All too often, it’s the most vulnerable of children that are left abandoned in orphanages – whether they are sick or disabled, prospective families often cast them aside for babies that will be easier to integrate into their own families.
But sometimes, truly special future parents seek out those kids that are most needing of love and a family.
A long journey to adoption
Luca Trapanese is one of those special people. The single dad from Italy adopted his daughter Alba in 2017 when she was just a few weeks old. Trapanese, who is gay, ran into some road blocks himself, as Italian courts don’t often grant custody to single, homosexual men.
But that didn’t stop him or scare him away, and one day, he met the beautiful baby Alba when she was just under two weeks old. She had been abandoned by her birth parents after being born with Down’s Syndrome. In fact, twenty different families rejected baby Alba during those first few weeks of life for the same reason.
“Since I was 14 years old, I have volunteered and worked with the disabled so I felt I had the right knowledge and experience to do it,” Luca told the media.
He instantly knew it was the right decision.
“When I first held her in my arms, I was overcome with joy. I felt she was my daughter straight away.”
Luca Trapanese
The first time he held a newborn
That was actually the first time he had held a newborn baby, but he instantly knew it felt right. “I had always been scared. But, when I first held Alba, I knew I was ready to be her dad,” he said.
Now, the new dad’s life life revolves around Alba, who he said “revolutionized his life and everything revolves around her."
"She brought me happiness and a sense of fulfillment. I am proud to be her dad. I wanted her to be my daughter.”
Luca Trapanese
Having so much love to give
There's so much love to be given in the world, and so many who so badly need that love. How wonderful when those people, with love to give, and in need of that love, can find each other!
The heartwarming story of Alba's adoption is a reminder that while there are many children who never end up finding a loving home, some do despite the odds -- and their futures are drastically altered for the better.
And if you sometimes feel like you have so much love to give, never hesitate to find ways to share it with others. Doing so can be just as rewarding as being on the receiving end of it.
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- 4 Years Ago, He Was Homeless–Today, He Bought His First House
- Poor Man Who Missed Job Interview To Save A Life Had Employers Lining Up To Hire Him
- Domestic Abuse Survivor Marries The First Responder Who Saved Her Life
- Brooklyn Landlord Cancels Rent For Hundreds Of Tenants, Setting An Unprecedented Example For Others
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.