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Uplifting News

Legendary Teacher Devoted 67 Years To Her Students - She Just Left Her School $1 Million

Lillian Orlich spent her life teaching. Literally. For 67 YEARS, "Ms. O" worked as both an educator and counselor at Prince William County's Schools in Virginia. Education wasn't just her job, it was her LIFE. And nothing could stop her from showing up for her kids. Not even death.Recently, Ms. O passed away at the age of 95. But despite having retired six years earlier (at the ripe young age of 89!), she never forgot her "family." She left her entire life savings — one million dollars — to the beloved Virginia public school district she called home.

Man Leaves Restaurant Without Tipping Server - Days Later, They Receive a Surprising Letter
Uplifting News

Man Leaves Restaurant Without Tipping Server - Days Later, They Receive a Surprising Letter

*Featured image contains photo by Michael BurrowsMany servers in the food industry rely on tips to make a liveable wage. And even with a decent haul at the end of the shift, it can still be difficult to make ends meet, particularly in our current economic climate.So, when one customer realized that he inadvertently missed tipping his waitress, rather than just letting it go, he decided to make sure she got her just desserts. And in doing so, Ted just became our new internet hero.How One Customer Decided to Make It RightAccording to a now-viral Facebook post by Side Street Pour House & Grill in Lenoir, North Carolina, a man named Ted accidentally took the wrong copy of his credit card receipt after stopping in for lunch with his wife.Instead of taking the customer copy, Ted took the merchant copy on which he had written down the tip and signed off on it. Unfortunately, this meant the restaurant didn't know about the tip, and their server, Hope, was left empty-handed.Ted realized his mistake a few days later when he was going over his bank statements. He immediately decided to rectify the error.Being that Ted doesn't actually live in Lenoir (he and his wife had just been visiting), he decided to kick it back old school (and this makes us love him even more!) — he sent the restaurant an apology letter with a $20 bill inside for Hope, reimbursement for the tip she never received. The restaurant was so impressed by Ted's gesture that it shared the heartwarming letter on social media. Turns out, the good folks at Side Street Pour House and Grill weren't the only ones moved by Ted's actions. So were a couple hundred thousand other people.The post has taken off, garnering over 143,000 likes, hundreds of comments, and nearly 7,000 shares.The Heartfelt Apology LetterIn the letter, Ted explained that he "inadvertently retained the signed merchant's copy" of his Visa when he left the restaurant. "As a result, while the food was fully paid, the tip which I had intended to leave for our server, Hope C, was not relayed back to VISA," he wrote."I can only trust that Hope will forgive my blunder," he continued. "Please find enclosed her tip in cash. That was no way for either of us to end 2023. Here's to a fresh start."He signed it "with humble apologies to you and to Hope, I remain, sincerely yours, Ted."The restaurant responded to Ted's letter in their Facebook caption, writing,"Our servers work hard to give our customers excellent dining experiences and earn their tips, but sometimes either accidentally (like this example) or intentionally (which is really not cool) they find themselves left without.""That's why we are loving this letter so much — it's a beautiful example of how to do the right thing!!"The pub also added a reminder to "Please tip your servers." How One Viral Letter Is Warming the Hearts of EveryoneReaction to the social media post has been swift. People are praising Ted — "Ted is a good man" — and thanking him for his goodwill gesture."Perfect example of an absolute class act. I wish the world was full of this. We’d all be so much better off. Thank you, Ted," wrote one commenter.Another wrote, "Ted is winning at life. ""I hope all of Ted’s 2024 dreams come true," wrote a third.Commenter after commenter had something positive to say about Ted (which, if anyone has spent even a second or two in the comment section on any social media post is nothing short of a miracle).And the reason is simple: Ted not only owned up to his mistake and rectified it, but he did so with grace and a genuine side order of humility.It could have been so easy for Ted to just let it go and chalk it up to a teachable moment. A reminder to take the right receipt in the future. In fact, it's probably what most of us would have done if we found ourselves in a similar situation. Instead, Ted took responsibility for his actions and made amends. And in doing so, proved a valuable lesson to all of us; it's never too late to make it right. More from Goalcast:Couple Celebrating Their Anniversary Is Annoyed by Horrible Service – Teaches Waiter a Valuable Lesson in KarmaStranger Refuses to Sit Beside Family Who Had Children With Disabilities – Later, a Waiter Brings Them a Note From HimStruggling Waiter Doesn’t Know How He Will Pay for College – Then a Famous Customer’s Tip Leaves Him Speechless

Single Moms Driveway Is Stolen in Broad Daylight - Then a Stranger Makes an Offer She Cant Refuse
Everyday Heroes

Single Moms Driveway Is Stolen in Broad Daylight - Then a Stranger Makes an Offer She Cant Refuse

When Amanda Brochu received a ring doorbell notification on her phone, the last thing she expected to see was her driveway being "stolen" in broad daylight.The victim of a bizarre property scam, the single mom not only found herself suddenly driveway-less BUT ALSO on the hook for thousands of dollars to replace it. That is until a stranger stepped in and paved the way to renewing her faith (and ours!) in humanity. The Strange Case of the Stolen DrivewayAccording to Amanda, it all started about a week after she put her house up for sale in Orange County, Florida. Unsolicited contractors began calling her and showing up at her house, asking to measure her driveway so they could quote her the cost of replacing it.Confused, she told them she wasn't interested. But they just kept coming. By the fifth contractor, Amanda was really starting to question what was going on. When she confronted one of them she discovered that a man named "Andre" was posing as her landlord (which was impossible as Amanda owns the home) and had requested an estimate for a new driveway via text.When the now-suspicious contractor, Luiz, asked Andre for proof of ownership and payment up front, he was ghosted.However, Andre wasn't the only one who disappeared. A week later, Amanda's entire driveway did too. "While I was preparing to head out of town for my birthday and Christmas with my kids, I received a ring doorbell notification that someone was outside of my house, ripping up my driveway before my eyes," Amanda wrote on her GoFundMe page. "By the time, the cops got there the company that was tearing up my driveway had already completed the job and left my driveway with only dirt."And Amanda was left with a hefty estimate to replace it to the tune of $10,000. Already under contract on another house, it was money she didn't have. How One Stranger Restored a Single Mom’s Faith in HumanityWith the help of her real estate agent, Rocki Sanchez, Amanda created a GoFundMe campaign to try to raise money to pay for a new driveway. "The cost to replace the driveway is astronomical and I’m seeking some sort of help so I don’t lose the opportunity to purchase my forever home that my kids have already fell in love with. Thank you to anyone that can help and anything helps!" Amanda wrote.The bizarre case of the missing driveway quickly went viral, making headlines nationwide. Because...weird.And while 375 people donated more than $13,500, it was one man, retired U.S. military veteran, Mikol Rowland, who truly saved the day.Now the owner of his own concrete company, MM Concrete Specialty, Mikol was shocked when he found out what happened. He offered to replace Amanda's driveway for free. "Somebody was in need of something that we could offer," Mikol said. "We could bring some good into the world with it, so there was no question about it."In the end he estimated that the work cost his company approximately $4,000. But for Amanda? It was worth so much more.As for that stolen driveway? It turns out its not so bizarre after all. Rocki Sanchez posted about the missing driveway in a Facebook group for realtors and found out that Amanda isn't the only victim of the property scam.“I had multiple people come forward saying that they’ve seen things like this happen — whether it be driveways, roofs, painting, even outside the exterior. So it happens more often than we actually see it,” Rocki told WFTV.Single Mom Pays It ForwardAmanda was so grateful for Mikol's help that she decided to pay it forward. She disabled the GoFundMe campaign and donated the proceeds to The Russell Home — an Orlando-area nonprofit that provides housing and care for infants, children, and adults with severe disabilities.Mikol couldn't be more thrilled. "I would do it all over again. Ten times, if I could help the kids," he said. "It's just a win-win-win for everybody, and it feels good to hear a good story out in the news."What started out as a horrible act against someone turned into a heartwarming act of service and became the foundation for even more goodness. Just by helping one person with the skills and means that he could offer, Mikol ended up having a much greater impact than he could have imagined and made a difference not only in Amanda's life but the lives of so many others in his community as well. More from Goalcast: Man Finds Out a Thief Has Broken Into and Stolen From His Restaurant – His Unexpected Reaction Goes Viral Woman Finds Out Her Car Is Repeatedly Being Stolen – So She Leaves the Thieves This ‘Snarky’ Note in the Glovebox Bullied Boy Loses Hope After a Priceless Gift From His Grandmother Is Stolen – But His Best Friends Feel Otherwise

Bride Leaves Empty Seat for Late Son - Breaks Down When This Person Takes His Place Instead
Uplifting News

Bride Leaves Empty Seat for Late Son - Breaks Down When This Person Takes His Place Instead

When you lose someone, the sadness surrounding their death never really goes away. Grief comes in waves, and those waves ebb and flow. Some days will always be better than others. Weddings are a unique situation though, because on a day meant for joy and new beginnings, you can’t help but remember those who should be there celebrating with you.That’s why this touching story of a mom who lost her son before her wedding day has people around the world tearing up.A Sad GoodbyeAn Alaskan woman named Becky Turney went through the unthinkable a few years ago when she lost her 19-year-old son, Triston. The mother was devastated, but she took solace in knowing her son was a donor. Triston’s heart, lungs, and other organs went toward others in need, and he ended up saving four lives.As time moved on, Becky continued to mourn her son. But she also tried to live her life, and a couple of years later she was getting ready to marry the man of her dreams, Kelly Turney. He had been with Becky for the past seven years and knew everything she had been through.So as the days to the wedding ticked down, the pair planned on having an empty seat in Triston’s honor. The couple also had a sign printed in his memory.“I'm in heaven for your wedding so what shall I do? I'll come down to earth to spend it with you. So save me a seat, just one empty chair. You may not see me, but I will be there,” the sign read.The Ultimate SurpriseThe couple rehearsed the wedding with the empty seat, and they didn’t really speak of it again. However, Kelly was secretly planning a big surprise for his bride.When the big day arrived, Kelly walked down the aisle and stopped at the seat she had put aside. There, a 21-year-old man named Jacob Kilby sat instead. Kilby had been born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and received his first heart transplant when he was two. A few years ago, that heat deteriorated, and he had a heart attack. Triston’s heart saved his life.Kelly had worked for months to fly Jacob out for the wedding and hid him until the last possible moment. Then, he introduced the man as his sixth groomsman.“I lost my mind. I squealed like a little girl,” Becky, who had only ever spoken on the phone with Jacob previously, told Today. “It was incredible.”Not a Dry EyePeople teared up as Becky wept and connected with Jacob. In a series of photographs from the wedding photographer, Amber Lanphier of Love Adventured, Becky and Jacob are hugging and smiling. One photo even shows Becky listening to Jacob’s heart with a stethoscope.“There really are no words, and that’s the coolest part because the pictures, they say it all,” Becky added. “I’ve never ever been surprised like that, like ever. I’m the girl who secretly unwraps all the Christmas presents under the tree and puts them back. So for him to pull this off was just incredible.”For Jacob, it was a meaningful way to say thank you to the mother and to honor the memory of the man who allowed him another chance at life by donating his heart.“I wouldn’t be here without it,” he added. “Here in Alaska, we’ve definitely created a bond that’s unforgettable and very rare. By us sharing the story, it will hopefully encourage other people to do the same.”Finding a PurposeThis story is a powerful one because it reminds us of the power of purpose. The death of Becky’s son was tragic, yet it allowed four other people to live.Often in life, and especially when we lose someone who was close to us, we struggle with purpose. That’s why it can be helpful to find a way to make meaning out of our loss. Connecting with donor recipients is one example. So is creating a memorial fund in a loved one’s name or raising funds on their behalf. Many times we see families asking for donations to a charity instead of giving flowers at a service.Sometimes, purpose following a loss can also be found within. Set new goals for yourself, pursue a new passion, or forge new relationships. By staying focused on the future and trying to do something positive for yourself, you have the power to continue on the path to healing.More from Goalcast:Fallen Police Officer Leaves Eight Children Behind – 13 of His Colleagues Then Show Up at His 8-Year-Old Daughter’s HomeA Heartbreaking Sacrifice: How One Girl’s Tragic Death Saved the Lives of StrangersHer Son’s Dying Wish Was to Have a Child — So This Famous Spanish Actress Made His Dream Come True Herself

Lonely Grandmother Expects Grandkids to Show Up but They Dont - Then, the Doorbell Rings
Uplifting News

Lonely Grandmother Expects Grandkids to Show Up but They Dont - Then, the Doorbell Rings

Many parents have heard the saying, “The days are long but the years are short.” That adage also rings true for many grandparents these days, especially the ones who helped care for their grandchildren before they grew up.That’s why TikTok’s latest trend is resonating with so many people. Because sometimes it’s just nice to relive the good old days and have a busy household again.A Heartwarming SurpriseRecently, many adult children have started showing up at their grandparents’ homes unannounced and ready for a sleepover. They come in with surprises and smiles, then inform their loved ones that they’re staying for the night.Many grab their siblings or cousins and show up as a group, setting the stage for an impromptu get-together. It's reminding senior citizens of what life was like when they were younger, and they’d take their grandkids for the night.Jesse Armstrong is one such TikToker who jumped on the trend. She called up her cousins, and they came from across the states to surprise their grandparents in Michigan just before Christmas.“I texted all of my cousins in a huge group chat, and I said, 'We have to do this. It would surprise them, and they would love it,'” Armstrong told Good Morning America. Sure enough, when eight of their grandchildren showed up, they did.“All night long, if the room got silent for a minute, [my grandfather] would tear up and he would just say, 'I just can't believe you guys did this. This is so exciting. This is the best present I could have ever asked for, and I want you all to know I love each and every one of you so much,'" Armstrong said.“It was just so emotional because of all the health things he's been going through.”A Grandparent’s ReactionSixty-seven-year-old Pam Fair had been warned by her daughter, Brandi, that her three grandkids might come to surprise her in Mississippi shortly before Christmas. But when they didn’t show up, she washed her face and put on her pajamas. Then the doorbell rang.At the front door were her three grandkids, aged 21, 23, and 23, along with two of their partners.“Surprised their Nana with a sleepover,” Brandi captioned a TikTok reel, which has received more than 5 million views. “They haven't done this since they were little.”Years ago, Brandi worked nights as a nurse, and the kids would stay with Pam. Recently, Pam has been lonely, though, and the surprise was very welcome. The family stayed up looking at old photos and playing games.“She was so excited,” Brandi told Today of her mom’s reaction.An Action Goes ViralSocial media can be full of weird trends, but many people agree that this isn’t one of them. Instead, many are praising the grandkids for organizing these sleepovers. Others are sharing memories of their own grandparents, some of whom have since passed on.“This is the best trend in internet history,” wrote one person.“I would give anything to have an adult sleepover at my nan’s. I miss that woman beyond belief. I hope I’ll have this one day with my own grandchildren,” another person added.“The thought of my grandkids showing up at the door would make my year!” added someone else.Planning the Perfect SurpriseThis trend is so beautiful because, at its core, it reminds us to always make time for the people we love. In that vein, there’s no better time than the present to share your presence. Pick up the phone and chat with your parents, siblings, or besties. Plan that lunch date. Or go ahead and surprise your grandparents — with or without making a video.If you do hop on the trend, remember to bring food, snacks, and any other necessities to keep the stress off your grandparents. Clean up before you leave, too!At the end of the day, no one really knows how much time we have, which is why it’s so important to make the most of the time we do have. Spending our moments with loved ones and creating these kinds of memories is invaluable, and not all the money in the world could ever buy them.More from Goalcast:Second Grader Makes a Promise to Himself – 16 Years Later, His Grandparents Didn’t Expect Him to Do ThisFourth Grader Nearly Loses Her Grandpa to Heart Disease — So She Starts Obsessively Jumping Rope to Save Lives‘Hi Megan, It’s Grandpa’ – Woman Answers Sad Text from Her Lonely Grandfather in the Best Way

Steve Harvey Realizes His Son Has Given Him a Gift He Didnt Pay For - But That Wasnt All, There Was More to Come
Uplifting News

Steve Harvey Realizes His Son Has Given Him a Gift He Didnt Pay For - But That Wasnt All, There Was More to Come

When he’s not cracking jokes, Steve Harvey is often surprising guests on his talk show.Oh, but on one rare occasion he was the victim. In this case, it hit close to home and it’s one he won’t soon forget. Steve Harvey’s Son Gives Him a Gift On-AirPhoto by Karolina GrabowskaFor Father’s Day, Harvey’s youngest son Wynton dropped by the show bearing a gift. It started pleasant enough as the boy handed his dad the box. A giddy Harvey slapped his son’s hand with a smile as he pulled out a pair of blue suede shoes that would make Elvis envious. Yet in a strange twist, that's when Harveys called out his son's true motivation for getting the gift. “Let me tell you something about my son. Please know that this is the shoe he wants.” Wynton gives a guilty grin to a laughing audience, as his father points to him wearing the same style of shoe but in black. Things got more awkward when Harvey asked Wynton about who paid for them. “Where did you get the money? Oh, the show must have bought these!” he said. “No, see you guys have an account at the store, so I just went in, put them on there,” a shameless Wynton said to his shocked dad.That’s when Harvey lost his cool. “What kind of damn gift is that!” said Harvey, hitting his son with the shoe.However in classic Harvey style, this story was about to take a last-second switch.Wynton Harvey’s Emotional Gift to His FatherWynton had one last gift for his father, and this one wasn't from the show but from the heart. “The next one is a little more special,” he started “I’m taking this one to FIU with me to keep in my dorm room and to remind me of how much of an influence you are to me.” He added, "You basically turned me into a good enough student so that I could get into college because I was having some trouble." "On it, it has a quote that's always going to remind me of how you were always there for me and how you were able to keep me going all of these years," he said handing his father the gift. It was a picture of his dad with a little Wynton, arm around him. Below the picture is the quote that reads, "Me and you 'til the wheels fall off."Like father, like son.A visibly emotional Harvey fought back tears as he looked at the precious picture. And on a rare occasion, he was speechless. The two men shook hands and hugged. How Steve Harvey Proves That a Son’s Life Is PricelessSomething tells me that although Harvey is touched by his son's surprise gesture, he's plotting payback. Let's hope that it's every bit as touching as this one. Among quotes about family, one by Wes Fesler reads, "A family portrait is only complete with love to fill its frame."Think of all the countless tantrums, tussles and tough talks that take place between father and son. It's a war of wills that can rage for years, as a boy becomes a man. But looking at his son now, all grown up, polished and grateful for his lessons, Steve Harvey can only stand humbled knowing that it was all worth it.More from Goalcast:Steve Harvey Calls a Single Mom of Five on His Show – Little Did He Know the Harsh Details of Her LifeSteve Harvey Was So Moved by an Unemployed Audience Member’s Struggle – So He Decides to Change His LifeFamily Feud Host Steve Harvey Notices Winner Break Down in Tears – The Reason Touches His Heart

Man Has to Go to Court but Has No One to Take Care of His 2-Year-Old Daughter - One Police Officer Has a Different Idea
Uplifting News

Man Has to Go to Court but Has No One to Take Care of His 2-Year-Old Daughter - One Police Officer Has a Different Idea

In every dad's life, there comes a moment when a curveball is thrown by parenthood. Sometimes, it's just life's way of asking for a little extra help, a hand of kindness. In Orem, Utah, a father faced one such situation, but his day took an unexpected turn thanks to a compassionate stranger.The Predicament One Father Found Himself at a CourthousePhoto by Brett SaylesJose Moncayo found himself dealing with a pesky traffic ticket at the Utah County courthouse. Normally, that's an ordeal you tackle solo, but not when you're a dedicated dad with a two-year-old daughter named Abi in tow. He tried to find a babysitter but came up empty-handed. So, there they were, outside the courtroom, father and daughter, waiting patiently. Or at least, dad was patient; Abi, with the boundless curiosity of a toddler, decided the courthouse hallways were her new playground.With a skip in her step and wonder in her eyes, she transformed the entire building into her personal adventure zone. But when the courtroom doors beckoned Jose inside, he faced an impossible choice. Abi couldn't accompany him, and he couldn't leave her alone. That's when, like a character from a heartwarming movie, Officer Kevin Norris of the Orem Police Department entered the scene.Officer Norris had been observing the father-daughter duo while waiting to give his own testimony. Seeing their predicament, he didn't hesitate to offer a helping hand. With kids of his own, he knew how challenging it could be to handle a rambunctious toddler in such situations. Officer Norris graciously volunteered to babysit Abi.He didn't just watch over her; he made sure her time was enjoyable. They explored the building together, ensuring Abi stayed hydrated and even enjoying treats courtesy of other deputies in the courthouse. What could have been a stressful situation for Abi turned into a day filled with adventure and kindness.How One Police Officer Went Beyond the Call of DutyAs the day wore on and Abi's energy began to wane, Officer Norris had one more trick up his sleeve. He played cartoons on his phone, and the two settled down, with Abi comfortably resting her head against him. It was evident: the officer had won the little girl's trust.When Jose finally emerged from the courtroom, he was met with a heartwarming sight: his daughter sound asleep in the arms of the kind officer. Reflecting on the experience, Officer Norris beautifully summed it up, "We're not just officers who are out there to arrest people. We're out there to make our community a better place."This touching incident was shared on the Orem County Police's Facebook page, quickly going viral and warming hearts worldwide. It's a beautiful reminder of the kindness that exists in our communities and the incredible difference one act of compassion can make.The online response has been equally heartening, with people leaving comments like, "He clearly is a very good father. The little girl warmed to him immediately. It was adorable to see." Another person wrote, "She is just so adorable. And he is a great man for doing this. Way to go officer."In a world sometimes clouded by negativity, this story shines as a beacon of hope and a testament to the goodness that surrounds us. It reminds us that small acts of kindness can ripple through our communities, touching hearts and making the world a warmer, better place.More from Goalcast:Police Officer Pulls Over Speeding Mom and Her 10-Year-Old Son – Immediately Realizes Something Wasn’t RightNeighbors Call Police on Teen for “Trespassing” – Instead of Taking Him Away, Cop Opens the Trunk of His Car16-Year-Old Puts Her Abusive Father in Jail – Today, the Police Officers Who Arrested Him Walked Her Down the Aisle

Carpenter Works on House Damaged by Fire - Finds a Hole in the Wall With a Note Written by a 14-Year-Old Inside It
Uplifting News

Carpenter Works on House Damaged by Fire - Finds a Hole in the Wall With a Note Written by a 14-Year-Old Inside It

In the realm of carpentry, Dakota Mohn's skilled hands have breathed new life into countless houses. But amidst the restoration project in the quaint embrace of Green Valley, Tazewell County, Illinois, a surprise lay in wait for him. Little did he know that this house he was about to mend carried within its walls a heartwarming secret, one that would resonate far beyond the realms of construction.What One Carpenter Found in a House Damaged by FireAs the flames of a fire had licked at the homes in the area, Dakota found himself at the forefront of rebuilding. It was during the delicate dance of restoring a fire-damaged house that something caught his eye. Amidst the debris, etched on a piece of wood, were intriguing markings that whispered a tale. A faint yet legible lettering spelled out "Note." His curiosity piqued, Dakota slipped his cell phone into the groove, capturing a snapshot of the hidden treasure – a small, vibrant orange bottle adorned with a paper message enclosed within.A sense of wonder tugged at his fingers as he extracted the fragile parchment from its snug sanctuary. His eyes danced across the words of a letter, a message penned by a 14-year-old soul from the past. Dakota, perhaps unwittingly, had become a time traveler, transported through ink and paper to a different era.With the tenderness of a storyteller, the young author, Stephanie Herron, wove her narrative. She recounted the home's history, where her parents Ernest and Rose dwelled alongside her sisters Valerie, Becky, and a sister yet to be born. The home, born in 1872, was their shared haven, a canvas they were painting with remodeling strokes.But it was the heartwarming insights into her parents' lives that resonated deeply. Stephanie's words painted vivid pictures of her father, a dedicated lineman for the Chicago and Northwest Railroad, and her mother, a nurturing registered nurse at Hopedale Nursing Home. Her description of her mother as "a very good mother" sent ripples of warmth through the hearts of readers.How a 14-Year-Old’s Note Resonated With StrangersStephanie's youthful handwriting encapsulated wishes that transcended time, "I hope you have lots of happiness in this house." As if passing a baton in an invisible relay, Dakota's viral Facebook post sparked a connection between past and present, resonating deeply with strangers who marveled at the beauty of her words.The tendrils of the internet eventually weaved their way to Stephanie Poit, formerly Herron, whose life has continued to unfold since the day she penned that letter. Now at 61, happily married with five children, her words touched people across continents. Her simple note, written in the bloom of adolescence, became a beacon of inspiration, prompting teachers to set their students on the path of preservation."I guess I'm a Facebook sensation. The whole thing is amazing," Stephanie mused to Journal Star, encapsulating the bewildering beauty of life's interconnectedness. Her letter, a whisper from the past, became a symphony that harmonized generations, reminding us all that our words, even from the tender hands of a 14-year-old, can ripple across time to touch hearts we've never known.In the midst of construction and the hum of daily life, Stephanie's voice from the past reminds us that within every nook and cranny, lies a story waiting to be unearthed. And in the simple act of preserving memories, we create bridges that stretch far beyond the confines of our existence. In essence, we weave the threads of humanity into a tapestry that transcends time itself.More from Goalcast:Mother of 7 Graduates College as Valedictorian After 10 Years – A Note From Her Daughter Helped Her Overcome Various HurdlesTeen Hairdresser Leaves the Pub With Her Friends – Finds an Angry Note Shaming Her for Parking in a Disabled SpotWoman Buys Homeless Man Coffee at Dunkin’ Donuts — He Then Hands Her a Shocking Note

Man Jumps Into Pool With Two Little Boys in It - What He Whispered to One of Them Left Him Speechless
Uplifting News

Man Jumps Into Pool With Two Little Boys in It - What He Whispered to One of Them Left Him Speechless

Families come in all different forms and are created in all different ways. From pregnancy, donors, surrogates, divorce, adoption, blended families, and more, there are a myriad of ways to create a tight and loving family unit. There are so many expressions like, “Friends are the family you choose for yourself.” Those expressions really encompass how important and special friendships are in our life. The Surprising News One Man Announced to His SonPhoto by RDNE Stock projectThe truth is, though, that there is something magical about being “officially family.” Sharing the last name of someone you love and respect is a badge of honor, a sign to those around you that you and your people are family -- that there is no tearing you apart! So, when Chris Overton shared a video of himself on TikTok letting his son know that he was officially adopted -- and they would officially share a last name -- the video went viral.The video opens on a familiar, and enviable, scene. Two little boys are roughhousing in the pool on floaties, giggling. Suddenly their father jumps in, screaming one of his son’s names “Jameson!” Jameson furiously giggles, anxiously excited and afraid that his dad was going to dunk him in the pool.“Come here, we have news for you.”Jameson continued to giggle, thinking the news was a trick and that his dad was going to throw him in the pool.Finally, Chris was able to convince Jameson that he was not going to throw him in the pool. He got close to Jameson and whispered “I’m your dad now.” Jameson was speechless and overcome with emotion. At first, all he could muster was an excited squeal. Then, he just said, “Yes! I love you dad” and threw his arms around his dad’s neck and squeezed hard. The Father Who Would Stop at Nothing to Become FamilyChris then told Jameson that his last name was now Overton, just like his dad. He didn’t have to hyphenate anymore. Their family ordeal, which remains a mystery in the video, was finally over. Jameson and Chris hugged tightly for a long time. The display of father-son love had the whole family in tears.Chris Overton didn’t let a legal battle stop him from becoming Jameson’s father. He also didn’t let a broken leg stop him from sharing the news with his little boy! It was revealed that when Chris jumped into the pool to talk to Jameson, he was doing so with a broken leg!The story of Chris and Jameson is a heartwarming tale that reminds us that family is everything, no matter how it is formed. If the family you are born into isn’t the one that has your best interests at heart, there is always the opportunity to build a new family full of love and play.More from Goalcast:6 Siblings Were Separated in Foster Care For Over 3 Years – Then 2 Dads Adopted Them All5-Year-Old Girl Officially Adopted After Spending Nearly 2,000 Days in Foster Care18-Year-Old Single Mom Gives Up Son for Adoption – 58 Years Later, an Unlikely Source Brings Them Together

17 Memorial Day Quotes to Celebrate the Heroes We Have Lost
Quotes

17 Memorial Day Quotes to Celebrate the Heroes We Have Lost

Observed on every year’s last Monday of May, Memorial Day is an American holiday that honors all men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.Originally known as Decoration Day, it’s hard to exactly tell the origins of this tradition since the decoration of soldiers’ graves with flowers is an ancient custom practiced all around the world.Nevertheless, Decoration Day was first celebrated on the 30th of May 1868, the day was chosen by General John A. Logan and it initially honored only those lost while fighting in the Civil War.100 years later, the holiday would become known as Memorial Day to commemorate all the American people who died in all wars.On Memorial Day, Americans attend one of the numerous military parades and ceremonies, and visit cemeteries and memorials to pay respect to the men and women who have died in wars or in the service of their country.Here are 17 Memorial Day quotes to honor American heroes.There is nothing nobler than risking your life for your country.– Nick LampsonAs we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter the words, but to live by them.– John F. KennedyFor love of country they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue.-- James A. GarfieldThe legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example.– Benjamin DisraeliA hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.– Joseph CampbellThe willingness of America's veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude.-- Jeff MillerThose who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them.– Franklin D. RooseveltIt is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God such men lived.– George S. PattonI only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.– Nathan HaleThe brave die never, though they sleep in dust, their courage nerves a thousand living men.-- Minot J. SavageMy fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.– John F. KennedyIf silence is ever golden, it must be here beside the graves of fifteen thousand men, whose lives were more significant than speech, and whose death was a poem, the music of which can never be sung.— James GarfieldIt doesn’t take a hero to order men into battle. It takes a hero to be one of those men who goes into battle.— Norman SchwarzkopfOn Memorial Day, I don't want to only remember the combatants. There were also those who came out of the trenches as writers and poets, who started preaching peace, men and women who have made this world a kinder place to live.-- Eric BurdonHow important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!– Maya AngelouThose that die for a good cause... hover as a cloud of witnesses over the nation.— Henry Ward BeecherAlthough no sculptured marble should rise to their memory, nor engraved stone bear record of their deeds, yet will their remembrance be as lasting as the land they honored. — Daniel Webster