Most of us never know how we’d react in an emergency situation until we’re actually in one. It’s nice to think that we’d be cool, calm and collected if that moment ever comes, but sometimes the pressure is too much, or the situation is so unbelievable that we crumble.
Thankfully, that was not the case for a group of university students in China, who sprang into action when they noticed a little boy asleep and by himself on the subway.
A Call to Action
Last January, some students were traveling by subway in China’s Henan province when they noticed a little boy alone. The child was sleepy and could barely keep his eyes open, but he didn’t have a guardian nearby.
In a video shared by South China Morning Post, the students tried to ask the boy where his father was, but he kept falling back asleep and laying his head on one of their arms.
“Where am I?” the little boy asked at one point.
“You’re in the subway, where is your dad?” one of the students responded.
Instead of responding, the child just kept closing his eyes and laying his head down to rest.
Finding the Father
According to witnesses in the subway, the little boy’s father had drunk too much and left his child in the carriage. So the boy had no clue where his father was and wasn’t able to convey much information to the students.
Fortunately, the students stuck with the boy until they could find help. They continued asking him questions and trying to learn his father’s phone number before they were able to locate staff members.
Eventually, the staff members were able to contact the father and reunite him with his son, and the video of the event went viral.
“LOL, the kid is actually safer when he is with the university students than with his father,” one person commented. “These college students are really kind-hearted,” wrote another.
A Little Kindness Goes a Long Way
It’s easy to judge the father in this situation or worry for the boy. While we don’t know what really happened that night on the subway that caused the father to leave his son behind, we do know that the kindness of others enabled them to safely reunite.
That alone is a powerful message: anyone can make a big difference with just a little kindness.
It’s a good takeaway for all of us the next time we see someone in distress or need. No one ever expects or wants to be in an emergency situation, but by setting your own day aside and doing what you can to help, you may be the hero someone unexpectedly needs.
That’s true of everyday acts as well. Whether it’s sending a friend a nice text, bringing a coffee or tea to someone who could use a boost, or baking extra treats for a neighbor, random acts of kindness always seem to come at the right time. And who knows, to someone else, your kind act could be the thing that makes or breaks their day.
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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.