Miss New York Has Gone TikTok Viral by Helping People Cope With Loss As "Heaven's Receptionist" and It's Beautiful (and Funny)
This might be the best thing on TikTok...
Humor is often a powerful way to navigate difficult truths.
One popular beauty pageant winner has taken a unique approach to social media to help people cope with one of the most difficult parts of the human experience -- death.
In 2022, Taryn Delanie Smith was crowned Miss New York. But these days she is recognized around her native city for a different reason.
Since then, she began posting sketches on TikTok where she plays a receptionist for heaven, whimsical videos such as the one below in which the character asks people what they would like their 'ghost outfit' to be.
"Heaven's Receptionist": The Genuine Videos That Are Taking Over TikTok
@taryntino21 Like i get you want vengence on the new home owners but why would you want to wear that forever #ghostfit #ootd #ghosts
The videos were a massive hit, and people immediately wanted more. She used these comments to continue posting the receptionist character, playing off people's thoughts.
@taryntino21 #greenscreen there have been many requests for more footage of denise on the job. You go Denise #ghostoutfit
Soon, however, the comments took a different turn. One user left the note: " I don't know what made me bust out crying but your videos are perfect. I wish I could see you do one greeting my mom."
@taryntino21 Replying to @jennifertavernier13 for you and your mama ❤️ she absolutely qualified for angel premium plus btw! #heaven #receptionist
This random comment prompted a new direction for Taryn's character, much to the joy of many of her TikTok fans.
In the first of these videos (shared above), Taryn still nails the subtle mannerisms of a classic New York receptionist, only this time welcomes the commenter's mother-- "Gerry"-- to heaven.
The genius of these short videos lies in Taryn's ability to mix believable observational comedy with empathy. While in character as a gum-chewing receptionist, she adds lines such as "you are so loved, I am already getting prayer mail for you"-- referring to the fan's deceased mother.
She knows precisely who her audience is, and produces her content with subtlety, and high emotional intelligence.
Unsurprisingly, her fan base is incredibly moved by these personalized videos, and rapidly growing as a result.
She now takes requests for deceased loved ones, tailoring "heaven greetings" for them by adding unique details such as nicknames.
For example, in a more recent clip shared below, Taryn received email correspondence from a fan about the deceased loved one in question, admitting that "it took me a while to record this one without getting teary."
@taryntino21 Parts of this email were shared with permission from @Becca Darling ❤️ it took me awhile to be able to record this one without getting teary. Hugs becca. #grief #heaven #receptionist
In the video, Taryn deftly navigates her fan's grief with wit and genuine compassion. Keenly aware of the gravity of her content, she brings viewers into the fantasy of her character, acknowledging the whimsy while weaving moments of genuine, and emotionally intense, consolation.
Not everyone could make such impactful content. On an app where new stars seem to be minted every day, Taryn is carving out a space few could. She strikes an impressive balance between playfulness and seriousness, knowing just when to switch gears while remaining thoughtful.
For viewers, the clips offer some serious healing.
Imagination is a powerful tool, often used for therapeutic work, and in this case as an avenue for closure. The humor Taryn employs is also crucial in creating the space for imagination, creating a comfortable space to deal with such an overwhelming, and abstract, concept as death.
Humans have long used tools such as myth, and storytelling to process the unknown, and in this way, Taryn's content is part of a serious lineage. While many might dismiss content on social media as 'empty calories' or a problem for younger generations, her videos make the case for these platforms' capacity to bring us closer together.
Look no further than the comment section to see how her videos resonate.
“This just made me cry sitting in my car in a drive-thru. That was so sweet of you to make this video,” one person commented.
“This is a moment of genuine humanity. The love you’ve shown to someone I assume you have never known and take the time to help a soul heal. Beautiful,” added another.
Hopefully, Taryn continues to find innovative ways to offer emotional support, as she clearly has a gift for it!
Be sure to check out more of "heaven's receptionist" on her TikTok, right here.
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.