Two 11-Year-Olds Are Caught in the Act - Lawnmower Man Gifts Them New Equipment to Start a Business
"These are good, hard-working kids that deserve some gratitude."
While other kids their age are spending their summers riding bikes and playing video games, 11-year-olds Ja’Torrian (J.T.) Taylor and Tevin (T.J.) Rice of Gadsden, Alabama, are sowing seeds of good karma instead.
After witnessing an elderly neighbor trying to mow her lawn with one hand while simultaneously holding onto a walker in the other, Ja’Torrian felt compelled to do something.
Without a second thought, he quickly ran over to finish the job. The first seed was planted.
How Two 11-Year-Old Boys Are Spending the Summer Helping Others
Ja’Torrian felt so good about helping his neighbor, that he decided to do it again, this time, teaming up with one of his best friends, Tevin.
With a rickety old, used lawnmower donated by their neighbor, the pre-teens got to work, not only mowing the lawn of the elderly woman but also the lawns of others who struggle in their community as well.
TJ & JT Mowing Service was officially born.
According to WVTM13, the boys mow three to four yards a week. Eventually, they started charging $10 a lawn to help cover the cost of gas and save for a new lawnmower. But that's not the only way their hard work paid off.
The boys' efforts caught the attention of Rodney Smith Jr. aka the "Lawnmower Man."
The Lawnmower Man: Changing the World, One Lawn at a Time
In 2015, Smith, then a student at Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, came across an elderly man struggling to mow his lawn. He pulled over and helped him.
It made such an impact that, that night, he decided to start mowing the lawns of the elderly, disabled, veterans, and single parents for free.
When he topped 100 lawns, he came up with the idea to launch a nonprofit organization called Raising Men and Women Lawn Care Service, to teach kids aged 7 -17 "the importance of giving back to their community with a lawnmower."
In 2017, Smith, who has a Master's in social work, embarked on a mission to travel to all 50 states, mowing the lawns of those in need for free. Since then, he has mowed over 20,000 lawns, all on his own dime.
Additionally, he started the 50-Yard Challenge to encourage young people to help their community by mowing lawns for people in need.
"I hope it teaches youth that it is good to give back," said Smith. "And that it teaches them good morals, how to be a good citizen, and that they can make a difference one lawn at a time."
Kids can earn t-shirts for every 10-yard milestone completed. And eventually, once they've finished the challenge, the kids are gifted a brand-new lawnmower, blower, and trimmer.
Kids like Ja’Torrian and Tevin.
The Boys Become Honorary Members of the 50-Yard Challenge
When Smith heard about Ja’Torrian and Tevin's good deeds, he dropped everything to pay them a visit. "I’m heading down to Gadsden right now," Smith said. "These are good, hard-working kids that deserve some gratitude."
Not only did he meet the boys and offer them some tips, but he also made them honorary members of the 50-yard challenge club and surprised each of them with their very own lawnmower, blower, and trimmer.
“Giving these boys lawn equipment is teaching them discipline,” Smith told WVTM13. “If they tell someone they are going to mow a lawn, they need to mow the lawn.”
He also shared these words of wisdom with the boys, "Remember, this is not the end; it’s just the beginning. This could be the beginning of a successful lawn service."
"You start here and your potential is enormous," he added.
The boys were beyond thrilled and plan to put their new equipment to good use.
As of May 2023, there are 4,588 kids participating in the 50-yard challenge across the U.S. as per the Springfield Daily Citizen. If everyone completes the challenge, that will bring the total number of lawns mowed for free since 2015 to a whopping 229,400.
And all it took was one to get started.
If you want more information or know a kid who wants to join the challenge and be a part of making a difference - one lawn at a time - check out Smith's website here.
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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.