*Featured image uses photo by Tim Doerfler on Unsplash
Ali and Chris were at a Chinese restaurant in Yarrawonga, a town Victoria, Australia, with their grandkids for Christmas when they noticed an elderly man eating all by himself.
RELATED: Lonely Elderly Woman Ignored by Teens Asks to Eat McDonald's with a Stranger - His Response Is Priceless
Something about the sight of the man in his 90s touched their heart and Ali sent her then 8-year-old granddaughter to ask the man -- whose name was Phil -- if he would like to join them for dinner and he agreed.
How an Australian Family Made One Elderly Man's Night Special
Helen, Ali’s sister, shared the story in a touching post in the Facebook group 'The Kindness Pandemic.'
Helen said the kids loved hearing Phil’s stories and interacting with him. “He told stories of his war journey and his wife in the nursing home,” she said.
Ali said she immediately wanted to include Phil because she felt sad seeing him alone.
[She] thought if it was her dad or mom, she hoped someone would include them, too.
Helen
At the end of the evening, Ali also wanted to pay for the elderly man’s meal. But to her surprise, another table had noticed what the family had done and paid for all their meals before leaving the restaurant.
“The fact that another table of people also acted with kindness by identifying a kind gesture and paying for dinner makes this story extra special,” Helen said.
How Being Kind Can Inspire Others to be More Kind Themselves
She confessed that hearing about this act of “double kindness” made her emotional.
I cried when my sister told me what they did. I feel acts of kindness like this is a beautiful thing, it gives faith in humanity back to people.
Helen to The Epoch Times
Helen posted the heartwarming story on The Kindness Pandemic group in hopes that others would do something similar or that the touching encounter would bring a smile to people’s faces.
Helen’s post garnered more than 22,000 reactions and over 1,500 comments.
RELATED: 4-Year-Old Reaches Out to Grieving Elderly Man in a Store - What Happens Next is Amazing
Beautiful! I still believe in kindness in this mixed-up world full of challenges. I’m sure he really enjoyed your company and his meal as much as your family enjoyed having him there. Wonderful of the other people to pay for you all. Kindness re-paid.
A follower of The Kindness Pandemic Facebook Group wrote
“Brings tears to my eyes! That dear old man will remember their kindness and the little girl will remember his stories…It is the snowball effect weaving the magic,” another wrote.
What seems like a simple gesture usually means a lot to the receiver. And often, a simple gesture inspires more acts of kindness.
More Uplifting News from Goalcast:
- Lonely Elderly Woman Ignored by Teens Asks to Eat McDonald's with a Stranger - His Response Is Priceless
- 4-Year-Old Reaches Out to Grieving Elderly Man in a Store - What Happens Next is Amazing
- Single Mom and 4 Kids Stranded in the Rain Saved by an Unlikely Hero - Who Makes a Powerful Request
- Neighbour Calls Police After Hearing Elderly Couple’s Cries of Loneliness – Officers Step In With Best Response
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.