Elderly people who receive a fixed amount of government benefits every month are often left with very little, if any, money left over once the next month rolls around. Living that way can be stressful, especially when you factor in inflation, rising housing prices, and other economic factors beyond our control.
So, when a tradesman spotted an elderly man counting coins to be able to pay for his McDonald’s meal, he knew he had to step in and do something.
Why a Tradesman Approached an Elderly Man at McDonald’s
Dave Love and his business partner, Melanie Langley, were waiting in line to grab their morning coffee at the local McDonald’s. Dave Love, an Australian tradesman, noticed the customer in front of him was fishing in his pocket for change and struggling to come up with the required amount to pay for his meal. The elderly man was clearly surviving on a pension, and Dave knew how quickly that could dry up each month, so he decided to help out.
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Dave approached the elderly man and told him he would take care of his meal. The man accepted, but was blown away when Dave took another $20 bill out of his pocket and handed it to him. Dave told his new friend that the money was for his next coffee.
The elderly man protested at first, but eventually accepted the generous gift with enthusiasm. As he thanked Dave, he professed to him that his act of kindness had renewed his faith in humanity, saying, “There [are] still some nice people here.”
How a Stranger Proved the Importance of Being Generous
Dave's partner, Melanie Langley, caught the whole interaction on video and shared it on social media. She felt that the act of kindness was so powerful, it was sure to inspire others to follow in Dave’s footsteps. The heartwarming video was shared more than 20,000 times and got a slew of comments from people applauding Dave for his actions. He didn’t know he was being filmed during the interaction -- his kindness was an authentic reflection of his humanity.
When Dave saw that another person was struggling and that he himself had the power to help, he didn't hesitate to step in. What Dave did was a simple act of kindness, but if we all followed his lead and did what we could to help, the world would be a better place.
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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.