98-Year-Old’s Powerful Thoughts on Not Being Afraid of Death Goes TikTok Viral
"What's there to be scared of? This life is just a little interim time. Its a blip."
There's a famous saying that there are two things in life that we can be sure of - death and taxes.
While you may somehow figure out how to avoid paying taxes, there is a one hundred percent chance that you won't be able to avoid death. It's coming for all of us, whether we want it to or not.
And while many of us are afraid of dying, one nonagenarian has figured out the secret to embracing the inevitable. And luckily for us, she's sharing it.
TikTok Star, 98-Year-Old Nanny Faye, Goes Viral For Her Thoughts on Dying
At 98 years young, Nanny Faye has had more than a few trips around the sun. Born in 1925 she's lived through The Great Depression, one world war, the Cold War, and more. She has known life both before and after the invention of television, Google, cell phones, and Rock 'n Roll.
And in all those years of living, she's gotten to know a thing or two about handling life's many curveballs. With the help of her great-grandson, she shares stories of her life and nuggets of wisdom about living on her wildly popular TikTok account.
However, it was a question that one of her followers asked her about dying, that has, by far, gained her the most views. And for good reason. Her strong conviction about what comes next will reassure even the most skeptical among us.
Nanny Faye's Powerful Take on Not Being Afraid of Death
@nannyfayeandme Replying to @malindajrobertson
TikTok's favourite great-grandmother Nanny Faye took to her TikTok channel, @nannyfayeandme, to answer the burning question, "Are you scared of dying?"
In less than 2 minutes she sums up why none of us should be afraid of death and that it all comes down to faith. Not only does she talk about the afterlife but she also touches on just how inconsequential our time on earth is in the vast tapestry of existence.
In her sweet Texas drawl, she responds, “Noooo! Why should I be scared? Honey, what’s there to be scared of? This is just waiting for that. This [life] is just a little interim time. It’s a blip. It really is not going to amount to a hill of beans hardly… Less than 100 years up to eternity doesn’t even cut it.”
Nanny Faye goes on to say that people need to stop being afraid of death and start putting their faith in what the Bible says about eternity. “That Bible presents to you the most marvellous…place to live and to dwell and to be happy and to be perfect.”
We all know that life on earth is far from perfect, but Nanny Faye believes that it's also just temporary. And when it ends, it's really just a new, beautiful beginning.
“There is going to be perfection. Everything’s going to be lovely,” she says. “No sickness, no sorrow, no…people out of work, no trouble in any direction." There’s not going to be any of that stuff that worries the tar out of us here.”
Nanny Faye's Faith May Also Be The Secret to Her Long Life
Nanny Faye's unwavering faith and the power of her convictions have definitely struck a chord. Her video has garnered over 1.4M views, 162K likes, and more than 8K comments. Preach it, Nanny!
While her faith is inspiring, there's also a lot to be said about the power it wields. It's likely that the reason Nanny Faye has made it to 98 years old is, in part, due to her belief in heaven.
Research shows time and time again that faith is good for your health. It's science. After reviewing over 1,200 studies, researchers at the Mayo Clinic concluded, "Most studies have shown that religious involvement and spirituality are associated with better health outcomes, including greater longevity, coping skills, and health-related quality of life (even during terminal illness) and less anxiety, depression, and suicide."
So it would seem that Nanny Faye is on to something.
The reality is that not one of us is getting out of here alive. At some point, our time on this earth will end. And while the thought can be terrifying, finding peace in the inevitable can help us to live our lives to the fullest and make the most of the time we have.
Nanny Faye's approach to death is a comforting one. Her willingness to embrace death and find peace in it is a reminder that death does not have to be feared. It's just another part of the journey.
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.