It’s really easy to feel all alone in life, especially when going through hardship. But sometimes the best thing we can do is allow ourselves to ask for help, like Michigan mom Erin Harrison did.
Harrison worked at a McDonald’s in Walled Lake, Michigan. But her pay wasn't enough to cover rent. And she and her twin daughters ended up homeless.
Sleeping in Her Car
Erin was doing whatever she could to save money, and so she and the girls slept in her car for a few nights. The car was parked right outside of the girls’ school, but she wasn’t sure what she was doing was even legal.
So, she did the only thing she could think to do -- she asked police officer Heather Kolke. “She started asking me legal questions. So of course I started asking more questions of her and discovered she was going to be sleeping in the car tonight so she could get the kids to school in the morning. They were homeless,” said Sergeant Heather Kolke.
How One Police Officer Changed a Homeless Mom’s Life
Heather, also a mom, knew she had to help. “As a mom, I knew I had to get her a place to stay,” she said.
She then enlisted the help of fellow police officers, and found Erin and her daughters a temporary place to stay, as well as gift cards to help her make ends meet.
That wasn’t all though: They even got her a job interview and went with her to the interview for moral support.
Heather wasn’t done yet though. She also planned a birthday party for twins Hayden and Abigail, with local businesses donating balloons, cake, and pizza.
The Spirit of Community Is Still Alive
The whole community ultimately got involved, raising $2,500 in cash, as well as clothes for the kids, and items for their new home once they were able to get one.
"It warms my heart to know that there are people out there who care. I feel like I was connected with Sgt. Kolke through God. It is a reminder there are good people in the world," shared Harrison.
More from Goalcast:
woman speaking to another woman sitting opposite herWestpac Banking
elderly couple laughing and drinking coffee outside a restaurant
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.