*Featured image contains photo by Mick Haupt on Unsplash
Business is about the bottom line. This is something we learn over and over again. Money is the name of the game and we should all seek to get as much of it as possible. Business principles are clear: You never give anything away for free.
However, one little boy in Michigan learned an important lesson when he started up his own business -- sometimes, kindness is more important than money, and the reward for kindness is often more powerful too.
A 5-Year-Old Boy's Kool-Aid Stand and the Strange Van That Changed Everything
Adam Houssami, a 5-year-old Michigan boy, wanted to embark on his first entrepreneurial endeavor: A Kool-Aid stand. The summer heat was beating down on his hometown, and he figured people would be willing to spend fifty cents on a cup to stay cool and get refreshed. So, he set up his stand and waited for the big bucks to roll in.
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All in all, he hoped to sell 20 cups of the drink in order to make 10 dollars, which would allow him to buy a few treats for himself. While business was slow, Adam did get a few customers here and there. Then, a mysterious van showed up that would change the boy’s outlook forever.
Adam’s mother Krista was inside and out of earshot when the man in the van approached Adam, so she missed what had happened when the van finally pulled away. She noticed that Adam didn’t seem to have more money than he did when she had walked away, so she asked him what the man wanted. Adam explained that the stranger had been a mailman, whose truck was out for maintenance.
Why a Thirsty Mailman Left a Note in a Little Boy’s Mailbox
The mailman had been interested in cooling down with a fresh cup of Kool-Aid, but he didn’t have any cash on him. Without hesitating, Adam gave him a free cup as he could tell that the man was truly thirsty. Krista was touched that her son would be so kind, and she congratulated him for his actions, thinking that was the end of the story, but she was wrong.
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A few days after the incident with the mailman, Krista noticed a folded up note in the Houssami mailbox addressed to Adam. Inside the note was another surprise! There was a letter to Adam from the mailman thanking him for being so kind and generous with his Kool-Aid.
Adam -- Remember last week you were selling Kool-Aid on a hot day? I didn't have any money but you offered me Kool-Aid anyways. Thanks man! I was really thirsty. Good things happen to people like you. Stay cool dude.
Letter from the mailman;
How One Boy Proved That Even Small Acts of Kindness Can Have a Big Impact
Enclosed in the note was also a $20 bill! Adam, who had been hustling all week to make just $10, was overjoyed. His mother was touched by the whole thing, from her son’s generous actions to the mailman’s thoughtful gratitude, and shared the story on social media where it went viral.
It makes me feel really good to know that there are still people in the world that care. I think that shows no matter what you should help people. That small gesture was something really big.
Krista Houssami
As Krista said, even the smallest acts of kindness can have a big impact. Adam learned that nice people don’t finish last, they get rewarded. This important lesson will follow Adam throughout his life, and it is one he will be able to teach to those around him.
More Uplifting News from Goalcast:
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- 9-Year-Old Learns Classmates Can't Afford a Birthday Party - Responds with Selfless Gesture
- High School Teen Taken By Surprise When He Finds Out The Reason Why His Friend Worked A Job For 2 Years
- 9-Year-Old Boy Brings Parents To Tears When They Find Out Why He Had Given $15 To His Teacher
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.