Amidst the incomprehensible tragedy that is the ongoing war in Ukraine, a story of perseverance and motivation is shining through.
Hassan, an 11-year-old boy from Zaporozhye, fled southeastern Ukraine and traveled 750 miles before reaching Slovakia, reports BBC News.
The Little Ukrainian Boy Who Made the Long Journey to Slovakia Alone
The boy was carrying no more than a small plastic bag, a red backpack, and his passport. He also had an emergency phone number written on his hand.
RELATED: Woman Fleeing Ukraine War Is Handed 2 Children – And Makes a Harrowing Promise
As Hassan was given food and drink after the long journey, he immediately charmed volunteers with his unbelievable resilience, according to Slovakia's Ministry of Interior.
He won everyone over with his smile, fearlessness and determination worthy of a true hero.
Slovakia's Ministry of Interior
The Boy from Ukraine Who Proved the Power of Perseverance and Resilience
As Hassan took his brave journey across Ukraine, his mother, Julia Pisecka, was being brave at home.
In a video, Pisecka, who is a widow, thanked everyone for taking care of her son and clarified why she let Hassan go on his own.
"Next to my town is a power plant that the Russians are shelling. I couldn't leave my mum - she can't move by herself - so I sent my son to Slovakia," she said.
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Hassan is now one of more than 10 million refugees who have fled their homes since the beginning of the war, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
Surely, this is but a tiny slice of the tragedy - and perseverance - seen in the horrific war in Ukraine. There have probably been dozens of heroic refugee stories like Hassan's. Still, his journey is an important reminder of the need for peace and how resilient we all can be.
More Uplifting News from Goalcast:
- Frozen's Idina Menzel Responded to Ukrainian Girl's Viral “Let It Go” - And It's Perfect
- Russian Soldier Surrenders to Ukrainian People - Their Response Makes Him Cry
- Ukrainian Vet Risks His Life To Rescue Trapped Pets During Russian Invasion
- Woman Fleeing Ukraine War Is Handed 2 Children – And Makes a Harrowing Promise
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.