who heard the story.The Note an Elderly Woman Wrote to a Construction WorkerGloria's hospital room had a window with a clear view of ongoing construction work. Ironworkers were diligently building the new front entrance to the hospital. As Gloria observed the workers from her room, a spontaneous connection occurred. One of the ironworkers, Jeff Reick, noticed Gloria and waved to her. In response, Gloria, with a sparkle in her eye, waved back.But Jeff's compassionate spirit didn't stop at a wave. He was inspired by this brief interaction and wanted to do something more. Jeff found some chalk and decided to write a heartfelt message on a beam facing Gloria's window. In bold letters, he scrawled, "GET WELL."Recalling the moment, Jeff shared, "I saw the lady at the window looking out, I thought it would be a kind gesture just to tell her to get well." His simple act of kindness left Gloria deeply moved. She described it as "precious."The Friendship Between Two StrangersHowever, Gloria didn't stop at receiving kindness; she wanted to give it back. As she watched the ironworkers laboring outside her window, she became concerned about their safety, especially on a particularly cold and windy day when they were working on the scaffolding.To express her concern and gratitude, Gloria, with the help of the nursing staff, wrote a message on a piece of paper: "STAY SAFE." She placed this sign in her window for the workers to see.Jeff, upon seeing Gloria's message, was deeply touched. He explained, "That sign kind of crushed me. I don't know how she knew 'Stay safe.' It's kind of like ironworker lingo to stay safe. When I saw 'Stay safe' in the window, I just snapped my head around, looked around, and was like, 'Hey, did you see that?'"What had begun as a typical day turned into a heartwarming exchange between two strangers. A simple wave and a few kind words had the power to turn a gloomy day into one filled with warmth and encouragement.Jeff beautifully summed up his actions by saying, "I just try to lead by example and be a good person. I just hope everybody would do things like that because the world is not a very nice place."How One Act of Kindness Led to AnotherThe touching exchange between Gloria and Jeff didn't go unnoticed. Hospital staff and ironworkers took photos of the messages, capturing this beautiful moment of connection.News of this heartwarming interaction began to spread, inspiring others to join in acts of kindness. The very next day, a kind woman visited the construction site and handed over an envelope filled with money to treat the workers to lunch. It's a testament to the idea that kindness is indeed contagious.Jeff hadn't set out that day to make someone's day better, but he did just that. And in return, Gloria reciprocated with a heartfelt message, creating a beautiful cycle of kindness.This story serves as a poignant reminder that even in our everyday lives, amidst our routines, there's always an opportunity to make a difference. It's a testament to the power of simple gestures, a few kind words, and the beauty of an open heart.In a world that can sometimes feel harsh, the story of Gloria and Jeff reminds us that compassion, empathy, and connection can brighten even the darkest of days. It's a narrative that encourages all of us to be a little kinder, a little more compassionate, and a little more open-hearted.More from Goalcast:Bus Driver Has to Take an Alternate Route Because of Construction – What He Does for A Blind Passenger Is Recorded by a WitnessSingle Mother of Nine Goes From Homeless to CEO of a Mega Successful Construction CompanyLonely Old Man Spies on Construction Site Every Single Day — So One of the Construction Workers Cuts Him a Deal He Can’t Refuse
In a world that sometimes feels hurried and disconnected, there are moments that remind us of the profound impact simple acts of kindness can have. This story is one such reminder, a testament to the beauty of human connection.Our tale unfolds in a Hampton Inn in Pennsylvania, where Megan Griffin Haas and her son, Colin Haas, found themselves during a stopover. How a Hotel Employee and a Young Boy Formed a BondPhoto by Tima MiroshnichenkoColin, a young boy with autism, possesses a special love for card tricks. These aren't just any tricks; they're his way of navigating a world that can often feel overwhelming. Cards, in Colin's hands, become more than pieces of paper; they are instruments of focus and bridges to connect with others.As they checked into the hotel, little did they know that this would be the setting for a heartwarming story that would touch the hearts of many.Colin, with a heart full of innocence and curiosity, approached the front desk. Standing behind that desk was Kahlief Hill, a 39-year-old hotel clerk. Colin looked up at him, his eyes bright with excitement, and asked a simple question: "Would you like to see a card trick?"What Kahlief didn't know at that moment was the profound impact of his response. He didn't know that Colin had autism, and for Colin, card tricks were more than a hobby. They were his sanctuary, a way to quiet his mind and keep his hands engaged. Colin had lost his father a few years ago, leaving him with a void where a male figure and role model should be.“I always appreciate anybody that takes the time for anybody, but my son especially because (of) losing his dad and living with only me and his sister, he misses interacting with other males,” Megan told TODAY Parents.How a Stranger Became a Young Boy’s Role ModelIn her heartfelt post, Megan shared the depths of what Kahlief didn't know. He didn't know about Colin's autism or his passion for card tricks. He didn't know that Colin had been waiting for a "big brother" for over two years, living with just his mom and sister. And Kahlief didn't know that he was becoming that male figure Colin longed for.Despite not knowing any of this, Kahlief's response was a simple and genuine "yes." He allowed Colin to take center stage, performing his card tricks with unwavering patience and enthusiasm. It wasn't just about watching; Kahlief also shared some tricks of his own, creating a magical exchange of wonder and smiles.This beautiful connection didn't end that night. The following evening, when Colin and his family returned to the hotel after dinner, Kahlief was there, manning the front desk once more. And when he saw Colin enter the lobby, he extended the invitation once again: "Would you like to come and practice more card tricks?"Without hesitation, Colin rushed to his room, returning with his cards in hand. Kahlief, still unaware of the profound impact he was having on Colin, continued to be the warm and patient friend the young boy desperately needed.Their bond deepened further the next day when Kahlief was working yet another shift. This time, he made it clear to Colin that he was ready for more card tricks. For Colin, it was a simple offer. For Kahlief, it was a continuation of an act of kindness that would leave an indelible mark on Colin's heart.How One Simple Word Had a Positive Impact on a Young BoyMegan's words resonate with the power of these moments: "I love and live for feel-good moments like this."In a world often marked by its complexities and challenges, the story of Colin and Kahlief reminds us of the extraordinary impact of ordinary acts of kindness. Kahlief's willingness to engage with a young boy, not knowing his struggles or his story, reflects the best of humanity — a willingness to connect, to share, and to make a difference, no matter how small it may seem.It's a story that encourages us to look beyond the surface, to see the hearts beating beneath the exteriors, and to understand that sometimes, all it takes to make a profound impact is a simple "yes" and a willingness to share a moment of connection.Colin and Kahlief's story is a reminder that in a world that sometimes feels disconnected, there are moments of pure, heartfelt connection that transcend barriers and fill our hearts with hope and warmth.More from Goalcast:School Janitor Takes Boy With Autism Under His Wing – So His Mom Raises $35,000 in Response10-Year-Old Girl With Autism Bullied At School — Turns Out Her IQ Is Higher Than Einstein’s7-Year-Old Boy With Autism Is Terrified of Riding the School Bus – Drivers Have an Unexpected Response
Seniors across the world are suffering from a second pandemic — loneliness. But a couple of police officers in Italy had the perfect remedy for one couple in their 80s and 90s.Desperate for Human ConnectionNo one had visited 84-year-old Jole and 94-year-old Michele in months. Meanwhile, all they saw on TV was stories of war and abuse — and this was well before the COVID-19 pandemic and increase in extreme weather events seen in the last couple of years. So, they cried out of desperation. So much so, that a neighbor called the police."It is not always an easy life," police wrote about the incident in a 2016 Facebook post reported by the Independent. "Especially when the city is empty and the neighbours are away on vacation. Sometimes the loneliness melts into tears. Sometimes it's like a summer storm. It comes suddenly and overtakes one.""Jole and Michele, they love each other. But when the loneliness is a burden on the heart, it may happen that they lose hope," the statement continued. "Can happen, like this time, that they scream so loud in their despair that, in the end, somebody calls the state police."A Dollop of HumanityFour officers identified as Andrea, Alessandro, Ernesto, and Mirko responded to the call, but instead of dismissing their loneliness, they did something remarkable — they made them dinner. Pasta with parmesan to be exact."There isn't a crime. Jole and Michele are not victims of scams, as often happens to the elderly and no burglar came in the house. There's no one to save," continued the post. "This time, for the boys flying over, there is a more difficult task to perform. There are two lonely souls to reassure."According to the statement, the police asked for permission to access the pantry and improvise dinner."A bowl of pasta with butter and cheese. Nothing special. But with a precious ingredient: inside it is humanity."Questura di RomaThere’s a Cure for LonelinessWhile this story occurred a few years ago, it's no less relevant today. So many people, especially seniors, suffer from loneliness. The issue even prompted a grocery store chain in the Netherlands to make "chat registers" so employees can visit lonely customers. But this pandemic has a cure. We must be kind and check in on our elders, whether they're family or otherwise. How? Stop for a chat if you see them on the street. Volunteer. Give seniors you know a call more frequently. Or, maybe, make someone a pasta dinner.More from Goalcast:Uber Driver Takes a Look at Lonely Elderly Passenger’s Living Conditions – Decides to Give Him More Than Just a LiftWoman’s Heart Is Shattered When Her Husband Abandons Her for His Lover – Even Then, She Still Takes Care of His Elderly DadTeens Approach Elderly Man When They Think No One Is Watching – Little Did They Know What Would Happen Next
*Featured image contains photo by Jonathan BorbaPaul Grachan had been out on a few dates with Esther. Things just seemed to click, and he decided to make things more official and ask Esther to be his girlfriend. He called Esther and the two made dinner plans for the end of the week.The next day, Paul ran to the grocery store to pick up a few things. After bagging his groceries and taking his change from the clerk, which consisted of a few dollar bills, his next stop was a neighbourhood deli to pick up a sandwich for lunch. Paul remembers that otherwise unremarkable moment when he took out his wallet to pay for his sandwich. “I pulled out the couple bucks' change that I had gotten from the [grocery] store, handed the clerk one of the ones. And then I looked at it and I pulled it back.”He Decided to Keep the DollarPhoto by Karolina GrabowskaThat’s because, on the bill was written the name ‘Esther.’ He thought it was a sweet coincidence and decided to keep it. He thought it would be fun to give it to Esther and tell the story during their dinner on Friday. Later, he decided to go an extra step and frame the dollar bill. He bought a gold frame and wrapped it up."So it was floating in the middle on this piece of gold,” Paul recalls, “as if you're going to go in a church in Italy and they had a fragment from the robe of some saint or something like that. And I called it the Immaculate Dollar of Arlington Heights.” Paul thought it would be a fun way to provide a moment of connection before he asked Esther to be his girlfriend. He wasn’t expecting much more of a reaction than a smile.It Wasn’t the Reaction He Was Looking ForBut when Paul presented the framed dollar as a gift, Esther was speechless. Instead of smiling, she looked deeply worried. Paul tried to lighten the mood, explaining, “It’s a dollar bill with your name on it.” But to Esther, it was much more than that.But Esther wouldn’t explain. She waved it off, telling Paul that it was nothing, to remind her to tell him a story later. Paul just wanted to enjoy the moment with his new girlfriend, so he let it drop. The Dollar Bill ResurfacesIt would be several years before Paul saw the framed dollar bill again. Paul and Esther’s relationship had only gotten stronger. They got engaged and were married. One afternoon, as they were unpacking boxes in their new home, Paul found the photo frame wrapped in paper.Smiling to himself, he walked into the bedroom to find Esther. He held up the photo frame and said, “Hey, you never told me about this dollar. What’s the deal with that?” He remembered her concerned look the moment that he had given it to her.Esther knew that it was time to tell the story. She started slowly, “I knew that we were going to be married the day that you gave me this dollar bill.”The Dollar Bill That Defined Their LivesPhoto by Rodrigo Souza“It was pretty crazy,” Paul remembers. Esther went on to tell him that years before meeting him, she was coming out of a failed relationship. Rather than dwell on it, she decided upon a symbolic act that would help her move forward. She took a pencil and wrote her name on a few dollar bills. She spent them and imagined their journey through the world, saying to herself, “The guy that gets this dollar bill is going to be the guy that asks me to marry him.”Years later, when Paul presented her with one of those dollar bills in a gold frame, it took her breath away. In the moment, Esther froze, not wanting to say anything that would scare off her new boyfriend: “I didn't want to freak this guy out and be like, what, this girl's already talking about marriage?”But in her heart, Esther knew Paul was the one. And as destiny would have it, the two ended up in a serious relationship, eventually getting married.A Beautiful Symbol of ConnectionPaul says he’s not one to put much emphasis on coincidences, but the story of Esther’s dollar bill hit too close to home. “Now it just sits in that very same frame up on our dresser,” he says, “and I look at it every day that I wake up. Sometimes I remind her that we have it when she's upset at me or angry.”Esther agrees that the dollar bill makes her feel even more connected to her husband; she’s comfortable in the knowledge that Paul is her soulmate. The two have been married for almost 30 years.“I know I'm stuck with you,” Esther says to Paul. “You got this dollar bill.” The universe does indeed work in mysterious and wonderful ways.More from Goalcast:Woman Diagnosed With Rare Genetic Disorder Wonders if She’ll Ever Find Love – Then One Man Steps in With the AnswerVeteran Spends 70 Years Searching for the Lost Love of His Life – At 91, He Finally Finds Her
