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Most of us know that if you’re ever in an emergency situation, you can call 911 for immediate help. Well for one man, having no one there to help him celebrate his birthday was an emergency. So he called the help line just to hear some well wishes. What he didn't expect was for two police officers to show up.
Parents of children with autism are, unfortunately, used to facing stigmas in their daily lives. So often, strangers can judge them or act harshly toward their children because they don’t understand what it’s actually like to walk in their shoes.Sometimes, though, strangers can turn all of that around with a simple act of kindness. That’s exactly what one man practiced on his birthday, and now his actions are inspiring others around the globe.A Birthday CelebrationA man was out to dinner with some friends one day to celebrate his 29th birthday. After the meal, the servers came over with a cake and did a short “Happy Birthday” performance. Typically in these situations, other restaurant-goers will take note and smile. Sometimes, they’ll even sing along.On this particular day though, a young girl with autism saw the celebration and wanted to be involved.In a video shared by Good News Correspondent on X, the girl comes over to the table and tries to blow out the candles. Immediately, her father follows and tries to stop her, but the birthday boy surprises everyone by insisting the little girl be the one to blow them out.The smile on the little girl’s face (not to mention the one on her dad’s face) is so sweet that thousands of people shared the video and reacted to it on social media.An Inspiring MessageIn the comments, you can see how inspired people were by this man’s kindness. Parents were particularly touched and thankful to see such a positive interaction.“As a mom, I have to say thank God for people like this young man,” one person wrote. “Others have to deal with strangers telling us that autism is not an excuse and verbally attacking us.”Someone else gave a shout-out to the girl’s dad. “Sweet. And respect for Papa trying to do his best,” she wrote. “Our special needs kiddos are not always received positively or given much grace from strangers when they have impulsive, compulsive, sensory seeking moments.”"If you can be anything, be nice."“If you can be anything, be nice,” someone else added. Another person shared that sentiment: “Kind people deserve the best.”Choosing KindnessThe reason this story touched so many people is that it inspires us all to be a little kinder in our own lives, too. Sometimes, we can get in a bad mood or feel like things aren’t going our way, and it makes us want to retreat and keep to ourselves.But, as this man proves, choosing to lead with kindness whenever we can has the potential to light up so many lives around us — including our own. That’s why it’s important to put ourselves in other people’s shoes and why we should always try and remember that we never really know what others are going through deep down.Whether it’s bringing someone an extra coffee, baking treats for a neighbor, or even just checking in on someone who has been having a tough time lately, these gestures matter. Besides, the more we practice leading with kindness, the more we can integrate it into our daily lives.From there, who knows who we may inspire.More from Goalcast:Distraught Mom Orders Meal To-Go After Her Son With Autism Has a Meltdown in Cracker Barrel – Attached to the Bag Is a NoteBullied Non-Verbal Autistic Woman Named Valedictorian – Her Unbelievable Speech Will Inspire YouWorried Mom Sends 7-Year-Old Autistic Son on Plane Alone – His Seat Neighbor Does Something Shocking
In a world that often feels hurried and disconnected, a small act of kindness can resonate like a gentle breeze through the soul. This was precisely the case for Carolyn Mick, who, on the occasion of her fiftieth birthday, experienced a moment of profound connection and warmth.Picture this: a local grocery store, a birthday cake ordered, and a simple act that would leave Carolyn and her husband in tears. As she went to pick up her birthday cake, expecting to pay for the sweet treat marking her five decades, she was met with an unexpected surprise. A stranger had already covered the cost. Perplexed, she assumed it was a mix-up, but the clerk assured her that her birthday delight was genuinely a gift.The Note One Stranger Gave to a Woman on Her BirthdayPhoto by Nataliya VaitkevichThe mystery deepened as the clerk handed Carolyn a note from the anonymous benefactor. The words inked on the paper carried a weight that touched hearts. "Today is my son's 35th birthday. It is his fifth in heaven. I wanted to honor and remember him by paying it forward," the note expressed. A powerful sentiment that resonated deeply.The note continued, "May you make tons of precious memories to remember for a lifetime. God bless you and yours – Tyler's Mom." In those few lines, a stranger managed to bridge the gap between two lives, connecting Carolyn to a mother's enduring love for her son, even beyond this earthly realm.Tears welled up in Carolyn's eyes, moved by the unexpected grace of a stranger's kindness. Overwhelmed by the simple yet profound gesture, she turned to Facebook, wanting to express her gratitude in a public space. In her post, she addressed the mysterious Toni, the anonymous giver, sharing the emotional impact of this act of generosity."Dear Toni...you know who you are, and I want to express how moved I am. This means so much that my husband and I cried together. With the turmoil of things going on, it reminds us of what really matters LIFE!" Carolyn poured out her appreciation, echoing the universal truth that, amidst life's challenges, it's the human connections that sustain and uplift us.How a Stranger Proved the Importance of ConnectionCarolyn, who had recently lost her mother, found herself grappling with grief. In Toni's unexpected kindness, she discovered a spark of inspiration on how to honor her late mother. This act of paying forward the joy of a birthday cake became a beacon of hope and connection amid loss.As Carolyn shared her gratitude on Facebook, the community responded with an outpouring of support. Members of the group, discovering the touching story, joined in expressing admiration for Toni's gesture. Some even revealed personal connections to Toni's son, adding layers of shared sorrow and understanding.Toni, who had lost her son at the age of 29, chose to commemorate his memory each year with an act of kindness on his birthday. Little did she anticipate the ripple effect her simple act would create. It became a testament to the enduring power of love and generosity, reminding everyone that even the smallest gestures can create waves of impact.In a world often marred by discord, this story emerged as a poignant reminder of the beauty of human connection and the profound effect of kindness. One woman's birthday became a shared celebration of life, love, and the enduring spirit of those who live on in our memories.More from Goalcast:Mom Buys Birthday Cake but Finds It’s Already Paid For – Buyer Leaves an Unexpected Note That Brings Her to TearsHomeless Boy Who Had Nothing Is Finally Adopted by Couple – Breaks Down When He Gets a Birthday Cake for This ReasonKind Stranger Pays for a Young Mother’s Pancakes – She Doesn’t Realize The Impact of Her Deed
*Featured image contains photo by Ron LachBirthdays are supposed to be filled with laughter, joy, and the company of friends. However, when young Skylah's birthday party took an unexpected turn, Domino's employee Miles became the hero of the day in Coolum, Queensland, Australia.It all began when Skylah's mother, Lauren O'Rourke, had to make a disheartening call to Domino's. A sizable order for her daughter's birthday feast needed canceling because none of Skylah's friends showed up to the celebration. Feeling the weight of this situation, Miles, the store's shift manager, decided he couldn't let Skylah's special day end on a sour note.What One Domino’s Manager Did for a Young GirlDomino's Australia shared the heartwarming story on Facebook, stating, "Last week, Domino's Coolum received a call from a local Mum hoping to cancel the large order she had placed as a number of her daughter's peers hadn't turned up to her birthday party." This is where Miles stepped in, crafting a temporary cake to lift Skylah's spirits.When Lauren arrived at the store to collect the single pizza she hadn't canceled, Miles surprised her with a custom chocolate dessert pizza adorned with churros and brownies. The joyous moment was captured in a photo where Miles beamed next to the pizza box with a sweet "Happy B'Day" message in chocolate.Lauren expressed her gratitude on Facebook, saying, "Skylah's birthday💖 this was the most wonderfully kind and generous and so loving gesture from Miles and the team at our local Domino’s. 🌻☺️❤️ Son - daughter 🙂"Miles' thoughtful gesture didn't just stop with the surprise pizza. It has become a beacon of love and community support. Lauren, appreciative of the overwhelming response, commented, "The love from our community has been the most memorable for our family. So much love. We are so appreciative and grateful to live this beautiful life. Sending love and happiness to everyone."How a Man’s Thoughtful Gesture Was Memorable for One Family"When I first heard that one of our customers wanted to cancel a large pizza order after only one friend turned up to her daughter’s birthday party, I knew I wanted to do something to cheer her up," Miles told FOX Television Stations. Miles' act of kindness has become a social media sensation, with users praising him for going above and beyond. Comments poured in, commending Miles for making a significant impact on Skylah's birthday. Some users shared personal stories, emphasizing the challenges kids sometimes face in making friends.Over 2000 people in the comments rallied for Domino's to organize a new party for Skylah, emphasizing that "no kid (or their parents) should ever endure that type of sadness." The community also called for Miles to receive a promotion and a pay raise, acknowledging his compassion and going the extra "mile" to brighten Skylah's day.In a world sometimes clouded with challenges, Miles' act serves as a reminder of the power of kindness, turning an unfortunate situation into a heartwarming celebration that Skylah and her family will cherish forever. Sometimes, a small act of compassion can make a big difference, creating ripples of joy in unexpected places.More from Goalcast:Deaf Domino’s Employee Delivers Pizzas on Foot After His Car Breaks Down – In Return, He Gets a “Tip” of $12,000Domino’s Employee Delivers a $12 Order – But the Unusual Tip He Received in Return Takes Him by SurpriseDomino’s Driver Regularly Delivers Pizza to Man Living in a Trailer – What She Sees Inside Worries Her
We never know what others are going through, which is why it’s always important to lead with compassion and kindness. Sometimes our actions can make or break a stranger’s day, so putting our own best foot forward and keeping that in mind can go a long way.A TikTok user named Neenib Youkana is aware of the power of such kindness. But even he was blown away when one of his latest attempts at spreading love lined up in the most beautiful way possible.Spending Her Birthday AloneTikTok/@neenibIn a video posted to Youkana’s account, he walked around a department store asking random people whether they had celebrated their birthday this year. Most quickly answered yes, but then he came across a woman named Debra.Debra was roaming the aisles of the store looking aimless. When the influencer approached and asked whether she had celebrated her birthday, she looked off to the side. “I was kind of like by myself,” she admitted. When Youkana asked her why, her response took him off guard.“Because my son died last year and my mom died, and I’m here kind of by myself,” she said. At that point, Youkana put his plan into action.A Belated Birthday SurpriseAs Debra revealed that her birthday had passed just a couple of days ago, Youkana handed her a red birthday hat to wear. Then he and a friend blew noisemakers and sang “Happy Birthday” while holding a small cake covered in rainbow sprinkles.Debra smiled and sang along and then Youkana handed her a gift-wrapped box with some cash inside. “If my son could fit in here I would love that,” she said, revealing he had died in a car crash and was unrecognizable upon his death. “I couldn’t see him.”She explained how she doesn’t have any more children, and then she shared a bit about her late son. How he was a singer and dancer, and how now he’s probably “up there entertaining people.”At the end of the video, Debra hugged Youkana and thanked him for uplifting her day with his kindness.“There’s no stronger love than a mother for her son,” he captioned the post.Spreading Your Own KindnessWhile some questioned Youkana’s motives (he did gift Debra a present for his social media account after all), the important thing is that he still made a difference in someone else’s day. He didn’t know what kind of person he was going to give a gift to that day, only that he wanted to uplift someone who didn’t get a chance to celebrate their birthday.It’s such a good reminder that we never know what anyone else is going through and that everybody has their own struggles. It makes us appreciate the things and people we do have in our lives and the time we had in the past with people we’ve lost.It’s also great motivation to be kind in our own ways in everyday life. That could mean something simple like smiling more, making eye contact, and genuinely asking about someone’s day. Or it could be a more thought-out kindness like giving change to a homeless person, volunteering your time in a community, or running errands for a sick or elderly neighbor.After all, small acts of kindness don’t just empower and uplift us, they also help our corner of the world shine a little bit brighter.More from Goalcast:Stranger Records Homeless Man Playing Piano on the Street – No One Could Have Predicted What Happened NextStranger Gives Homeless Man $100 Outback Gift Card – What Happens Next Completely Changes His LifeRecently Widowed Woman Struggles to Provide for Her Young Son – Then, a Stranger Gifts Her a Brand New Car
Eight-year-old Oliver Johnson loves trucks. Like, really, REALLY loves them. While some kids his age like playing with trucks, Oliver spends all of his time obsessing over trucks. "Ollie knows every single name of every single truck and every single truck company. He gets the trucking magazine every month," his mother, Katherine, said.It's the one thing that is sure to put a smile on his sweet face. And smiling is something this lonely little boy doesn't do very often. Oliver struggles to make friends and with his birthday coming up and no friends to invite to a party, Katherine knew she needed to do something special.So, she turned to Facebook for help. And Facebook? Delivered.A Mom’s Desperate Plea for Her Lonely SonKatherine posted an ad on her local Hamilton, New Zealand buy and sell Facebook group offering $50 to anyone willing to take Oliver for a ride in their truck for his 8th birthday. She hoped that one truck driver would take her up on her offer.Turns out, one did...and he rallied the troops to turn his 1 into 65.Within an hour of posting, Barry Hart, the owner of Hart Haulage Ltd. in Auckland, New Zealand, answered the ad. And then he placed his own ad on his business Facebook page, looking for fellow truckers to form a birthday convoy."I (sic) hoping to help organise a convoy for a young fella who turns 8 on Sunday 9th July. chatting with his family he loves trucks but feels like he’s alone in the world. So we wanted to join with an already strong number of our friends in the industry to see if we can make Ollie’s birthday, one to remember," Hart wrote. The response from the trucking community was overwhelming. So overwhelming, in fact, that Hart had to cap the number of drivers for the event.65 Truckers Rally to Make 8-Year-Old’s Birthday One He’ll Never ForgetOn the day of the convoy, 65 trucks lined up to surprise Oliver. Some of the drivers traveled more than 75 miles at a personal expense of $500-$600 to be there. Not one asked for a penny in return.“I just saw that there was a kid who didn’t feel like he had friends and didn’t feel like he had a community around him,” said Hart. “I wanted to make sure that, and I would like to hope that every kid knows, that there is a community and people out there that will back them and stand beside them.”“When it comes to kids, this community, these truckers will always come out." Barry HartOllie’s dad Simon Johnson said the family was “literally blown away” by the number of trucks that turned up.But it wasn't just "truckies" who came out for the little boy. A local business, C&R Developments, hosted the birthday bash and Service Foods set up a free food truck and fed the nearly 200 drivers, friends, and families who attended the event. Additionally, a woman named Lisa donated a truck-inspired birthday cake. To top it off, well-wishers from around the world sent birthday greetings and gifts. As for Ollie? He was on "cloud nine" and couldn't stop smiling. The Power of CommunityThe impact of this heartwarming event extends far beyond a single birthday celebration. Ollie found not only a group of friends but also a sense of belonging within the trucking community.A community that he dreams of being an active member of one day.For the truckers, who are no strangers to feelings of isolation and loneliness, it was a generous act of kindness. But for Ollie, a lonely little boy, it meant the world. “To be perfectly honest, today has meant more than we could have ever imagined," his dad said.“How one little post on Facebook can go to what has been achieved today is absolutely phenomenal, and ‘thank you’ just doesn’t cover what’s happened today.”No child should ever have to experience living life without friends and it's heartbreaking to think that this is Ollie's reality. But thanks to an amazing community of truckers who were willing to step up and claim him as their own, hopefully, he'll never truly feel alone again.More from Goalcast:Desperate Mom Puts Out Ad to Hire Friends For Lonely Son With Down Syndrome — The Response is ShockingWoman Finds a Heartbreaking Note at Her Home From Her Lonely 90-Year-Old Neighbor – Jumps Into Action After Reading ItLonely Old Man Spies on Construction Site Every Single Day — So One of the Construction Workers Cuts Him a Deal He Can’t Refuse
Birthday parties are a HUGE deal for kids. They love everything about them: the balloons, the games, the cake, the gifts, but most of all, getting together with their friends.They start counting down the days to their party literally MONTHS in advance. And 5-year-old Willa is no exception.She couldn't wait to celebrate her birthday, surrounded by her classmates and friends. Only there was only one problem, no one showed up. Not one single solitary person.And that sound you hear? Is our collective mama hearts breaking. Heartbroken Mom Turns to Her Community Facebook Group for Help Willa's mom, Lex Fitzgerald, wanted to give her daughter a 5th birthday party to remember. She invited her entire class along with other friends, but only about 30 percent RSVP'd "yes." Still, it was enough to make the party a go.The big day finally arrived and she and her daughter showed up at Hat Creek Burger Company in Keller, Texas, with party supplies in hand.They were all that showed up, however. The stools remained stubbornly empty.After 20 minutes of waiting, Lex realized the horrifying truth — no one was coming. She was devastated. “I’m thinking to myself, no, this cannot be what’s happening," Lex told WFAA News. "As a mom, the last thing I want is for my daughter, for the first time ever at 5 years old, to experience that type of social rejection – honestly, that’s what it is.”Not knowing what else to do she turned to social media for help.The Texas mom of four posted a desperate plea on her community's group Facebook page, alongside a photo of Willa, alone, surrounded by decorations."If anyone has young kids and looking for something to do right now, no one showed up to my daughter's birthday party. It's her first (and likely last) party. We'd love to celebrate with you."She hoped against hope that at least one or two families would show up. Turns out, what they say about Texas is true; everything is bigger in Texas. Including the proverbial village.How a Community Showed Up When No One Else DidWithin minutes, the Keller troops rallied. Grandparents, teenagers, and families started pouring into the restaurant, all with one singular purpose, to make certain that one little girl, a stranger, didn't have to celebrate her birthday alone.In an incredible display of community support, person after person came walking through the door, many of them bearing gifts. "We went from not a single person at her birthday table to not a single table open at @hatcreekburgers," Lex wrote on Instagram, sharing a heartwarming video clip of the packed restaurant.The response, Lex said, was "life changing." It also confirmed that moving to Texas two years ago was the right choice. “We moved to Texas in general, and then specifically Keller because we saw that community feel. They were down to earth, kind, cared about supporting others. And that’s exactly what they did for our family," she said.The Power of Community and Showing Up Oftentimes, it can feel like we're alone in this world. That somewhere, along the way, we've lost our sense of community. That kindness is dead.But when a little girl needed it, her community stepped up in the best possible way. Virtual strangers showed up, when no one else did, to ensure that she would feel celebrated and loved. And THAT is the power of showing up. "Showing up for somebody, even if it is a little inconvenient to you, it just means so much to other people and it really meant a lot to us today."Lex FitzgeraldLex originally set out to make her daughter's 5th birthday a day she would never forget. And thanks to the overwhelming love of a community, what could have been a devastating memory turned into a beautiful one. More from Goalcast:Homeless Man Tells Stranger It’s His Daughter’s Birthday – Instead of Walking Away, He Helps Plan a Surprise Party9-Year-Old is Heartbroken When No One Comes to His Birthday Party — Strangers Show Up in the Best WayMom Buys Birthday Cake but Finds It’s Already Paid For – Buyer Leaves an Unexpected Note That Brings Her to Tears
One woman has found the secret to a long and happy life, and it's a refreshingly unique perspective.Many of us wonder how long we'll live, and what our golden years will be like. Joyce Jackman just set new life goals, and you'll want to hear them. The Essex woman just turned 102 years old, and the secret to her longevity may surprise you.Joyce credits “good sex, and good sherry”, as well as a daily dose of chocolate, for helping her reach the age of 102, according to Daily Mail. This life motto may not be what you expected, and it’s a bit unconventional – but maybe that’s why it has worked so well for Joyce.The 102-Year-Old's refreshing outlook on lifeJoyce’s personality is different than what most would expect from someone her age. She’s not frail or forgetful – quite the contrary- she’s sharp as a whip, full of comedic antics, and always ready to have a great time.She proved that age is nothing more than a number by living a long and happy life. Joyce Jackman isn't just surviving - she's thriving, and at the age of 102, she's still enjoying every moment of her life. Her sense of humor is as contagious as it is magnetic, and she has single-handedly put a whole new spin on the aging process.Joyce's secret to living a long life is packed with perks that many people can easily get on board with. Her personality is bigger than the room, and her energy seeps through every word she utters. She had a few words of wisdom to share with her family and friends at the Care UK's Silversprings, Thorrington, as she reflected on the long and wonderful life she has lived."I can't believe I'm 102 — it must be all the chocolate I eat that's helped!" she said.Joyce's Refreshing (And Spicy) AttitudeThe energetic senior worked in a sweet shop in her younger years and went on to join the RAF as a chef during World War Two. She married her childhood sweetheart, Terence Jackman, in 1945, and the couple remained together until he passed away. They did not have any children.Joyce’s positive attitude and thirst for living life to the fullest have proven to be infectious. Her zest for life has kept her young and has kept those around her feeling equally youthful, and inspired.She has made quite an impact in the community and is a beloved member of the home.Joanne Rix, Home Manager at Silversprings shared her feelings about the very special resident in her care.“Joyce is a much-loved resident at the home - she's always making us laugh with her fantastic sense of humor and outlook on life,” she said.“It was wonderful to be part of her special day.”She was surrounded by loved ones and friends on her special day, and a cake was brought out as part of the well-deserved celebration.The young-at-heart 102-year-old enjoyed the festivities so much she “didn’t want the day to end.”“I had such a lovely day,” she said. Also read: SHUT UP! Jamie Lee Curtis Wins First Oscar at 64, Proves ‘Aging Gracefully,’ – Absolutely MagnificentShe's Not Just Surviving, She's ThrivingJoyce enjoys keeping her mind busy with regular crossword puzzles and stays on top of the daily newspaper when she’s not soaking up the birthday love. Yet another example of her desire to stay on top of her game.“We were honoured to raise a glass of sherry to Joyce's incredible life so far and are privileged to have her as part of our Silversprings family,” Joanne said.Good sex, good sherry, and chocolate were the perfect blend for Joyce for 102 years – we can’t wait to see what next year’s celebration looks like.MORE FROM GOALCAST:Long Lost Cousins Meet Each Other by Chance in the Middle of the Ocean — Now They’re Bonded for LifeRelationship Goals: Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness’s Lifelong RomanceHow One Man Turned His Mental Health Struggles Into a Lifelong Mission to Empower Others
