No one wants to be lonely, whether you’re a kid, a single person, a parent or an elderly citizen. Everyone craves — and needs — the company of others.
Being by yourself day after day isn’t just lonely, it can be downright depressing. That’s why one elderly woman decided to do something about her situation. And luckily, her neighbor responded in the sweetest way possible.
What a Woman Did When She Received a Plea for Help
One day, a Californian woman named Marleen Brooks came home to find a heartbreaking handwritten note.
“Would you consider to become my friend,” the note read. “I’m 90 years old — live alone. All my friends have passed away. I’m so lonesome and scared. Please I pray for someone.”
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Brooks had to respond, so she and her friend decided to stop by and visit the woman, whose name they learned was Wanda. They also brought cupcakes and stayed for a while to get to know the woman whose note captured their hearts.
According to KTVU anchor Frank Somerville, who reported the story, the visit was a total success. “She’s such a sweet lady!” Brooks told him. “And she was over the moon when we came over.”
How One Note Helped Forge a New Friendship
During their visit, Brooks learned that Wanda is on oxygen and has congestive heart failure and osteoporosis. According to People, the woman had three sons but one died of cancer and the other two lived too far away to visit.
“I hope you didn’t think I was stupid for writing you, but I had to do something,” Wanda told Brooks. “Thank you so much for coming over. I’ve lived here for 50 years and don’t know any of my neighbors.”
Before she left, Brooks made sure to give Wanda her phone number and told her she could call anytime. She also promised to come back soon to visit, making the woman’s day.
“I’m sure Wanda and I will have some great times,” she added.
How One Woman Proved the Importance of Reaching Out
This story reminds us that there are a lot of people out there who are lonely, and who like Wanda, may not have anyone in their lives to spend time with. As we age, it becomes harder to make new friends, and not everyone would think to leave a note with the neighbor in hopes of striking up a friendship.
If you have elderly neighbors who don’t appear to have much going on, why not knock on their door and say hi? Bring over treats or some baked goods while you’re at it — it may be a small gesture for you, but it could mean the world to them.
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There are other ways to help the elderly as well. Striking up a conversation and sharing your time are just a couple of things you could do. Offering practical help like cooking, groceries, yard work, or household tasks is also a great way to be present. Or, share a meal, tea, or coffee to show you care.
After all, no one wants to be lonely. Besides, you never know what kind of friendship you could welcome into your own life as a result.
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.