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100-Year-Old Veteran Wasn't Interested in 96-Year-Old When They First Met - Now Theyre Getting Married
Uplifting News

100-Year-Old Veteran Wasn't Interested in 96-Year-Old When They First Met - Now Theyre Getting Married

Eighty years ago, a World War II veteran named Harold Terens landed in France as a 20-year-old Army Air Forces corporal. It was shortly after D-Day, and the vet had seen and experienced a number of hardships and victories since enlisting in 1942.This summer, Terens will return to France as part of the 80th anniversary celebration of the country’s liberation from the Nazis. There, according to the Associated Press, the 100-year-old will mark the occasion by marrying his fiancée, Jeanne Swerlin. Never Too Old for LoveTerens and Swerlin, who is 96, will marry in a town called Carentan-les-Marais near the beaches where the U.S. troops landed, reports the publication. The couple met in 2021 when mutual friends thought they would hit it off. At their first lunch together, they barely looked at each other because Terens was still grieving the death of his wife Thelma and wasn't interested in other women. But when friends brought them to dinner the next night, it was love at second sight.“He was introducing me to the whole world, ‘I want you to meet my girl, my sweetheart,’ and I didn’t even know him more than two days,” Swerlin recalled. “Being in love is not just for the young. We get butterflies just like everybody else.”A few months ago, Terens got down on one knee and recalled Swerlin being “hysterical.”“I thought I’d have to help him up, but he’s so macho,” she said.The wedding will take place June 8 in a chapel built in the 1600s and will be officiated by the mayor, Jean-Pierre Lhonneur. Legally, Lhonneur is only allowed to marry town residents, but he believes the local prosecutor will allow an exception in this case.“It will be a pleasure for us,” Lhonneur said.Finding Love AgainThis won’t be the bride or groom's first wedding. Terens married his first wife, Thelma, in 1948. They had two daughters and a son, and Terens went on to work for a British conglomerate. Thelma passed away in 2018 after 70 years of marriage, leaving behind eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.Swerlin married when she was 21 years old and became a full-time mom to two girls and a boy. Her first husband passed away when she was in her 40s, but she found love again and married her second husband. They were married for 18 years when he, too, passed away. Swerlin found her third love, a man named Sol Katz, after that. They lived together for 25 years before he died in 2019.Katz’ daughter, who met Terens when her kids and Terens’ grandchildren went to camp together, was the first to introduce the vet to Swerlin.“She gave my dad such joy,” the daughter explained. “I didn’t want her to be lonely.”Looks like she got her wish.“I love this girl — she is quite special,” Terens said.“He’s an amazing guy, amazing,” Swerlin said. “He loves me so much, and he says it. And my god, he’s the greatest kisser!”It’s Never Too LateHearing about a 100-year-old and a 96-year-old finding each other and feeling like high school sweethearts is downright heartwarming. It reminds us that it’s never too late for love, new chances, or a shot at life. We never know what the world will throw at us, and sometimes, it can feel like the bad outweighs the good.But if you keep putting yourself out there and remain open to unexpected opportunities, the good can also outweigh the bad.If these two could find each other after losing so many loved ones and experiencing the hardships of war, then anyone can. We all deserve good things in life, but the first step to getting them is to believe in ourselves and our ability to love — no matter how old we are!More from Goalcast:Widow Remarries Years Later – Asks Her Previous Husband’s Dad Onto the Dance Floor for This ReasonMan Meets His Wife During World War II in a Club – 74 Years Later, He’s First to Take the Same Dance Floor Once AgainWWII Veteran Has Kept a Photograph of a 14-Year-Old in His Pocket for 78 Years – Then His Mystery Girl Showed Up

Bride Finds Out Something About Her Fianc and Cancels the Wedding - Decides Not to Let the $15K Reception Go to Waste
Uplifting News

Bride Finds Out Something About Her Fianc and Cancels the Wedding - Decides Not to Let the $15K Reception Go to Waste

*Featured image contains photo by Dimitri Kuliuk and Diana TitenkoWeddings are supposed to be the start of a couple's "happily ever after," but for this particular bride, her happily ever after doesn't actually include her groom. Just days before the ceremony, the California bride discovered something about her fiancé that made her say, "Yeah, NO" and she called off the wedding.Unable to cancel her non-refundable lavish $15,000 reception, she decided to turn lemons into lemonade.How a Bride Turned Her Nightmare Into a Dream for Families of Children With Special NeedsPhoto by MunozPhoto_The bride, who wishes to remain anonymous, reached out to Parents Helping Parents (PHP), a San Jose-based nonprofit that provides support to children and adults with special needs, as well as their families.It's a charity near and dear to her heart, having helped her own family in the past.She made a phone call and offered up the whole shebang — including the venue, the food, the DJ, a photo booth, and even a dazzling display of fireworks.Not surprisingly, PHP employees were shocked. And beyond thrilled. "I think this donation is extraordinary," executive director Maria Daane told NBC Bay Area. "I've never heard of anyone ever calling a nonprofit and saying, 'We want to donate a $15,000 party in two weeks to you.'"Maria Daane via NBC Bay Area(And she said she likely never will again.)With no time to spare, the nonprofit sent out invitations to the families it helps, dubbing it the "Ball for All." RSVPs came pouring in. And by the time the big day rolled around, more than 100 children, parents, caretakers, and PHP staff showed up to the ballroom at the Gilroy Eagle Ridge Golf Club ready to party.Turning a Personal Set-Back Into a Source of JoyGuests were all smiles as they ate and danced the night away. Liz Schwartz, the mother of a daughter with special needs, said it was a "rare and special treat.""It’s wonderful to be included and to have this celebration of who our community is.” Liz SchwartzOftentimes, families of children with special needs can feel isolated, navigating a complex and unique journey that many people outside of their circles may not understand. They don't always get to partake in the same events as their peers, which is why this was so special. The celebration, born out of the bride's sad and unexpected turn of events, not only brought joy to the faces of the attendees but also served up a much-needed sense of community.In one special night, the families and caretakers were able to just kick back, relax, and enjoy themselves. As did their kids. The event wasn't just about a canceled wedding; it was about rewriting the narrative for families of children with special needs. And it was pure magic. Finding the Good in the BadDespite her heartbreak, this bride managed to do something amazing and give back to a community that had given so much to her and her family.No one would have blamed her if she had just locked herself away and shut out the world for a while. Instead, she chose to turn her misfortune into an opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of others.It just goes to show that the old adage is true, every cloud truly does have a silver lining. Sometimes, we just need to make it ourselves. More from Goalcast: Woman Hears FedEx Driver at the Door While Her Fiancé Is Away – Is Shocked When She Catches Him Doing ThisBride Is Devastated When Her Fiancé Calls off Their $35K Wedding – Decides to Invite Some Unexpected Guests to Her Reception InsteadBride Spends Her Entire Life Savings on Her Wedding – Receives Shocking News That Her Fiancé Is Missing

Bride Who Lost Her Dad Is Unable to Have a Father-Daughter Dance - Little Did She Know, Her Brothers Had Something Planned
Uplifting News

Bride Who Lost Her Dad Is Unable to Have a Father-Daughter Dance - Little Did She Know, Her Brothers Had Something Planned

A wedding day, a celebration of love etched with moments of joy, often includes a sentimental dance between a bride and her father.For Kaley West Young from Utah, the absence of her late father cast a shadow over this cherished tradition. Little did she know, her thoughtful brothers had a heartwarming surprise in store.The Surprise the Bride’s Brothers Had PlannedPhoto by Becerra Govea PhotoKaley, resigned to the fact that her father couldn't share this special dance, was caught off guard when, during her wedding, her brothers stepped in. The surprise began with one brother revealing Michael Bolton's Fathers and Daughters, a poignant choice that echoed through the room. One by one, Kaley's five older brothers took turns dancing with her, enveloping her in the love and memory of her departed father.As the emotional bride swayed with her brothers, a recorded voice echoed through the venue — it was a message from her late father, David Jean West, who passed away in March 2015. "Hi Kaley! My name is Dave West, and I’m Kaylie’s dad. And I love her very much, 1,800 times worth," her father's voice resonated, adding a layer of profound emotion to the already tearful moment."I was completely in shock. I know people joke about having an out-of-body experience but that is what it truly was being in the middle of the ballroom and surrounded by my family, and my husband’s family, and our friends and people we care about with my brothers stepping up," Kaley shared in a post-wedding interview. "It was an incredible moment."Days later, the heartwarming video was shared on social media, catching the attention of Andy Young, the songwriter and award-winning vocalist behind Fathers and Daughters. He reached out to Kaley and her brothers, expressing his gratitude and saying, "I’m humbled and honored that the west brothers choose my song #FathersandDaughters to dance with their sister Kaley at her wedding. Their video brought me to tears."How 5 Men Proved That Love Transcends the Physical BodyKaley, still in disbelief that they caught Michael Bolton’s attention, expressed her gratitude. "I was in complete disbelief that he saw (the video), and it’s very touching for him to even respond. It was very kind of him and it made that moment even more special."Her older brother, Kevin West, revealed the meticulous planning that went into the surprise. "A few months back, we told Kaley we had a surprise for her and that we were working on something but we kept it a surprise the entire time," Kevin explained. The brothers sifted through memories, incorporating sound bites from their father's home videos into Bolton's song.For Kaley, this touching tribute is a reminder of the enduring power of love. "This video isn’t about me or my family; it’s about the most important thing in life which is our loved ones," she expressed. "Every single person experiences loss, or will experience loss, in those moments can be deep sorrow and despair. However, I want it to be a reminder that you are never alone. Love transcends beyond the physical body and whoever is going through a great loss, no matter what it may be, you are never alone and you are loved."In the poignant dance with her brothers, Kaley found solace, turning what could have been a moment of sorrow into a celebration of enduring love. In her words, "Love transcends beyond the physical body," and indeed, the love she shared with her father lived vibrantly in that room, making her wedding day unforgettable.More from Goalcast:Bride Wears Her Wedding Dress – And Sobs When She Finds Out What Her Mom Had Planned Behind Her BackHigh School Sweethearts Celebrate 50th Wedding Anniversary – Little Did They Know, They Would Be In “Tears” After Their DateBride Makes Her New 4-Year-Old Stepson Sob by Reading the Wedding Vows She Had Specially Written for Him

Bride Wears Her Wedding Dress - And Sobs When She Finds Out What Her Mom Had Planned Behind Her Back
Uplifting News

Bride Wears Her Wedding Dress - And Sobs When She Finds Out What Her Mom Had Planned Behind Her Back

Losing a parent is a wound that never truly heals. The ache of their absence is felt acutely during life's significant milestones, like weddings, when you long for their presence and their embrace, and you'd give anything to have them witness your joy.The Incredible Surprise a Mom Had Planned for Her DaughterPhoto by Jeongim Kwon on UnsplashNatalie Crockett Jimenez, a radiant bride from Missouri, knew this heartache all too well. Her father, Bruce Crockett, had left this world unexpectedly in 2015 due to complications from a blood clot. As Natalie prepared to embark on the beautiful journey of marriage, the absence of her father weighed heavy on her heart.Many ideas had crossed her mind, ways to honor her father's memory on this special day. From a white balloon to symbolize his spirit, to a touching slideshow in place of the father-daughter dance, she contemplated how best to let his presence be known.The age-old tradition of "something blue" for brides carries a special symbolism, representing love, purity, and fidelity. For Natalie, this tradition took on a profoundly poignant meaning, a touching tribute that would fill her heart on her wedding day.Just before her wedding, Natalie's mother, Devona Crockett, surprised her in a way that would forever etch her father's memory into this sacred day. During the final fitting of her wedding dress, Natalie discovered a blue heart stitched onto the gown's underside.What One Bride Found on Her Wedding Dress Upon closer inspection, her heart swelled as she realized this heart was made from one of her father's old t-shirts. But the depth of its significance went even further. In her father's own handwriting, the heart bore the words, "I love you Natalie, Daddy."These words were an exact replica of a note her father had lovingly written in her yearbook. "He had written me that in my yearbook," Natalie shared to Good Morning America. "I've tried to find all these pieces of my dad just to hold on to, and I didn't even think of yearbooks."The idea was entirely her mother's creation. Devona had painstakingly located the yearbook signature, had it digitized, and then had it embroidered onto a heart-shaped piece of her late husband's blue t-shirt. She coordinated this heartfelt surprise with the wedding seamstress, who was over an hour away, all without Natalie having the faintest clue.When Natalie recognized her father's handwriting on her wedding dress, it was an emotional tidal wave that overtook her. "I remembered exactly what his handwriting looked like, so as soon as I recognized it, obviously tears," she said.The Ones Who Love Us Never Really Leave UsThis touching surprise was incredibly overwhelming, and for a good half hour, she couldn't stop crying tears of love and sorrow intermingled. A video capturing this heartwarming moment touched the hearts of millions on TikTok.For Natalie, the placement of this blue heart inside her wedding dress was more than just a gesture. It felt like a private tribute, an intimate connection that made her father's presence even more tangible on her big day.To further immortalize her father's memory, Natalie wore a cherished locket from him on her wedding bouquet. Her brother-in-law crafted a beautiful portrait that showed Natalie in her bridal gown, side by side with the last known photograph of her beloved father.Each of these gestures, each piece of her father that Natalie wove into her wedding, became a comforting balm to her aching heart. "It was comforting," she said. "It all made the day a lot better."Natalie's story is a poignant reminder that, even in the absence of our loved ones, they remain with us in our hearts, our memories, and our most significant moments. Her father's love and presence were not lost; they were woven into the very fabric of her wedding day, embracing her with warmth and love.More from Goalcast:High School Sweethearts Celebrate 50th Wedding Anniversary – Little Did They Know, They Would Be In “Tears” After Their DateBride Makes Her New 4-Year-Old Stepson Sob by Reading the Wedding Vows She Had Specially Written for HimMan Loses Little Brother in an Accident – 13 Years Later, He Says “I Love You” to the Stranger His Bride Brought to the Wedding

Bride Makes Her New 4-Year-Old Stepson Sob by Reading the Wedding Vows She Had Specially Written for Him
Family

Bride Makes Her New 4-Year-Old Stepson Sob by Reading the Wedding Vows She Had Specially Written for Him

The day Emily Leehan got married she wasn't just saying "I Do" to her groom, Joshua Newville; she was saying "I Do" to his 4-year-old son, Gage, as well.Not only was their wedding a union of two people in love but it was also a blending of two families and the start of their new journey together.So, the bride didn't just deliver one set of vows on her big day — she delivered two; one to her new husband AND one to her new stepson. While we're certain her vows to Joshua were beautiful, it's what she had to say to Gage and his heartfelt reaction that really takes the (wedding) cake. Spoiler alert: You're going to want to grab the tissues for this one.A Stepmother’s Heartwarming Vows to Her New StepsonAccording to CBS News, Joshua, a sergeant in the Marines, and Emily, a senior airman in the Air Force, dated for two years before getting engaged and tying the knot. Gage was just two years old when Emily flew into his life. Over the years, the two developed a special bond and it's this powerful connection that is clearly shown in the now-viral video of their sweet exchange.In the video, captured by wedding photographer Jessica Husted, Emily is reading her “vows” to little Gage as he gazes up at her. Fighting back tears she begins, “I want you to be safe and to try your hardest and to be a good person," adding, "Don't cry, baby.” Too late. Gage, overcome with emotion, throws himself at her, wrapping his arms tightly around her, sobbing. And now, literally, everybody's crying.Somehow, Emily manages to keep it together and press on."I know you and I will butt heads…" More sobs. "Except for right now," Emily jokes (because sometimes you gotta laugh to keep yourself from crying). As Joshua comforts his weeping son, Emily continues: "But I hope with all my heart that as you become a grown man, you will understand my methods and realize I have only done what’s best for you and that I love you.”She ends her vows by saying, "You are a special boy. You are so extremely smart, handsome, and kind to others." "You have helped shape me into the woman that I am today, and I may not have given you the gift of life, but life surely gave me the gift of you." Emily Newville*SOBS*Why a Stepmom Stepped UpOnce Emily finishes her vows she bends down and hugs Gage, eventually scooping him up in her arms because there's still a wedding to finish. Emily explains that she always knew she wanted Gage to be a part of the ceremony. "I wanted to involve him because when I was vowing to be Josh's wife I was also vowing to be his stepmom. I wanted him to feel special and to remind him of how much he means to me."She also knows just how special the step-parent—child bond can be. She has a special relationship with her own stepdad, who, along with her biological dad, walked her down the aisle.As for Gage's biological mother? She's sharing the love too.“As his mother I can say that she is an amazing step-mother to him,” Kali wrote in a Facebook comment. “I couldn’t have picked someone better. Gage is lucky to have her and I’m so thankful I can trust her to be there when I cannot be!”Blending families can be tricky. It comes with its own unique set of challenges. But family doesn't require blood, it requires love. Family isn't about sharing DNA; it's about sharing life. And in those times when we get to CHOOSE our family? When we get to look another person in the eyes and say, "I choose you," there's something to be said about the incredible power of that kind of love. More from Goalcast:Lifelong Bachelor Finally Gets Married at 93 – To the Woman He Met at His Sister’s Wedding in 1959Homeless Couple Couldn’t Afford to Get Married for 24 Years – Then a Stranger Throws Them a Surprise Wedding

Controlling Bride Disinvites Her Own Cousin From Wedding for Being Fat - Her Response Has People Talking for the Right Reasons
Uplifting News

Controlling Bride Disinvites Her Own Cousin From Wedding for Being Fat - Her Response Has People Talking for the Right Reasons

There are countless articles and pop culture references to bridezillas and brides who want to look the best for their wedding day. There are even television shows devoted to the bridal “glow up.” Of course, aesthetics are important, but not more important than celebrating with the people who love and support you. For one TikToker, this proved to be a problem.Rude RequestUnsplash/ Jeremy Wong Weddings Lia, whose TikTok handle is @liainlouisiana, posted a video showcasing how far her cousin, the bride, was willing to go to have the “wedding of her dreams." Filming herself eating Chick-fil-A, Lia showed a series of text messages from her cousin, berating her for being fat and unhealthy, and even demoting her from her position of maid of honor because of her weight. The bride told her cousin that she was being generous even letting her stay on as a bridesmaid, given that she “...[didn’t] have any control over [herself] to go on a diet." Throughout the conversation, Lia stayed gracious and kind, even ending the exchange with “Goodnight love you."I’ve cried all afternoon. I’m uninvited.LiaUnnecessary EscalationFollowing her rude attack on Lia’s weight, the bride continued her controlling behavior, telling her cousin to wear a pair of classy shoes to the wedding. Only, the bride was not that polite, insinuating that Lia would don a trashy pair of heels. The bride told her not to wear any “w**re shoes," meaning shoes with glitter, sparkles, or high heels. After the series of horrible messages, Lia posted another TikTok with a devastating update. Apparently, she has been uninvited from the wedding. TikTok users came in droves to uplift Lia, telling her that she did nothing wrong and encouraging her to stand up for herself. You guys said I should respect myself and not let people treat me like trash [...] I’m doing my best.LiaThe Right ReasonsBoth marriage and weddings can be wonderful. Weddings are a great opportunity to bring together all of your loved ones and celebrate the beginning of new life as a couple. We expect those we ask to be in our bridal party to bring their best selves, emotionally and in how they support us. It’s a lesson we learn as early as primary school: you can be as beautiful as you want on the outside, if you are ugly on the inside you will always be unhappy. We hope the bride in this case eventually learns that lesson, at least for the sake of her marriage! More from Goalcast:Brave Employee Is Fired After He Stands Up to the Thieves Who Stole From His Store – Outraged Strangers Have the Best ResponseIrritated Diners Stare at Dad as He Carries Screaming 2-Year-Old Outside – He Hits Back With the Perfect Response

Man Loses Little Brother in an Accident - 13 Years Later, He Says I Love You to the Stranger His Bride Brought to the Wedding
Uplifting News

Man Loses Little Brother in an Accident - 13 Years Later, He Says I Love You to the Stranger His Bride Brought to the Wedding

Love stories come in all forms, and sometimes, they're laced with the most extraordinary connections to the past. This tale of love and remembrance is like no other.Katy and Derick's wedding day was already destined to be a special occasion, but Katy had a surprise that would make it even more profound. Derick carried a deep emotional scar from losing his beloved brother, Jake, 13 years prior.The Incredible Gift One Woman Gave Her GroomJake was not just a brother; he was a source of unwavering love and support. Tragically, a terrible accident took him away, leaving Derick heartbroken.What made Jake's story even more remarkable was his selflessness. Before his accident, he had told his family that he wanted to be an organ donor. It was as though he had a premonition, a deep sense of knowing that he would leave this world too soon.When Jake passed away, his wish to be a donor was honored. His heart found its way to someone in need, breathing new life into a stranger's chest.Fast forward 13 years, and Derick was marrying the love of his life, Katy. Despite the joyous occasion, there was a void in his heart — a missing piece that only Jake could fill.Katy understood the pain of loss all too well, having lost her father. She wanted to do something extraordinary for Derick on their special day.She believed that if they could somehow connect with heaven, Jake would be there, and she'd have her father by her side. Katy knew she couldn't work miracles, but she had something equally incredible in mind.With some calls and a bit of detective work, Katy managed to arrange an extraordinary guest for their wedding — Gracie, the young girl who had received Jake's heart.How Three People Were Brought Together in a Magical WayGracie's presence was more than a mere guest; she was a living connection to Jake. As Derick approached her, emotions overwhelmed him. Gracie might have been a stranger by conventional standards, but she was carrying Jake's heart, which made her an inseparable part of their story.Derick, with tears in his eyes, poured out his gratitude to Gracie. "I love you," he said, an expression of the profound bond that transcended words. He promised Gracie that she would forever be a part of their family, ready to support her whenever she needed.But the surprises didn't end there. Gracie handed Derick a small gift — a keychain with an engraving of Jake's heartbeat. Even from beyond the grave, Jake was touching Derick's heart and welcoming a new member into their family.This extraordinary tale reminds us that love knows no boundaries, not even those of life and death. It's a testament to the power of selflessness and the enduring connections that exist between us, even when fate takes us on different paths.In the grand tapestry of life, Katy, Derick, and Gracie have woven a thread of love, remembrance, and gratitude that will forever resonate in their hearts. This story teaches us that in our own lives, we can find unexpected connections, heal old wounds, and cherish the love that binds us all.More from Goalcast:Woman Accidentally Flushes Her Diamond Ring in the Toilet – Years Later, a Stranger Makes a Dazzling DiscoveryWoman’s Dad Passed Away in an Accident – 13 Years Later, She Discovers a Surprising List Written by Him at Her HouseBlind Man Is Evicted After People Cheat Him With Fake Money – Then a Car Accident Changes His Life for the Better

16-Year-Old Puts Her Abusive Father in Jail - Today, the Police Officers Who Arrested Him Walked Her Down the Aisle
Love Stories

16-Year-Old Puts Her Abusive Father in Jail - Today, the Police Officers Who Arrested Him Walked Her Down the Aisle

On July 15, 28-year-old Ivy Jacobsen walked down the aisle to wed her now-husband Tristen.Despite not having her father there, she didn't walk alone. Because while he may not have been there for her, 15 other men were. And whew, you're gonna want to grab the tissues for this one.Why the Father of the Bride Wasn’t at His Daughter’s WeddingPhoto by Dominika RoseclayIvy was just 16 years old when her abusive father walked into a prison cell and out of her life. A sophomore in high school, Ivy played a pivotal role in having her dad arrested and convicted after enduring years of sexual abuse. In July 2013, after three separate trials, Ivy's father was convicted of rape of a child and child molestation. He's currently serving 16 years in prison.After the last trial ended, Ivy was finally free to rebuild her life. She graduated high school and became a law enforcement officer. She currently works as a school resource officer in East Wenatchee, Washington State, which she says is her "dream job."And now, she's a newlywed.And through it all, there have been a number of men who stepped up when her father so miserably failed. Men who shouldered the responsibility of helping to raise her, mentor her, and love her. Men who selflessly made sacrifices to help a child who wasn't their own. Men, she says, without whom she'd "be on the streets."Men who taught her the true meaning of what it is to be a father. Including her father's arresting officer, David White.15 Men Step Up to Walk a Bride Down the AisleIvy knew that on her wedding day, she wanted to do something special to pay tribute to the men in her life that stood by her when she needed them most. "I wanted to honor these 15 men because they were true examples of FATHERS who deserved to be called 'DAD,'" Ivy wrote in an Instagram post. So, she invited them to continue their journey with her...down the aisle.Wedding planner Karrah captured the heartwarming moment on camera and uploaded it to TikTok where it's been viewed over 12 MILLION times. Because it's THAT BEAUTIFUL.As the bride makes her way toward the altar, the men take turns accompanying her, two at a time with one on either side. They hold hands and usher her a few steps down the grassy path before handing her off to the next pair of waiting men.The caption on the video tells a powerful story: "On her wedding day, she asked 15 of the most important men in her life to escort her down the aisle." "These men included her brother, brother-in-law, childhood coaches, and the police officer who arrested her father."With each step, it's obvious that this is so much more than just a love story between a man and a woman on their wedding day. It's a love story between a woman and her "fathers." The men who CHOSE to stand with her throughout her life.(Don't cry, don't cry, don't cry).When Ivy reaches Tristen the officiant asks, "Who gives this woman to be married to this man?" Her entourage thunderously responds with a collective, "We do."*SOBS*How One Woman Is Turning Tragedy Into TriumphThe gut-wrenching video is melting hearts around the world. In addition to its 12 million views, it's also garnered over 1.8M likes and 17K comments."I can’t stop crying. this is so beautifully heartbreaking 💓," writes one emotional commenter.Another writes, "This is beautiful. I’m so grateful she has all these amazing men to show up for someone who couldn’t in the first place. ❤️""Her Village! they all gave her what she needed in a dad!" writes a third.But it isn't just the men who stepped up that make this so beautiful. It's Ivy. Her strength, her resilience, and her overwhelming courage."Thank you for sharing this and being vulnerable. As a survivor of domestic abuse due to a very abusive marriage, I admire your strength to live above what you’ve experienced," writes one person."Wow, as someone who grew up with an abusive father and let him walk free, I am so proud of her for standing up for herself. She deserves to feel safe and protected," writes another.In an interview, Ivy credits David White, her father's arresting officer, and her own student resource officer from middle school, with being a hero. But the truth is, she's the hero.Despite enduring unthinkable trauma by the man who she should have been able to trust the most, Ivy is thriving. And now? She's using her own tragedy to help others. From Hurt to HopeIn a follow-up TikTok, Ivy thanks viewers for their outpouring of love. She also reminds people that they don't have to live a life imprisoned by their trauma."We all have a story that shapes us — it does not define us — but shapes us and empowers us in ways to move forward."Ivy JacobsenIvy is definitely moving forward. And thanks to the unbreakable bonds she shares with 15 very special men who prove that love really does have the power to triumph over tragedy, she's not doing it alone. More from Goalcast:Bride’s Father Dies Before Wedding – So Her Mom Gifts Her the Ultimate Daddy-Daughter Dance SurpriseBride and Groom Stand at the Altar – Then He Asks Her to Step Aside for Someone ElseBride Bows Head During Wedding Ceremony – The Voice She Hears Next Leaves Everyone in Tears

Homeless Couple Couldnt Afford to Get Married for 24 Years - Then a Stranger Throws Them a Surprise Wedding
Uplifting News

Homeless Couple Couldnt Afford to Get Married for 24 Years - Then a Stranger Throws Them a Surprise Wedding

Love can endure even in the most challenging circumstances. For Rosalyn Ferrer and Rommel Basco, their dream of getting married seemed out of reach as they struggled to survive on the streets of Pampanga province in The Philippines. But thanks to the kindness of a local hair salon owner, their lives took an unexpected turn filled with hope and love.The Surprise Wedding of a Couple's LifetimePhoto by Tae FullerRosalyn, 50, and Rommel, 55, have been together for 24 years, weathering the hardships of homelessness and raising their six children in a modest shack on an empty patch of wasteland. The idea of a wedding was a distant dream for them, overshadowed by the daily struggle for food and shelter. However, fate had a heartwarming surprise in store for this deserving couple.Richard Strandz, the owner of a nearby hair salon, crossed paths with Rosalyn and Rommel as they scavenged for discarded plastic to sell as scrap. Touched by their resilience and unwavering love for each other, Richard knew he wanted to make a difference in their lives. He reached out to his friends in the wedding industry, and together, they hatched a plan to give Rosalyn and Rommel the wedding they had always dreamed of.On February 13, just before Valentine's Day, Rosalyn and Rommel experienced a magical day that would forever change their lives. Richard and his team orchestrated a surprise wedding and a glamorous photoshoot, creating precious memories for the couple to cherish. The bride's childhood dream of a white wedding, long forgotten amidst their struggles, became a reality.Gratitude and New BeginningsOverwhelmed with joy, Rosalyn expressed her gratitude, saying, "I once dreamed of having a white wedding, but that was when I was a little girl. It went out of my mind long ago. We never had enough money, and all we concentrated on was getting enough food to eat each day. Now I feel so blessed that it has happened. I'm so thankful."Richard, the catalyst behind this heartwarming gesture, shared his motivation: "I found out about how the two have been living together for more than two decades but cannot afford a small wedding. I was touched by their love story, so I contacted my friends who had a wedding supplies business and thought of surprising them with a charity wedding."Richard and his generous friends not only provided a surprise wedding but also pledged to cover the expenses for Rosalyn and Rommel's church wedding, which they hope to hold later this year. Looking Ahead: The couple's dream of officially exchanging vows in the presence of their loved ones will soon become a reality."True love is something that should be celebrated. It’s very special, no matter whether you’re rich or poor," Richard added.In a world where kindness and compassion often go unnoticed, this heartwarming act reminds us of the transformative power of love and community. It serves as a beautiful testament that even in the face of adversity, love prevails and creates new beginnings.As we celebrate the union of Rosalyn and Rommel, let their story inspire us to seek out opportunities to uplift others and spread love in our own communities. May their journey be a reminder that no dream is too far-fetched, no obstacle insurmountable when love and compassion guide our actions. Together, let's embrace the power of love to transform lives and create a brighter, more compassionate world for all.More Uplifting News From Goalcast:Woman Buys Homeless Man Coffee at Dunkin’ Donuts — He Then Hands Her a Shocking NoteHomeless Man Heroically Saves an Entire Family and Their Pets From a Blazing Residential Fire

13-Year-Old Sells Her Prized Possession to Make Ends Meet - Years Later, a Surprise Shows Up at Her Daughters Wedding
Uplifting News

13-Year-Old Sells Her Prized Possession to Make Ends Meet - Years Later, a Surprise Shows Up at Her Daughters Wedding

Losing both of your parents during a horrific natural disaster is heartbreaking. Having to sell your parents’ prized possession after their death to keep food on the table? Unimaginably painful.This was the reality for Tracie Aurandt, who was born Tracie Selder. She lost her parents suddenly when she was only 13 years old -- they perished in a flood that also claimed the lives of 76 others. Why One Woman Had to Sell Her Parents’ BelongingsPhoto by Julia VolkOnly a few of their parents’ belongings survived the devastating flood. One was their prized possession -- a shiny black and green 1931 Model-A Ford pickup truck. In 1977 when the Selders died, the truck was already an amazing vintage vehicle. Without working parents to support them or put food on the table, the Selder siblings knew that they would have to sell the truck to make ends meet. Even though it represented so many happy memories with their parents, it was what they had to do. "That truck represented home to me. It was a piece of my life — a piece of all our lives — that I never thought I'd ever see again." Tracie’s daughter Marla and her now-husband are both car fanatics, so when they were planning their wedding, they told Marla’s parents that they wanted a vintage car at the wedding. Tracie was hit with a bolt of inspiration. The vintage truck she sold so many years ago would be 91 years old now, but she had no doubt that the car collector who had purchased it had kept it in mint condition. She asked her siblings to help her track it down and was stunned when her older brother admitted that he knew exactly who had the car and where it was. When Tracie tracked down the truck’s owner and asked him if she could borrow the vintage vehicle for her daughter’s special day, the owner was delighted to participate -- he even drove it there himself!How a Pickup Truck Brought Back Fond Memories As soon as Tracie laid eyes on the truck, she burst into tears. Memories of happier times as a family came rushing back, and the spirit of her long-lost parents filled her heart.So, after Marla and her husband exchanged their vows, Tracie pulled her daughter aside and told her that she had a surprise. At first, Marla thought her mother had brought her 150-pound Newfoundland retriever. Then, she saw the truck. She had never met her grandparents, but she had always heard about the black and green truck, and how much it meant to them. She knew how much the Selder siblings had sacrificed when they had had to sell it. Seeing it there, as her ride on her wedding day, made her break down. "I didn't get to have the presence of my grandparents in my life growing up, but I certainly did on my wedding day. It was magical."Despite everything Tracie and her siblings had to give up after their parents died, they made sure the memory of their parents lived on in them. As the family continues to grow, they hold their ancestors dear in their heart. Sometimes, they even catch a glimpse of their spirit in the rearview mirror -- of a shiny green and black pickup truck.More from Goalcast:Bride Bows Head During Wedding Ceremony – The Voice She Hears Next Leaves Everyone in TearsDaughter Stages a Fake Wedding So Her Dying Dad Can Have The “First Dance”