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They've Been Divorced for 27 Years, but When His Ex-wife Got Sick, He Was the First to Step Up
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They've Been Divorced for 27 Years, but When His Ex-wife Got Sick, He Was the First to Step Up

When couples get divorced, most exes shut the door, lock it, and throw away the key. It's not just the end of a chapter, it's the end of the whole dang book.But for Megan Tai's parents, divorce, as it turns out, wasn't the end of their story.Nearly THREE DECADES later, her dad walked back into her mom's life after she was diagnosed with Stage 4 endometrial cancer. He didn't just show up. He stayed; honoring old love, loyalty, and vows at a time when she needed it the most. A Cancer Diagnosis Brings Love Back AroundMegan's parents met more than 30 years ago in California. Her father, originally from Hawaii, was stationed there during his time in the military.They fell in love and had two children, Megan and her older brother. Shortly after Megan's birth, the couple separated. Her dad returned to Hawaii and her mom became a single parent, raising the kids on her elementary school teacher salary.For more than 20 years, they lived completely separate lives. And then came a devastating cancer diagnosis."Fast forward 20+ years later to my mother's diagnosis - my father was one of the first people by her side when she was released from the hospital."Megan Tai via GoFundMeMegan, who works full-time in domestic violence services and is also a graduate student studying Marriage and Family Therapy, moved back in with her mom to help.Overwhelmed with trying to take care of her mom alongside keeping up with her work AND school, Megan was struggling.So, her dad stepped up. In an incredible act of love, he left his life in Hawaii, hopped a flight back to California and moved in. TikTok Video Goes ViralIn a gutwrenching TikTok clip, Megan shares snippets of her parents battling cancer...together.It may only be 20-seconds long, but boy, it packs a punch. She captions it: "POV: Ur parents have been divorced for 20+ years and ur dad's still the first one there when your mom gets diagnosed w Stage 4 cancer."In the video, Megan's dad lovingly helps his ex with her exercises, spots her going up the stairs, and keeps her company, reading with her and playing video games. Take a look:According to Megan's GoFundMe, this is the first time in her 27 years that she's seen her parents live together under one roof. "He did everything - helped her exercise (even when she felt like she couldn't), cooked her meals, took her out on drives, picked up her medications, and so much more," Megan writes. "They talked for hours. They bickered like they were still married. They laughed.""They helped me see them as they were when they were younger."Megan TaiAnd in doing so, not only did they work on healing her mom, but it also helped to heal a lot of childhood trauma for their daughter.Reaction to the VideoSo far, the video has garnered a staggering 8.1 MILLION views in just one week. Because...LOVE. And while they may not be IN love with each other, it's clear that despite everything, love remains.And it turns out, these exes aren't the only ones to honor a life and love they once shared. A number of people came forth to share their own stories. "My parents divorced 30 years ago and when my mom was on her death bed, my dad came to visit her often with goodies and they told each other they loved each other," wrote Hi_Dee Aye.MVP10210 commented, "My father held her hand when she passed. They were so close. Divorced 25 yrs by that point. Never saw my father cry ever until that woman died.""Parents divorced 20+ years too. Dad was hospitalized 2 weeks, my mom insisted he come stay with her after he was released so he wasn’t alone during recovery. It really is beautiful," said Lon."I took care of my ex-husband during hospice. I loved the life and children he gave me. I owed it to him," shared Brenda Carmichael Da.Enduring Bond of FamilySometimes people just don't fit as a couple and marriages end. But as Megan's parents prove, that doesn't mean that the love just ends with it. No matter how their marriage ended, at some point in their lives, Megan's parents obviously loved each other very much — and that love still counts for something. Even 20-plus years later.As one commenter so aptly put it, "Love has so many forms. This one is pretty freaking great."And it's a powerful testament to the enduring nature of love and the lasting impact it can have.Ultimately, Megan's parents' story serves as a poignant reminder that while marriages may end, the unbreakable bond of family always remains.More from Goalcast:Man Takes Care of the Bills for 4 Decades – After He Passes Away, His Wife Makes an Incredible DiscoveryWoman Has a Dream About the Same Baby for Months – Fights to Adopt Her Husband’s Dead Ex-wife’s SonTeen With Cancer Invites Taylor Swift to His Prom but She Rejects It – Then She Does This

Man Accuses Wife With Full Time Job of Doing Nothing Around the House - So After Getting Revenge, She Leaves for Vacation
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Man Accuses Wife With Full Time Job of Doing Nothing Around the House - So After Getting Revenge, She Leaves for Vacation

For some strange reason, things that are glaringly obvious to moms tend to be invisible to everyone else. Weird, I know.Things like the dirty dishes in the sink, or the ever-growing mountain of laundry, or that one lonely sock abandoned on the middle stair.And more often than not, moms will just deal with it and no one in the house is any wiser. In fact, moms are so good at being the "default" parent that oftentimes, their families are completely oblivious to just how much she does for them. Until she doesn't.After her husband accused her of “doing nothing around the house,” one mom decided to show him just how much “nothing” she really does. And unsurprisingly, it's A LOT.Mom Goes on Strike Photo by Ron LachA Connecticut mother of two recently went insanely viral on TikTok for going on "strike" after her husband, Brian, made a “totally spontaneous” complaint that she wasn't pulling her weight. Bless him. "The night he made the comment, I was getting the kids ready for bed, and he was cleaning up in the kitchen," Lindsay Donnelly told TODAY. "I noticed he was kind of grumpy and I was like, 'What's going on?' And that's when he made the comment about me doing nothing around the house."Rather than argue with him, she decided to teach him a much-needed lesson. For three days, Donnelly truly did NOTHING around the house. And the results are about as disastrous as you'd expect. Perfectly set to Taylor Swift’s Karma, Donnelly, 33, documented what happened after she silently quit all of it — the dirty dishes, the piles of laundry in the living room, the multiple messes literally everywhere. Over the course of three days, her once invisible labor became painfully, overwhelmingly visible.Then she left town on a girls' trip, leaving Brian to deal with the fallout. Checkmate.Donnelly told TODAY that she and Brian both have full-time jobs. She runs a social media marketing agency and he works in venture capital. They have been married for 7 years and have two kids, 7 and 4 years old.She also added that his dig was a reaction to the typical stress of trying to juggle parenting, work, and household duties, something they do try to divvy up equally. “It wasn’t an ongoing fight. It’s more of the day-to-day ‘keeping a house in order with two working parents and two little kids’ conversation."A Husband Sees the Error of His WaysBy the time Donnelly returned home from her weekend away, not only was the house "spick-and-span" but so was her car. "He told me he was sorry," Donnelly said. He also apologized to her legion of TikTok fans in a follow-up video where Donnelly sits him down to share the news that his comment and her ensuing strike were viewed by MILLIONS of people. 20.7 million to be exact.She also informed him that more than 8,000 commenters were quick to hop aboard the divorce wagon, which she doesn't plan on doing by the way. Brian took it all in stride and the two were able to laugh and find the humor in the situation. A good sign of a healthy relationship."He really is an amazing husband. That was just one moment," Donnelly said.Donnelly's strike wasn't just a retaliation; it was a statement. "I'm constantly tidying — I'm picking up shoes, I'm doing all these things that go unnoticed but add up to a lot," she said.I think it's safe to say they won't go unnoticed anymore.The reality is that women in our society tend to carry a disproportionate load when it comes to parenting and household duties. Much of which is unseen. It's why there is so much talk about the "invisible labor" and the "mental load" of motherhood.But regardless of whether or not this is the case in the Donnelly's house, we all deserve to feel seen and valued. And not just at home. Acknowledgment and appreciation go a long way in all aspects of our lives, including in our relationships, at work, and in our interactions with others.Donnelly's strike wasn't just a learning moment for her husband, it was one for all of us. A reminder to take a moment to appreciate the people around us, who contribute in so many silent ways, often without recognition or fanfare, to make our worlds a better place.More from Goalcast:Woman’s Heart Is Shattered When Her Husband Abandons Her for His Lover – Even Then, She Still Takes Care of His Elderly DadStrangers Accuse Kenyan Woman of Marrying Her Husband for Money – The Couple Hits Back With the Perfect ResponseStay-At-Home Mom’s Boyfriend Accuses Her Of Doing Nothing All Day – What She Does Next Goes Viral

Bride Makes Her New 4-Year-Old Stepson Sob by Reading the Wedding Vows She Had Specially Written for Him
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Bride Makes Her New 4-Year-Old Stepson Sob by Reading the Wedding Vows She Had Specially Written for Him

The day Emily Leehan got married she wasn't just saying "I Do" to her groom, Joshua Newville; she was saying "I Do" to his 4-year-old son, Gage, as well.Not only was their wedding a union of two people in love but it was also a blending of two families and the start of their new journey together.So, the bride didn't just deliver one set of vows on her big day — she delivered two; one to her new husband AND one to her new stepson. While we're certain her vows to Joshua were beautiful, it's what she had to say to Gage and his heartfelt reaction that really takes the (wedding) cake. Spoiler alert: You're going to want to grab the tissues for this one.A Stepmother’s Heartwarming Vows to Her New StepsonAccording to CBS News, Joshua, a sergeant in the Marines, and Emily, a senior airman in the Air Force, dated for two years before getting engaged and tying the knot. Gage was just two years old when Emily flew into his life. Over the years, the two developed a special bond and it's this powerful connection that is clearly shown in the now-viral video of their sweet exchange.In the video, captured by wedding photographer Jessica Husted, Emily is reading her “vows” to little Gage as he gazes up at her. Fighting back tears she begins, “I want you to be safe and to try your hardest and to be a good person," adding, "Don't cry, baby.” Too late. Gage, overcome with emotion, throws himself at her, wrapping his arms tightly around her, sobbing. And now, literally, everybody's crying.Somehow, Emily manages to keep it together and press on."I know you and I will butt heads…" More sobs. "Except for right now," Emily jokes (because sometimes you gotta laugh to keep yourself from crying). As Joshua comforts his weeping son, Emily continues: "But I hope with all my heart that as you become a grown man, you will understand my methods and realize I have only done what’s best for you and that I love you.”She ends her vows by saying, "You are a special boy. You are so extremely smart, handsome, and kind to others." "You have helped shape me into the woman that I am today, and I may not have given you the gift of life, but life surely gave me the gift of you." Emily Newville*SOBS*Why a Stepmom Stepped UpOnce Emily finishes her vows she bends down and hugs Gage, eventually scooping him up in her arms because there's still a wedding to finish. Emily explains that she always knew she wanted Gage to be a part of the ceremony. "I wanted to involve him because when I was vowing to be Josh's wife I was also vowing to be his stepmom. I wanted him to feel special and to remind him of how much he means to me."She also knows just how special the step-parent—child bond can be. She has a special relationship with her own stepdad, who, along with her biological dad, walked her down the aisle.As for Gage's biological mother? She's sharing the love too.“As his mother I can say that she is an amazing step-mother to him,” Kali wrote in a Facebook comment. “I couldn’t have picked someone better. Gage is lucky to have her and I’m so thankful I can trust her to be there when I cannot be!”Blending families can be tricky. It comes with its own unique set of challenges. But family doesn't require blood, it requires love. Family isn't about sharing DNA; it's about sharing life. And in those times when we get to CHOOSE our family? When we get to look another person in the eyes and say, "I choose you," there's something to be said about the incredible power of that kind of love. More from Goalcast:Lifelong Bachelor Finally Gets Married at 93 – To the Woman He Met at His Sister’s Wedding in 1959Homeless Couple Couldn’t Afford to Get Married for 24 Years – Then a Stranger Throws Them a Surprise Wedding

Lonely and Widowed 82-Year-Old Goes Over to New Neighbors House - Little Did They Both Know What Was Coming Next
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Lonely and Widowed 82-Year-Old Goes Over to New Neighbors House - Little Did They Both Know What Was Coming Next

When Sharaine Caraballo, 32, along with her husband Wilson, 42, and their 5 kids moved from Texas to Pawtucket, Rhode Island, they were understandably nervous.After all, moving into a new town and a new neighborhood can be nerve-wracking. You never quite know what to expect. There are a lot of What-Ifs. "Our biggest fear moving into a new neighborhood was, 'What if our neighbors don't like us?' What if, because we have a lot of kids, they make a lot of noise and we come from a big family, so what if there's any conflict with the neighbors?" Sharaine told USA Today. "We're the only Black family in our neighborhood and the only minority," she added.But it turns out, the Caraballos had nothing to worry about. They were exactly where they were meant to be. How a Big Family Became Even BiggerPhoto by August de RichelieuTheir neighbors welcomed them with open arms, and in particular, their 82-year-old neighbor from across the street, Paul Callahan. Shortly after they moved in, he showed up unannounced with a ladder and toolbox, offering to help with home improvements. "He was coming over with tools. He’d bring screwdrivers and teach Wilson how to fix up the garage, and Wilson followed all his advice,” Sharaine recalled.A widower, Callahan had sadly just lost his wife six months earlier. Grieving and alone and the last of his siblings still surviving, he was looking for friends and ways to fill the long, lonely days. What he ended up finding was family. After learning about his loss, Sharaine and her family started including the retired Texas Instruments manager in family cookouts and holiday gatherings. But their relationship didn't stop there. For as much as Callahan was helping Wilson fix up their home, the family was helping to heal his broken heart. An Old Man and a Young Family and the Power of ConnectionThe Caraballos firmly embraced Callahan as one of their own. Now, he spends nearly every day at the house, entertaining the kids, bringing them "little trinkets" and bubbles, and sharing stories about his life. Paul isn't just a friendly neighbor, he's "Grandpa.""The kids run up to him like that's their grandfather," Sharaine, a case manager for domestic violence survivors, said. "He's like an honorary grandpa to us. My husband's father is in the Dominican Republic, so even his mom says 'Here comes your dad Paul!'" And it's not just the kids who benefit, Callahan does too. Having grown up around lots of kids, the octogenarian describes himself as a "very social person." "You get many chances to talk to people. If you don't take a chance, you may miss a friend," said Callahan. "It doesn't hurt to be nice. That's the other thing, it costs you nothing, but a lot of times, you get a better return."For Callahan, the return on his investment has been immeasurable. In fact, he's gotten a whole new lease on life, one filled with laughter, love, joy, purpose, AND family.Sometimes, families are born. But oftentimes, they are made -- crafted through meaningful relationships rather than blood. The Caraballos were looking for acceptance and Callahan was looking for a friend. What they found in each other was so much more. Because sometimes, when we least expect it, people move into our lives at the exact moment we need them the most. More from Goalcast:Woman’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

Poor Dad Raises His 4 Children Alone After His Wife Abandons Them to Start a New Family With Someone Else
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Poor Dad Raises His 4 Children Alone After His Wife Abandons Them to Start a New Family With Someone Else

Enrique Alegría Valdivia wasn't planning on being a single dad to four children. But when his wife abruptly walked out the door and didn't look back, he wasn't given a choice.Yet, despite being thrust into single fatherhood in the midst of poverty, the dedicated father is taking care of his children just fine, proving that parental love can overcome any obstacle.The Struggles of Single ParenthoodPhoto by Tom FiskLife in the Cerro Colorado district in Arequipa, Peru was already hard for the Valdivia family. Living in poverty, Valdivia and his wife struggled to provide for the basic needs of their children, aged 5, 7, 9, and 11. When Valdivia's wife abandoned them to reportedly start a new family, life became even more difficult. As the children struggled with the loss of their mother, Valdivia struggled with the loss of a partner in raising them. Overnight he became their sole provider, financially and emotionally. And without any other family around, he is doing it all completely on his own. But he is determined to do the best for his children."They don't deserve to suffer or cry," he told a local news outlet that covered his story for a Father's Day special. Despite constantly worrying about his children and his finances, he works hard to maintain a positive attitude and to provide stability and security for his kids. All while making certain that he is there for his children.Balancing Parenthood and WorkAs any parent knows, juggling work and parenting responsibilities is no easy feat. Valdivia works in construction but he prefers to take on his own jobs rather than work for an employer.This allows him the freedom to set his own hours and to be there to get his kids off to school."My children start school at 7:45, I take them and I can just go to work. For this reason, I cannot work from 7 in the morning as they normally do on construction sites. I look for my own little jobs so as not to harm anyone and they do not claim that I am late or work fewer hours," he said. While working and taking care of his kids, Valdivia is also saving up to buy a house. He currently resides at a friend's house but he dreams of having a "proper home" one day. His dream may soon become a reality, thanks to the power of the media. Word of a Father’s Sacrifice SpreadsAfter Valdivia was featured on the Arequipa news, residents of his local town set up a fund and started donating money. Inspired by his devotion to his children, many view him as a "hero."Valdivia, however, doesn't see himself as a hero. He sees himself as a father. One who will do whatever it takes for the sake of his children. "I give everything I can and have. I will always stand up for my children. I am there to care for them and love them; they are also my greatest strength," he said.And it is that strength that will carry this family through.Because despite the odds stacked against him, despite his wife's abandonment, living in poverty, and the challenge of raising his four children alone, Valdivia wields a weapon greater than all of the adversity. The power of a parent's love for their child. And there is no greater force on earth than that.More from Goalcast:Parents Abandon Baby at Hospital After Being “Horrified” by His Face – Then One Woman Takes Him in as Her OwnWoman Abandons Her Baby at Her Boyfriend’s House – He Decides to Raise the Kid Even if He Isn’t the FatherParents Refuse to Take Newborn Baby Home With Them and Abandon Him at Hospital – One Nurse Takes Him in as Her Own

People Are Saying LeBron James Is a Bad Father - Here's Why They're Wrong
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People Are Saying LeBron James Is a Bad Father - Here's Why They're Wrong

LeBron James's son, 18-year-old Bronny, suffered a cardiac arrest yesterday while on court during a USC Basketball workout. The eldest son of the basketball legend is now out of the ICU and in "stable condition."After previously being called out as a bad father for certain behaviour, LeBron sets the record straight. LeBron has always been a central figure in his family and it's time to take a look at the amazing father he really is.*This article was originally published on July 15, 2021.Shame if you do, shame if you don’t. That’s a lesson LeBron James learned the hard way following a momentous occasion involving his young son Bronny. The demanding, judgmental nature of social media has become so intimidating over the last couple of years that public figures can’t make a single move without explaining their decision-making. They’re staring down the barrel of targeted vilification and censure at every waking moment, and if they’re not able to justify their actions well ahead of time, they’re in trouble. It only takes one ill-timed rumor to topple your entire career and tarnish your reputation. LeBron had to reckon with similarly misguided assumptions over two years ago when he attended his son’s basketball tournament. What was supposed to be a celebratory affair among the James family quickly turned into a contentious ruckus casting doubt on LeBron’s integrity and capabilities as a father. Here’s how the situation unfolded and why LeBron became labeled as a ‘bad father.'LeBron received flak for making a “spectacle” out of himself at his son’s basketball gameIn July 2019, LeBron accompanied his 14-year-old son, LeBron Raymone "Bronny" James Jr., to an AAU basketball tournament in Las Vegas. It’s nothing short of a miraculous stroke of luck to have LeBron James himself spectating a basketball game. As anticipated, people were curious to see how LeBron would conduct himself on the sidelines and comport himself at a basketball meetup that didn’t feature him as the MVP. Well, the Ohio native didn’t disappoint. He donned his kicks and jumped into the pre-game layup lines to shoot some hoops. His incredible throwdowns — captured vividly on camera — galvanized the crowd and gave them something to be fired up over. It’s not every day that you have LeBron James participate in a warmup routine at a youth basketball matchup, so if you’re fortunate enough to see the man in action, savor the moment. Unfortunately, savor, they did not. The video went viral and caused quite a stir across traditional news and social media, eliciting accusations of ‘showboating’ on LeBron’s part. Many critics lambasted his activities on the court, condemning the basketball star for engaging in what they deem as undignified and inappropriate behavior. They also took issue with his loud cheering, especially his ballistic demeanor in the wake of his son’s game-winning slam dunk. According to The Washington Post, Jason Whitlock, the host of Fox Sports 1′s “Speak for Yourself” segmented, voiced his opinion on LeBron’s layups, saying that the Lakers’ champion should be staying in his own lane and not make a “spectacle” of himself. He alleges that LeBron leveraged his son’s moment in the sun to build his “social media brand.” The commentator told his followers that parents shouldn’t “allow their thirst for fame to distract from or exaggerate their child’s performance.”Barring an extraordinary leap of rationale on Whitlock’s part, it’s futile to expect a personality as animated and expressive as LeBron to suppress his natural energy. Besides, live sports can instigate a wide range of emotions in the most stoic of individuals, so there’s nothing wrong with LeBron boldly enlivening the mood and egging his son on. He reveals the tragic reason he’s so involved in his children’s livesWhat LeBron’s detractors don’t realize is that there’s a particular reason why the athlete prefers to take such a hands-on approach to parenthood. His dad had a number of criminal charges to his name and wasn’t in the picture, causing LeBron to grow up feeling helplessly incomplete and resentful. The absence of a solid paternal figure hurt him deeply, so he promised himself that he wouldn’t dare put his own children through the same ordeal. I wanted to have kids early, to prove to my father that the way you did it was the absolute wrong way to do it, and I wanted to break the mold to where I want to be there and give them all the life skills. LeBron James on UNINTERRUPTED The 36-year-old essentially took an oath to do right by his children and support them however he could. That’s partly why he wanted his eldest to bear his own name; it was about conferring respect and passing on the values that matter to him a great deal. He obviously can’t guarantee that his children would follow the exact path he’s envisioned for them, but he can hope that they’ll be able to appreciate the “life skills” he’s trying to instill in them. LeBron will do his best to ensure his kids are able to “experience things that [he] didn’t experience” and that they’re able to seize the opportunities by the horns and succeed in whichever field they decide to pursue. LeBron admits that he can only give them the “blueprint” and lay the groundwork; “it’s up to them to take their own course, whenever that time comes.”Setting a positive example for his children isn’t just about breaking the mold that’d been put in place by his dad. LeBron legitimately believes that the responsibilities associated with fatherhood allow him to flourish as a ballplayer. For example, he described each of his children as having distinct, divergent personalities that he must cater to in his unique ways; similarly, he must adjust his mode of communication when interacting with his teammates to get the best out of them. When I talk about patience, it comes back to being a father [...] It comes back to that patience of learning their mindsets, learning how you can get the most out of them, what triggers them to be their best, and what triggers them to not be their best. You learn that over time.LeBron James on The Tim Ferriss ShowThe expression of love is as unique as the love itselfA parent’s love and pride is a rare thing to capture, so no parent should be ashamed for how they choose to convey their depth of love and admiration for their children’s accomplishments. As long as you’re respectful of others in your space and that the recipient of your love is in agreement, you should feel free to express your love however you please. More importantly, your way will be unique to you; it doesn’t matter how it stacks up against someone else’s behavior. Embrace your peculiarities and instincts, and the rest will work itself out. More inspiring stories:LeBron James and Savannah Brinson Grew From High School Sweethearts to Lifelong Partners5 Life-Changing Books That Inspired LeBron James to Keep WinningOctavia Spencer Reveals LeBron James Helped Her Negotiate What ‘She Deserves’ for Her Upcoming Netflix SeriesThe Empowering Truth Behind John Cena and Dwayne Johnson’s Feud

Ungrateful Daughter Throws Moms Gift in the Trash - So She Decides to Teach Her a Harsh Lesson
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Ungrateful Daughter Throws Moms Gift in the Trash - So She Decides to Teach Her a Harsh Lesson

Florida mom Haley Hassell noticed that her 6-year-old daughter, Presleigh, was nervous since starting first grade. So as good moms do, she tried to make her feel better and thought she had the perfect remedy.Daughter Throws Mom’s Gift in the TrashPresleigh was asking for a LOL-brand pencil box, like the one other kids had in her class, so Haley decided to pick one up when she was out shopping for school supplies. Finally, after three stores she bought one as a surprise.But she didn't get the reaction she expected."Presleigh learned a tough love lesson today," the mom wrote in a 2019 Facebook post. "I went to 3 different stores to get that LOL pencil box you see in the trash there. When I surprised her with it this afternoon (just knowing she would be ecstatic) she stared at it and threw it in the trash and slammed the bedroom door. She yelled 'that’s stupid, everyone in my class has that..I don’t want it anymore!' ..WHHHHAT STOP COME AGAIN?"Transforming Anger Into a Valuable LessonHaley was shocked by her daughters response. "So by this time there was probably smoke coming out of my ears and I’m trying real hard not to completely lose it on this kid that I have worked so hard to completely take care of financially on my own & make sure she always gets what she needs and then some," she wrote. "BUT I thought I had always taught her to be grateful & know how lucky she was but apparently sis needed a small wake up call!!"So, Haley got creative."SO before completely going Madea mad on my child I check myself and say, 'Okay that’s fine, let me go get the one you’re going to use'...came back with her new pencil box, which is the Ziploc bag."As to be expected, the 6-year-old didn't like the Ziploc pencil box very much."She lost her mind! Suddenly the LOL Box she just trashed was good enough and the Ziploc bag was horrible...but it’s too late for all that." Instead of caving into her daughter's disappointment, the mom transformed the dramatic situation into a learning lesson about helping others."I told her to get the LOL out of the trash and we would be finding a child to give it to tomorrow..one whose mommy and daddies don’t have money for any school supplies or someone who may not even have a mommy or daddy," Haley wrote. "I explained to her she’s not entitled to anything special and she is taking for granted how lucky she is... So for now she will be using a Ziploc bag & will personally be delivering the nice box to a child that could benefit from it."Haley concluded the post with a valuable lesson about gratitude."Maybe I overreact sometimes but I would’ve done anything to have all the things she does as a child. I truly believe changing your perception & just being grateful can turn around any situation in life."Teaching the Importance of GratitudeThe mom's post has since earned more than 135,000 reactions and she was interviewed on Good Morning America. She got a lot of positive feedback, but also faced some criticism. "I got personal messages in my inbox saying that I was a monster mother ... they were saying I was a bad parent and bad parents raise bad children," she told GMA. "I was just on a rant when I wrote it. I didn't think people were going to share it. People were saying I was publicly shaming my daughter, which I don't really agree with."The pencil case story has a happy ending. Presleigh ended up mailing it to a 5-year-old girl in Utah as well as some other school supplies."Presleigh thought that was really cool. She understood once we were shopping for other children," Haley said, adding that it gave Presleigh "perspective.""Having a positive outlook can make or break you in life -- I want her to know that," she added. "Nothing is going to be easy, but when something is given to you, you've got to be grateful."It’s Always Good to Be GratefulMoney doesn't grow on trees. So it was understandable that this mom was upset when her daughter didn't want the gift she worked so hard to get. But instead of getting angry, as many of us would be, this mom did something far more constructive. She punished her daughter while at the same time showing her the importance of both giving and gratitude. And those are lessons we all need to be reminded of at any age.More from Goalcast:Two 11-Year-Olds Are Caught in the Act – “Lawnmower Man” Gifts Them New Equipment to Start a BusinessBullied Boy Loses Hope After a Priceless Gift From His Grandmother Is Stolen – But His Best Friends Feel OtherwiseAlways be grateful for the little things “Gratitude is a powerful catalyst for happiness. It’s the spark that lights a fire of joy in your soul.” – Amy Collette

6 Siblings Were Separated in Foster Care For Over 3 Years - Then 2 Dads Adopted Them All
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6 Siblings Were Separated in Foster Care For Over 3 Years - Then 2 Dads Adopted Them All

Life just got a WHOLE lot busier for Daniel and Dustin Johnson.The Florida couple, married in 2020, always knew they wanted kids. Ruling out surrogacy, they immediately began attending pre-adoption classes. From the start, they made it clear to the adoption agency that they were open to older children and sibling groups, which are typically much more difficult to place. "Daniel and I kind of made the joke that we could fit six in the back of our Suburban," Dustin Johnson told GMA. "The next month, in December, our adoption specialist reached out and said, 'How serious are you about that six number?'"Turns out they were pretty serious. They went from a family of two to a family of eight, literally overnight, adopting six siblings who were living in five separate foster homes.As for that Suburban? They've traded it in for a 15-passenger van. The Rocky Road to AdoptionAsk any parent and they'll tell you that becoming a parent isn't easy. The road is often paved with challenges. But for Dustin and Daniel, their road was littered with land mines.All six brothers and sisters, ranging in age from 3 to 11, had never had the chance to live together. While foster care provides necessary care and support, it is difficult to keep large families together.For over three years, they were bounced around from foster home to foster home. By the time Dustin and Daniel appeared on the scene, the siblings were living in 5 separate homes. “One of the kids had over 25 different placements,” Dustin told Today. Obviously, they didn't come alone. They brought a lot of baggage with them, including night terrors and post-traumatic stress disorder from exposure to domestic violence and drug abuse. But Daniel and Dustin knew they could handle it. Giving up on these kids was never an option.At first, the couple struggled to bond with their eldest daughter Amiyah. She believed her biological mother would return for her and she may be betraying her mother by bonding with them.“When they first moved in, they were completely withdrawn and had major trust issues,” Dustin recalls. “It took months and months to build up that trust. Then the light started coming in."And while the kids adjusted to their new life together, the state still needed some convincing. "There were a lot of 'what ifs,'" said Jennifer Robinson, an attorney with Bay Area Legal Services. "What if it doesn't work, we're taking a child away from what's stable to put him with his siblings but what if it falls apart and we cause more trauma?" But family won out in the end. Adoption Day and Finding Their Forever FamilyFinally, all the stars aligned and in May, they started their forever. Together. The Johnsons officially adopted the six siblings: Reid, 11, Amiyah, 10, Izayah, 9, Kaelix, 7, Cade, 6, and Roslin, 3. And today? The kids are doing amazing. Thanks to weekly therapy appointments and two incredibly loving dads, they're all excelling in school and (mostly) loving being together."Maia had to realize that boys are really stinky and Isaiah really struggled the most with a 2-year-old sister that broke up his LEGO sets," Dustin said. "So they did have some quirks of learning that siblings are all over the place sometimes but they were all really happy to be together."Dustin and Daniel are really happy too, living their dream of parenthood.For other men considering becoming first-time dads through adoption, Dustin's advice is simple: "Do it.""There’s a huge need in every community for foster kids that need homes," Dustin said. "So if I can say anything, it's to advocate for people to do it."He's not wrong. According to the latest statistics, there are currently an estimated 391,000 children in foster care in the United States.By adopting these six kids, Daniel and Dustin have not only provided them with a safe and loving home but they have also demonstrated the profound impact that a committed and caring family can have on a child's life.An impact that will shape not only their present but their future as well.More from Goalcast:18-Year-Old Single Mom Gives Up Son for Adoption – 58 Years Later, an Unlikely Source Brings Them Together“Our Family Is Complete”: Connecticut Teacher Adopts Student With Complex Medical Needs

Couple Who Wanted to Give Their Only Child More Siblings Ends Up Having Quadruplets TWO SETS of Identical Twins
Family

Couple Who Wanted to Give Their Only Child More Siblings Ends Up Having Quadruplets TWO SETS of Identical Twins

Hannah and Michael Carmack got the surprise of a lifetime when, during a routine ultrasound, they found out they were having not one, not two, not three, but FOUR babies.Surprise!The Alabama couple, already parents to an 8-year-old daughter, had decided to try for one more...but things didn't exactly go as planned.Instead of one more, they ended up with four more — two sets of identical twins. And their family of three is now officially a party of seven.And Then There Were...FOUR??Courtesy Michael Carmack (via: TODAY.com)Hannah and Micheal received the news about their multiple bundles of joy during their first ultrasound. In an interview with Today, Micheal shared that Hannah knew something was up before he did. A veterinary technician, the mom-to-be noticed two sacs on the screen instead of one. She immediately asked the ultrasound tech, "Is it twins?" When the tech didn't respond, she asked, "Is it three?" At this point the tech placed a hand on her knee and broke the news gently, telling her "Sweetie, it’s four." "I had to convince Hannah it was a good idea to have a second child," Michael said. "Imagine how she reacted when she found out we were having four!"Imagine.Michael, who always wanted a large family, started to laugh. Hannah started to cry. (Who can blame her? I'd be crying too.)Michael immediately called in reinforcements. He scheduled an emergency meeting with their church pastor. "He thought we were getting divorced," Michael joked. Although, this doesn't seem to be outside the realm of possibility given that his wife just found out that he got her pregnant - WITH QUADRUPLETS. Nevertheless, they weren't getting divorced and Hannah left the meeting with a newfound realization. “What I think Hannah came to realize is, ‘This is not normal. We had been chosen for something by God,” Michael said. What Are the Odds of Having Two Sets of Identical Twins? Having spontaneous quadruplets is extremely rare. Having them as two sets of identical twins? Even rarer. According to the CDC, there were only 148 quadruplets or higher-order births in the U.S.A. in 2021 (the most recent data). Most of these, however, were a result of assisted reproduction techniques such as in-vitro fertilization or fertility-enhancing drugs.This was not the case for the Carmacks. Their quadruplets were spontaneous — meaning they were conceived without the help of fertility treatments.Dr. Kecia Gaither, an OB-GYN, told Insider that the chances of spontaneous quadruplets fall somewhere between 1 in 700,000 and 1 in 1 million. It occurs when multiple eggs are released or when eggs split, as with the Carmacks.Some estimates put the odds of having two sets of identical twins at 1 in 70 million. Party of Seven Hannah Carmack/GoFundMeOn March 14, Hannah, 29, gave birth via cesarean section to two sets of identical twins: girls, Evelyn and Adeline, and boys, David and Daniel. The babies were born premature, at only 27 weeks and 3 days gestation. The smallest, Adeline, weighed 1 pound, 10.5 ounces. The largest, Evelyn, weighed in at 2 pounds, 9 ounces. According to Dad, all four are doing well and are breathing on their own. They are expected to remain at the UAB Women and Infants Center in Birmingham until June.In the meantime, the proud parents visit them daily and are working on renovating their home to make room for the Carmack Quads. They've set up a GoFundMe campaign with a goal of $20,000 to help cover some of the renovation costs (and diapers, no doubt).As for how their 8-year-old is feeling about being a big sister to four? "She's super excited," Michael told news affiliate WAFF 48. "She wanted all four of them to sleep in her room." Having quadruplets may not have been the plan, but now that they're here, their parents are thrilled with their little miracles. In a Facebook post, Hannah writes:"I can’t always say that it feels real to me that I’m a mother of four quadruplet babies, but when I get to hold all of them at the same time…it becomes very real that I am not dreaming..but that this is real life and it’s simply extraordinary."Extraordinary indeed.

Woman Battling Alcoholism Cant Take Care of Her 2 Kids - So Her Boyfriend of One Year Raises Them as a Single Dad
Family

Woman Battling Alcoholism Cant Take Care of Her 2 Kids - So Her Boyfriend of One Year Raises Them as a Single Dad

*This story first appeared on Love What Matters on May 25, 2022.Families come in all shapes and sizes, and there is no one single path to becoming a family. Sometimes families are born. But sometimes, they are made. In a TikTok video that has gone viral with over 9.2M views, Jordan Benewiat gives a powerful tribute to the "world's best dad." A man who walked into her life when she was 7 years old and changed it forever.Grab the tissues, you're going to need them.How Her Mother's Boyfriend of One Year Ended Up Becoming Her Dad Photo by Lgh_9Jordan was seven years old when she met her mother's new boyfriend, Steve. Shortly afterward, he moved in. At her 8th birthday party, while Steve was working out of town, her mother, in an alcoholic rage, destroyed the house while the kids hid in the basement. The police were called and her mother was arrested.Battling years of alcoholism and being unable to care for her children, the courts decided to place Jordan and her older brother, Jarred, 11, into foster care. Steve, who had only known the kids for one year, didn't hesitate to ask for custody. "The first time I saw my dad cry was the day he thought we were being taken by the state," Jordan told Love What Matters. With no foster homes available, and their biological father in prison, the court granted Steve temporary emergency care. He immediately started down the long and complex road of adoption and, in the meantime, also got his foster care license so he could keep the kids.Three years later, Steve officially adopted Jordan and Jarred. "The happiest day of my life," Jordan said.The Viral TikTok That Proves He Really Is “The World’s Best Dad”Jordan shares their incredible journey on TikTok in a 29-second clip that has captured the hearts of millions. She captions it: "Truly my hero since the day he came into my life."In the video, she shows various family photos of Steve, showing up for her and her brother throughout their childhoods. The text overlay reads: "Our birth mom was an alcoholic and couldn't be a parent so her boyfriend she had known only a year who owed her and her kids absolutely nothing, became the world's best dad."It continues:"Raised us as a single father, took on two kids completely alone, and he never once hesitated when he got the chance to adopt us."If this isn't the definition of a true hero, I don't know what is.How One Man Proved the Power of LoveSteve, already a dad to three grown daughters, who he also raised single-handedly, could have easily just walked away. He owed Jordan and Jarred nothing. And yet, when their mother stepped out, he stepped in. And he stayed.He made a life-altering decision to take on someone else's kids and raise them as his own. He chose them.And when we get to look another person in the eyes and say, “I choose you,” there’s something to be said about the power of that kind of love."He showed up every time we needed him to. He gave me back the second half of my childhood," Jordan said. Jordan and Jarred were finally able to have the childhood they'd only ever dreamed of. Thanks to Steve, their lives changed dramatically."I was finally able to ride my bike, go to school, play sports, and never worry about dinner," Jordan said. "He gave me someone you want to call when my life feels like it's falling apart. He gave me the safety I had never known. My life wouldn't look at all like it does without him."How One Person Can Make All the Difference in a Child’s LifeBecause of Steve's love and dedication, Jordan has been able to heal from her past traumas and grow into a happy, healthy young adult."I just want people to know that our dad is our hero. I remember every feeling I felt for the seven years we didn't know him and if it wasn't for him I'd probably have over 18 years of that pain under my belt," Jordan said.Steve's actions are a testament to the transformative impact one person can have on a child's life, offering stability, guidance, and unconditional love.He is also a testament to the extraordinary power of a father's love. A love not defined by blood, but by the unbreakable bonds we create.