Month: October 2024

The Mexican pitching legend who ignited “Fernandomania” in the 1980s died just weeks after stepping away from his role as a broadcaster for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Fernando Valenzuela, the legendary pitcher and one of the most iconic figures in Major League Baseball (MLB) history, has died at 63.

The MLB Network confirmed Valenzuela’s passing on Tuesday, October 22, on X, formerly Twitter while the Los Angeles Dodgers mourned the loss of their former teammate. His death comes just weeks after he took a break from his role in the Dodgers’ broadcast booth.

In a statement shared on X on October 3, the LA Dodgers explained that Valenzuela stepped away from his broadcasting duties to focus on his health and that his family had requested privacy. They also said he planned to return for the 2025 season.

Before Valenzuela stepped away from his broadcasting duties, reports surfaced about his hospitalization. On October 1, Mexican reporter David Faitelson shared on X that Valenzuela had been admitted to a hospital. He noted that little was known about Valenzuela’s condition, as the family chose to keep the details private.

When news of Valenzuela’s death spread online, fans began gathering at Dodger Stadium to honor his memory and celebrate his legacy. Many left flowers, jerseys, candles, and Mexican flags at the stadium’s entrance on Vin Scully Avenue.

Rey Casillas, 58, one of the fans who paid respects to Valenzuela, spoke about the late icon’s impact. He said Valenzuela wasn’t just a baseball player; he brought people together and revitalized the culture in 1981, especially in the Dodger Stadium and Chavez Ravine area.

Casillas called Valenzuela a “once in a lifetime” figure, comparing him to Shohei Ohtani for his ability to attract a huge fan base. He also said Los Angeles should feel proud of Valenzuela’s influence on baseball and how he represented the Dodgers.

Besides the fans, Mexican-American actor Mario Lopez, a well-known Dodgers supporter, expressed his grief on social media, “63 is way too young….”

Lopez shared that Valenzuela was the reason he became a Dodgers fan, admiring his major accomplishments at just 18. He described the late icon as both a great player and a community leader.

Valenzuela’s rise to fame began when he was signed by the Dodgers in 1979, after being discovered by scout Mike Brito in his hometown of Navajoa, Mexico.

He shot to fame in 1981, earning both the NL Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Awards. He also led the Dodgers to a World Series victory.

Known for his unique pitching style, Valenzuela captured the hearts of fans in Los Angeles and around the world, giving rise to the phenomenon known as “Fernandomania.”

Over the years, Valenzuela’s influence extended beyond the field, as he continued to make a lasting impact in the U.S. In 2015, he became a U.S. citizen, a milestone he kept private.

Jaime Jarrín, the Dodgers’ longtime Spanish-language broadcaster who worked alongside Valenzuela for over a decade, noted, “He likes his privacy very much. He takes care of that privacy very well.”

Former Dodgers owner Peter O’Malley expressed pride in Valenzuela’s connection to the country while highlighting his strong ties to Mexico. “He’s lived here and raised his family here and enjoyed living here. He’s proud, and I salute him for it,” said O’Malley.

In August 2023, the Dodgers officially retired Valenzuela’s No. 34 jersey, cementing his legacy as a cultural icon. At the ceremony, he expressed his gratitude, “It never crossed my mind that this would ever happen.”

He continued, “Like being in the World Series my rookie year, I never thought that would happen. I didn’t think this would happen, because first of all you have to be in Cooperstown. It really caught me by surprise. It’s hard to put into words what this means.”

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts also paid tribute to Valenzuela’s enduring influence, “Fernando’s legacy, his impact, is going to last forever.” He emphasized how the Mexican athlete’s rise was a “perfect storm” for the city of Los Angeles and its Latino community, noting that “Fernandomania” might never be replicated.

Valenzuela’s influence extended beyond the field, inspiring countless Latino players and fans. He will be remembered as a true legend in the sport.

I’ve been with my fiancé for six years, and we were supposed to get married next month. But during a visit to my parents, he discovered their secret lifestyle, causing him to question our relationship too.

I’ve been with my fiancé for six years, but we’ve known each other for nine. We were supposed to get married next month, but then everything changed the course of our wedding journey.

We went to visit my parents to introduce him to more of my extended family before the wedding. My parents offered to host us, and we’ve been staying in my old room for the sake of nostalgia.

Ellie was in tears when she couldn’t dress up for Halloween one school year. No one cared except one kind teacher, who was about to take a bigger place in her heart and her life.

It was Ellie’s favorite school day of the year, yet she hoped nobody would spot her.

The school auditorium was bustling with children dressed in different shapes and colors of spook and wonder. Some walked in as princes and princesses, some glided in as vampires and superheroes, and some made dramatic entrances as astronauts and historical figures.

But one little girl walked in with slumped shoulders, hiding her face and hoping nobody would notice her grey pants and white T-shirt.

Ellie wanted to dress up as a princess that year. “Your costume will turn a lot of heads, I promise!” Ellie’s dad had assured her a few months earlier. But you know how busy dads are and how they sometimes forget the small important stuff while handling the big important stuff.

So when Ellie’s dad forgot to save up for her princess costume for the school Halloween party that year, she wasn’t mad at him. But she couldn’t keep her nervous tears back when the mean kids from her class started mocking her.

“What are you supposed to be dressed as? Ugly Ellie?” one of the boys chuckled and held up the end of Ellie’s ponytail with an expression of disgust on his face.

Ellie covered her ears and cried as she heard the kids chanting her latest nickname and laughing wickedly. Every face around her was unkind and indifferent to her sadness except one.

“Psst! Ellie!” an older voice whispered to her. It was Mr. Borges, her art teacher. He was trying to tell her something. The girl wiped her tears and managed to escape the crowd of children and walk past them, closely following her favorite teacher.

“Wait here!” Mr. Borges said and walked into the cramped up supply closet. A few seconds later, he was back, and Ellie couldn’t help but wonder why the man was holding a few rolls of toilet paper.

“What’s that for?” Ellie asked, scratching her head.

“This? It’s for your Halloween costume. And it’s going to be the best Halloween costume ever!” Mr. Borges seemed as excited as a child.

Ellie stood clueless and as still as a statue. At the same time, her teacher began wrapping the toilet paper around her waist and upwards towards her neck, ensuring she was comfortable every few seconds. Then he began wrapping the toilet paper around her belly, legs, and arms, down to the little fingers and toes.

“Woah, Mr. Borges!” Ellie was finally starting to figure out the brilliant costume idea. “I look like a—”

“Hold on now. Keep your head straight. There’s one final part…” the man said and wrapped the last few rolls of tissue around and across her face, leaving just enough room for her eyes, nose, and lips.

“NOW…” Mr. Borges said, leaving random red blots of ink randomly around the wrapped tissue roll, “it’s ready!”

A teacher’s influence lasts a lifetime.

When Ellie saw herself in the mirror, she couldn’t stop jumping up and down, clapping her papery hands with sheer joy. “I love it! I love it, Mr. Borges. Thank you!”

Ellie hugged her hero and placed a tiny kiss on his cheek.

When she again walked into the crowd of excited children, they covered their mocking mouths in awe.

To Mr. Borges, it may have just been a creative way to put a smile on a sad child’s face, but to Ellie, it meant everything! Nobody in school had ever done something that nice for her. In a place where she had only been mocked or ignored, Mr. Borges became the first person to notice her and help her out.

And Ellie would do everything she could to stay close to this kind adult, Mr. Borges. She took more interest in art; over the years, it proved therapeutic for her troubled heart.

Mr. Borges, too, went out of his way to be there for the little girl who had no one but a father who was constantly ill. Mr. Borges was the confidant who listened to Ellie’s deepest fears and biggest dreams.

And when Ellie’s beloved father passed away after a long and arduous battle with an illness, Mr. Borges was the only man who could stop the orphaned girl’s screams and tears at the funeral.

Holding the poor girl’s hand, he made a promise to her father’s departed soul: “She will have everything you wanted for her. I promise!”

Nobody knew this about Mr. Borges, but he had lived through terrible tragedies himself. After losing the woman he loved while she was pregnant, he never found the courage to dream of having a family ever again.

“My little daughter would have been just like her!” Mr. Borges often thought to himself as he watched Ellie laugh and cry.

Taking care of Ellie was more than just a promise he had to fulfill; it was a goal that brought the tired man alive with purpose, joy, and childlike eagerness.

Ellie lived with her grandmother and was officially under her care. But, it was Mr. Borges who took the place of her guardian, her father figure, her hero.

Years passed, and with the undying love and support of Mr. Borges, Ellie passed grade after grade, excelled through high school, and won a scholarship to attend one of the best colleges in the country.

It had been seven years since that tearful farewell when Mr. Borges waved to Ellie as she embarked on an exciting journey to a new city and a new life as a university student…

“I wonder if she’s doing alright…” Mr. Borges sat alone in his house in front of a forgotten cup of coffee.

He often thought of Ellie and regretted not doing his part in keeping in touch with her. “Does she remember me…?” he wondered that day when he heard a knock on the door and found a box on his doorstep.

He opened it and found a neatly packed, expensive-looking three-piece suit. “Someone got the wrong house,” the man thought and began to repack the suit when an envelope fell out of its pocket.

It was an elegantly designed wedding invitation, and the bride’s name left him astonished. “Ellie, that little girl who wouldn’t leave my hand, is getting married! She’s grown so big!” the older man thought, tears rising in his eyes.

But that wasn’t all. A note was stuck at the back of the invitation card, and Mr. Borges immediately recognized Ellie’s beautiful cursive handwriting.

“Dear Mr. Borges,

Fifteen years ago, you helped a scared and hurt little girl feel happy and confident.

If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have worn that awesome mummy Halloween costume everyone was jealous of. And if it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t dream of being the confident and happy young woman wearing a pretty wedding gown to tie the knot a few weeks from now, either.

When I thought I had no one, you went from being like my best friend, my guardian angel, to my father figure.

You will always be a father to me, Mr. Borges. And so, it would mean the world if you could walk me down the aisle and give me away on my special day.”

Tears rolled down the man’s cheeks that day and on the day when he gave Ellie away to the man she loved.

And beyond the blessing of being like a father to Ellie, Mr. Borges also got to be a grandfather to her children a few years later. He and Ellie remained devoted to each other’s happiness and well-being as father and daughter for as long as they lived.

What can we learn from this story?

Never forget the kind hearts that lifted you up. Ellie never forgot how Mr. Borges had helped her with a Halloween costume when she was little and how he was by her side throughout her growing years.

A teacher’s influence lasts a lifetime. Ellie was only little when Mr. Borges first helped her. We, too, have teachers who made a place in our hearts through their small and big gestures of kindness toward us.

Share this story with your friends. It might brighten their day and inspire them.

If you enjoyed this story, you might like this one about a little orphaned girl who finds a sweet surprise on Father’s Day, thanks to her kind-hearted teacher.

Falling in love at 47 was something I never saw coming, especially after the heartbreak of my first marriage. Now, as I prepare to marry John, my teenage daughter, Emilia, is struggling to accept him. Balancing my love for John and my bond with Emilia, I’m faced with difficult choices and unspoken fears.

I never could have imagined that at 47, I would fall in love again, or that I would ever want a relationship after my failed first marriage, which ended 12 years ago.

For a long time, I thought I was done with love. My ex-husband had been horrible to me. He constantly nagged, telling me I wasn’t doing enough around the house, even though I worked just as much as he did.

His words cut deep, especially when he made fun of me for gaining weight after my pregnancy. He didn’t care how hard I was trying or how much I juggled. I knew he was cheating, but I forgave him every time.

I told myself it was for the sake of our family, for our daughter. But when my then 4-year-old Emilia saw him with another woman, something broke inside me. That was the final straw. I couldn’t live like that anymore.

The only good thing from that marriage is Emilia. She’s my everything—the best thing that ever happened to me. We’ve always been close.

For so long, it was just her and me, like a team against the world. I never thought I needed anyone else until a year ago when John came into my life.

John was different. He made me feel loved and cared for in ways I hadn’t felt in years. He treated Emilia with kindness, like she was his own daughter. Watching the two of them together gave me hope. I started to believe that maybe, just maybe, John could be the father Emilia never had.

But everything changed after he proposed. Suddenly, Emilia wasn’t the same. She argued with John, with me, and left the house every time he came over. I didn’t understand it, and it broke my heart.

One evening, I sat in the kitchen with John, staring down at my cup of tea. I sighed, feeling the weight of everything. “I don’t know what to do,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

John looked at me, concerned. “Maybe we should start meeting at my place instead?” he suggested.

I shook my head. “We’re getting married soon. What are we supposed to do, live apart then too?” I sighed again, feeling even more frustrated. “I don’t understand why she’s acting like this.”

John leaned back in his chair, thinking. “She’s jealous, Lucy. It’s been just you and her for so long. Now, you’ve got someone else in your life. Someone who’s taking up your time and love.”

“I guess,” I said. “But you two were fine before. She liked you.”

“That was different,” he replied calmly. “Back then, I was just your boyfriend. Now I’m going to be your husband and her stepfather. That’s a big change for her.”

I nodded slowly. “You’re right. But I still don’t know what to do.”

John reached for my hand. “Talk to her,” he said softly.

I snorted, trying to hide my nerves. “Talk to a teenage girl? That’s like walking into a fire.”

John smiled. “No, talk to your daughter. She needs you.” I leaned my head on his shoulder, wishing I had the answers.

The next day, I knew I had to talk to Emilia. I stood outside her door for a moment before knocking. “Come in,” she said, sounding annoyed. I could almost hear her eyes rolling.

I stepped inside, feeling nervous, and sat down on the edge of her bed. She looked at me, waiting for me to speak. “I wanted to talk to you,” I said.

Emilia raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

“I know it’s probably hard for you, with John becoming part of our family,” I said, trying to meet her gaze.

She shrugged. “It’s not hard. John’s fine.”

“Then why do you leave every time he comes over?” I asked, keeping my voice calm. “And why do you argue with him?”

“Just because,” she muttered.

I took a deep breath. “Look, just because I love John doesn’t mean I’ll love you any less. You’re my daughter, and—”

She cut me off, her voice rising. “I don’t believe that!” she shouted. “I don’t want to talk about this anymore. I have homework.”

Her words stung, but I stood up slowly. “Alright. But if you ever want to talk, you can always come to me. It’s still you and me against the world, remember?”

Emilia didn’t respond. I looked at her for a moment, hoping for something, but she stayed silent. With a heavy heart, I left the room.

As the wedding day got closer, Emilia’s behavior only got worse. Every decision John and I made, she had a problem with. If we liked a caterer, she’d complain about the menu.

It wasn’t until we chose the one she recommended that the complaints stopped. Picking out my wedding dress became a two-week ordeal, and she insisted on making my bouquet herself.

I thought it was her way of staying involved, but each time she demanded something to be changed, I could feel the tension growing. She had her own dress altered seven times, and John quietly paid for each adjustment.

It wasn’t just the wedding preparations that were exhausting—it was seeing how much pain she was in. I knew she was struggling, but I didn’t know how to help. Her anger felt like a wall between us, and every day, it seemed to grow taller.

“Maybe we should cancel the wedding,” I said to John one evening, my voice soft.

John looked at me, surprised. “What? Did I do something wrong?” he asked, concerned.

“No, you’re perfect,” I reassured him. “I love you, and that hasn’t changed. It’s just Emilia…”

John nodded, understanding. “This is really hard for her,” he said, confirming what I had feared all along.

“Yes,” I admitted, finally saying the words out loud. “I thought maybe if we just kept dating, she would come around. She might accept it better if we didn’t rush.”

John took a deep breath and said, “Lucy, I’ll support you no matter what. But this is your life, not Emilia’s. In two years, she’ll be in college, living her own life.”

“I know,” I replied, my chest tightening. “But it hurts to see her struggling like this.”

John reached for my hand. “You’re not alone in this. I’m here for both of you. We’ll figure it out together. I just want to make you both happy.”

Then he paused as if considering something. “Actually, I’ve been thinking… I’d like to adopt Emilia. If she’s willing, of course. I already see her as my daughter.”

Tears filled my eyes as I threw my arms around him, hugging him tightly. Somewhere in the hallway, I heard a small noise, but I didn’t pay it much attention. Right now, I was focused on the love and support I had right in front of me.

The wedding day had finally come, and I felt both excited and nervous. I prayed to every god I could think of, hoping everything would go smoothly. But it seemed my prayers went unheard. Just minutes before the ceremony, my friend Kyra hurried into the room, looking worried.

“Lucy, we have a problem,” she said, her voice tense. My heart sank instantly. “Emilia hasn’t shown up yet.”

“What do you mean, she hasn’t shown up?” I asked, feeling my chest tighten.

“I don’t know,” Kyra said. “She’s not answering her phone or replying to texts.”

Panic rushed through me. I didn’t even think before I bolted out of the room to find John. When I saw him, I blurted out, “Emilia’s gone. She’s disappeared.”

John stayed calm. “Go find her,” he said with a small smile.

“But the ceremony starts in twenty minutes,” I said, unsure.

“Go,” he repeated, his voice gentle. “This wedding won’t mean anything if Emilia isn’t there.”

I wrapped my arms around him, hugging him tight. In that moment, I knew—once again—that I had chosen the right man.

I had a feeling I knew where Emilia might be. My heart raced as I drove to the old playground we used to visit when she was younger. Sure enough, when I arrived, I spotted her sitting on one of the swings, her head down, gently swaying back and forth. Relief washed over me.

“Hey,” I said as I approached her, trying to keep my voice steady.

Emilia looked up at me, her eyes red and filled with tears. “Mom? What are you doing here? Isn’t your wedding starting soon?”

I sat down on the swing next to her and shook my head. “The ceremony doesn’t matter without you,” I said.

She wiped her eyes and asked, “How did John take it? Did he leave you?”

“No, he didn’t leave,” I assured her. “He’s the one who sent me to find you. He told me the same thing I just told you—the ceremony won’t mean anything if you’re not there.”

Emilia blinked, surprised. “Really? He said that?”

I nodded. “What’s going on, Emilia? Why are you trying to stop the wedding? I thought you liked John.”

“It’s not that,” she muttered. “It’s… it’s just that it’s always been you and me. I thought it would always stay that way. What if he leaves us like Dad did? I couldn’t handle that again.”

Hearing her say that made my heart ache. “So that’s what this is about? You’re testing John?”

She sighed, her voice small. “Not on purpose… but maybe.”

I reached over and took her hand. “Sweetheart, you don’t need to protect me. I’m the one who’s supposed to protect you. And trust me, John isn’t going anywhere. He loves both of us. He even told me he wants to adopt you.”

“I know,” she whispered. “I overheard you two talking about it. That’s why I’m not at the ceremony right now. What if I let him in, and then he just… leaves? I’m scared, Mom.”

I pulled her into my arms, holding her tight. “Oh, baby. I’m scared too. But love is about taking risks. We don’t know the future, but we choose love because it’s worth it.”

She rested her head on my shoulder. “I don’t know if I’m ready…”

“I get it,” I said softly. “But no matter what, you’ll always have me. No one, not even John, can change that. You and I? We’ve been a team from the start.”

Emilia let out a small laugh. “But now John’s part of the team too…”

I smiled and squeezed her hand. “It’s easier to fight with three of us, don’t you think?”

She nodded, smiling a little. “I guess so.”

“Do you trust me?” I asked, looking her in the eyes. She nodded.

“And I trust John. Can you trust my trust?”

After a moment, she nodded again. “Yes.”

I stood up, holding out my hand. “Then let’s go. I’m late to my own wedding,” I said with a wink.

Emilia took my hand, standing up beside me. We shared a tight hug, knowing that no matter what, we would always have each other.

Tell us what you think about this story and share it with your friends. It might inspire them and brighten their day.

If you enjoyed this story, read this one: On Halloween night, I thought I’d just be handing out candy and watching teenagers play pranks near the cemetery. But when I looked out the window, I saw something I could never have expected—a baby, alone in a car seat by one of the graves. I rushed outside, my heart racing, unsure of what to do next. Read the full story here.

This actress rose to fame for her role in “Bewitched,” where her big blue eyes and blonde locks made her an endearing character. Today, social media users are stunned to see she still looks as “stunning as ever” decades later.

“Bewitched” was a popular sitcom that charmed viewers in the 1960s, following the lives of a witch and her mortal husband. Among the show’s most memorable cast was the child star behind the character Tabitha Stephens.

Years after the show ended, the actress continued to surprise her fans with her appearance at 60, proving that some stars never lose their shine. Take a look at how she looks now and her surprising journey over the years, including leaving Hollywood for motherhood.

A Hollywood Star’s Magical Rise to Fame

The enchanting world of 1960s television introduced countless beloved characters, but one show that stood out for its charm and humor was “Bewitched.” Among the magical antics of witches and mortals, a young star quickly captured viewers’ hearts.

At just three years old, the Hollywood actress was cast as the charming and mischievous Tabitha Stephens, sharing the screen with legends like Elizabeth Montgomery and Agnes Moorehead.

For the early part of the series, she shared the role with her twin sister, but as the two began to grow, the character solely became hers. The Hollywood star appeared in over 100 episodes, remaining with “Bewitched” until its end in 1972.

By the time the series concluded, she had already become one of the most recognized child actors in Hollywood. Despite her success, she didn’t limit herself to just one show. Beyond “Bewitched,” she also worked on numerous commercials, including a detergent ad with Ronald Reagan.

Competing against other young stars such as Helen Hunt and Jodie Foster at auditions, the child actress frequently outshined them. However, when the actress turned 8, she returned to life as a normal California kid.

Instead of joining the cast of “The Waltons” and “Fantasy Island,” she enjoyed Girl Scouts camp and landed a spot on the cheerleading squad. Over time, she distanced herself from the business, moving to Orange County and only returning to Los Angeles for guaranteed jobs.

“It wasn’t difficult for me. I continued acting and actually turned down jobs. I had a pretty easy transition away from it. I think a lot of it is in some ways I walked away from the business before maybe the business kicked me out,” the actress revealed.

A New Chapter – Motherhood and Family Life

As the magic of her child star days faded, the actress embraced a new role that would be just as life-changing — that of a devoted mother. Her first marriage, to Terry Rogers in 1984, marked the beginning of this chapter.

They moved to Tucson, Arizona, where she adapted to a life far from the glitz of Hollywood, taking on various jobs including working as a stunt double and a karaoke hostess.

During their marriage, they had two sons, Jason and Grant, but after five years, the couple divorced. This change led the actress back to California to raise her boys.

Four years after her first divorce, she married rock musician Eric Eden, and the couple welcomed a son, Clark. However, their relationship would not last, and in 1998, they divorced, prompting the actress to return to her California roots once again.

She later said “I do” for the third time to Darren Dunckel two months after meeting him in 1999. Together, they welcomed another son, Dylan, and the actress found herself caring for a bustling household of six children. “It’s a lot of fun. It’s a crazy but fun lifestyle,” the actress said of life with six sons.

“People always ask me if I’m Mormon. I only have one sister, and I grew up thinking ‘The Brady Bunch’ was the greatest show, so I always did want a big family. But ideally, I always wanted one boy and one girl, so maybe if I’d had a girl in there, I might have stopped at three or sooner, but I wouldn’t change anything,” she added.

Like her previous relationships, the Hollywood icon’s third marriage did not last. However, she frequently spoke about how much she enjoyed motherhood and prioritized family over any potential return to Hollywood.

Her hiatus allowed her to be there for her children, ensuring they were raised in a loving and supportive environment, much like the one her mother had created during the actress’s childhood.

“Scripts are sent to me all the time, and I haven’t seen anything good enough to have me gone for 12 hours a day,” she revealed. However, the “Bewitched” star did stay busy over the years. The actress took on significant charity work and became an advocate for autism awareness, prompted by her son’s diagnosis.

“I was involved with autism charities before Parker was born and then obviously once he was diagnosed, I put that as my focus. I go to board meetings [and] I volunteer. I speak at events. I think it’s important to be

She added, “I’ve always volunteered. I have a strong belief that you need to give back. I’m really lucky for the life I have and the opportunities I’ve had.”

As for her six children showing any signs of following in her famous footsteps, the actress admitted, “So far no. […] I always said that if any of my kids were interested, I would encourage and help them and guide them. But no one ever showed an interest, so I kind of think parents should support whatever their kid’s passion is.”

A Bewitching Beauty at 60

This beloved actress is none other than Erin Murphy, the former child star who brought Tabitha Stephens to life on “Bewitched.” Now 60, Murphy continues to captivate the public.

In September, she celebrated the 60th anniversary of the iconic series on X, formerly Twitter, writing, “Want to feel old? ‘Bewitched’ premiered 60 years ago today, September 17, 1964. AND little Tabitha (Me!) is 60 years old!”

In late October, she took to Instagram to share a stunning snap of herself, sparking a flood of admiration, as social media users marveled at how beautiful she looked.

“Still stunning as ever 🔥🔥🔥,” one person commented. Another simply typed, “Gorgeous.” A third shared the same sentiment, “Absolutely gorgeous!!”

Today, Murphy is not just a mother of six but also a proud grandmother. Asked if her grandchildren watched “Bewitched,” the actress revealed, “You know what’s funny? Not a lot. I feel weird. I’ve always felt like it’s a little self-centered to sit down and watch yourself.”

However, she added, “So if it happens to be on, I’ll let them watch. Last summer, I had two of my grandkids stay with me for the summer, so I thought, ‘Okay, I’ll put it on.’ And they loved it, so.”

While my seven-year-old daughter fought for her life in the hospital with severe pneumonia, my neighbor decided to “decorate” my front door with rotten tomatoes. All because I hadn’t put up Halloween decorations early enough for her liking.

You know those days when life hits you so hard you can barely catch your breath? That’s been my reality lately. Between double shifts at the diner and spending every spare moment at the hospital with Lacey, I’ve been running on caffeine and sheer determination.

It started with what I thought was just a cold. Lacey came home from school one Tuesday with a slight cough. It didn’t look like anything serious. But by Friday night, she was burning up with a fever.

“Mommy, I don’t feel good,” she said while trying to catch her breath.

That was the point where I realized something was extremely wrong with her.

I didn’t even wait for an ambulance. I wrapped her in a blanket and drove to the ER like my life depended on it because it did. My life is Lacey.

The doctors moved fast, thank God.

Words like “severe pneumonia,” “aggressive infection,” and “extended stay” flew around while they ran tests on her. After what seemed like an eternity, the ER doctor finally sat down with me.

“The infection’s in both lungs,” he explained gently. “She’s going to need intensive treatment. We’re looking at a minimum of three weeks in the hospital.”

“Three weeks?” I looked at him with wide eyes. “But… but I have to work. The insurance… it doesn’t cover everything.”

He squeezed my shoulder. “Let’s focus on getting her better first. You can speak with our financial department about payment plans.”

I’ve been doing this solo parent thing for five years now, ever since Mark decided his twenty-something secretary was more appealing than his family responsibilities. The divorce knocked us down hard, but my daughter Lacey and I aren’t the type of people who’d give up. We’re fighters. We didn’t let Mark’s poor decisions affect us.

I worked as a waitress and picked up extra shifts after the divorce. Living on a single income taught me how to stretch every dollar and avoid unnecessary expenses.

Last year, we even managed to move into this supposedly “better” neighborhood. You know, the kind where people treat their HOA guidelines like they’re the Constitution.

“Alice, hon, you’ve got tables 4 and 6 waiting,” Maria called out during another hectic dinner shift.

She’s been my rock through all this, covering for me when hospital visits run long.

“On it!” I called back, tucking my phone deeper into my apron pocket after checking another message from Lacey’s doctors. These hospital bills were piling up faster than I could count, but what choice did I have?

My baby needed me, and I had to work harder for her.

“You look dead on your feet,” Maria said while refilling coffee cups. “When’s the last time you got some real sleep?”

I just shook my head. “Sleep’s a luxury I can’t afford right now. Between the hospital visits and these double shifts…”

“At least you’ve got good neighbors to help out, right?” Maria asked.

I let out a bitter laugh thinking about Carla from two doors down. That woman could give surveillance cameras a run for their money.

Ever since we moved in, she’s appointed herself as the neighborhood’s personal CNN. Carla’s Nosy Network.

Just last month, she caused a whole drama with the Hendersons across the street. They’d painted their front door navy blue. It’s a perfectly normal color, right?

Well, Carla didn’t just notice it. She measured the paint swatch against the HOA handbook, took photos at different times of day, and then sent a 500-word email to everyone about how it was “Midnight Navy” instead of the approved “Classic Navy.”

The poor Hendersons had to repaint their door to avoid a fine.

“Remember that time she counted how many people came to Janet’s book club?” I told Maria. “She actually reported Janet to the HOA for ‘running a business from home’ because there were more than six cars parked on the street. It was a book club, for heaven’s sake!”

Carla’s the type who doesn’t just check her mailbox. She watches everyone else check theirs too. She keeps a literal notebook of when people bring their trash cans in and out.

I swear I’ve seen her peeking through her blinds so often.

That’s why I wasn’t surprised when she started blowing up our HOA group chat about Halloween preparations in mid-September.

Every day brought a new message about “maintaining neighborhood standards” and “preserving property values through seasonal charm.”

But with Lacey in the hospital, festive decorations were the last thing on my mind.

That’s when my phone buzzed again. Another message from Carla, but this time sent directly to me. My heart raced when the notification popped up on my screen.

I couldn’t believe my eyes when I read her text.

Are you special or something? Why isn’t your house decorated for Halloween? It’s almost the end of October, and your house is the only one ruining the vibe. Do you want to spoil Halloween for the whole neighborhood? It’s embarrassing.

I had to read it twice to believe someone could be this insensitive.

I took a deep breath before typing out a response, trying my best to keep it professional despite my rising anger.

Carla, I’m sorry I haven’t decorated. I’ve been in the hospital with my daughter for two weeks now. She’s really sick, and all my money’s gone to medicine and bills. I’m not sure I’ll be able to put anything up this year.

Well, I didn’t get a response from Carla, so I thought she must’ve found something else to worry about. I had no idea how wrong I was.

After three long weeks, Lacey was finally well enough to come home.

We pulled into our driveway at sunset as we discussed how good it’d feel to finally sleep in our beds.

That’s when the smell hit us. A putrid, sickening odor that made my stomach turn.

Our front door was completely covered in smashed, rotten tomatoes. The red pulp dripped down the wood and seeds stuck in every crevice. But the pièce de résistance? A note was taped right in the middle. It read:

Now at least it looks a bit like Halloween. No need to thank me.

“Mommy, why does our house smell bad?” Lacey asked.

I didn’t have an answer to my daughter’s innocent question. I was so angry that my feet were almost shaking.

I got Lacey settled inside despite the garage, made sure she was comfortable in bed, and then stormed over to Carla’s house. I could see her peeking through her blinds as I approached.

When she opened the door, that smug smile on her face made me want to scream.

“Oh, hey there. Enjoying the Halloween decorations?” she asked.

“Are you kidding me, Carla?” I snapped. “I told you what I was dealing with. You know my daughter’s been in the hospital, and you still did this?”

She rolled her eyes like I was being dramatic. “Look, I just thought you were making excuses. Everyone decorates, and it’s unfair for you to spoil it for the rest of us. I thought a little tomato juice might remind you to get into the spirit. You didn’t put up the decorations soon enough. Not my fault.”

Before I could respond, her husband Dan appeared behind her. He was horrified after hearing his wife’s confession.

“Carla, what the hell is wrong with you?” he demanded. “You did what?”

The next few minutes were pure chaos.

Dan pulled Carla inside, and I could hear him confront her. The muffled argument was punctuated by phrases like “completely unacceptable” and “lost your mind.”

When Dan returned to the door, his face was red with embarrassment.

“I’m so sorry,” he said. “I had no idea she’d do something like this. I’ll clean up your door and pay for any damages. Carla, you better apologize right now.”

Carla emerged and muttered what had to be the most insincere apology I’d ever heard.

But this isn’t where the story ends. Karma intervened a few hours later and taught her an unforgettable lesson.

That night, the strongest storm of the season hit our neighborhood.

The wind howled like a banshee, and the rain came down in sheets. When I looked out my window the next morning, I couldn’t help but laugh at the irony.

Carla’s elaborate Halloween display – the one she’d been bragging about for weeks – was absolutely decimated. Her precious inflatable decorations were scattered across three yards, her meticulously carved pumpkins had turned to mush in the rain, and her collection of “premium” skeletons lay broken and tangled in the bushes.

Mother Nature had delivered the perfect revenge.

Dan followed through on his promise, showing up early the next day with cleaning supplies and groceries.

“I can’t apologize enough,” he said while scrubbing the last bits of tomato off my door. “How’s your daughter doing?”

“She’s getting stronger every day,” I replied. “Thanks for asking. And thanks for, uh, everything else.”

Carla hasn’t spoken a word to me since then and I’ve been loving the silence. When I pass by her house these days and see her bare lawn, I can’t help but smile a little.

Sometimes karma doesn’t just come around. It blows through like a hurricane.

If you enjoyed reading this story, here’s another one you might like: I’d always dreamed of a perfect Christmas, and this year was supposed to be special since I was finally going to be a part of Liam’s family. I was excited to start a new chapter of our lives, unaware that this Christmas would be the beginning of the end.

I had to leave town for a funeral, trusting my MIL to help my daughters prepare for the school ball. But when the photos came, my eldest was wearing a humiliating hot dog costume while her half-sisters dazzled in princess dresses! Furious, my husband and I raced home to confront his mother.

My second husband treats my eldest daughter, Mabel like she’s his flesh and blood, and I never once had to ask him to. But his mother, Brenda? Well, that’s a different story.

I brushed it off the first time I noticed Brenda’s favoritism. It wasn’t anything blatant, just little things.

She’d say something like, “Tessa and Juno are such spitting images of Aaron, aren’t they?” while her eyes skipped right over Mabel. Or she’d shower the younger girls with gifts and somehow “forget” to pick something up for Mabel.

But those little things quickly added up. The resentment inside me grew like a slow-burning fire. I kept trying to smother it until the day I couldn’t anymore.

It was the school ball that broke me. A simple event, but it was the highlight of the year for my girls. You’d think they were going to a cotillion, the way they carried on.

Mabel had been talking about it for weeks. She was dreaming of the day she could twirl in a princess dress with her friends.

And then my mom died. Just like that, in the middle of all the ball preparations, Aaron and I had to leave town for the funeral.

Leaving the girls in Brenda’s care while Aaron and I were away was the obvious choice. If it weren’t for the ball, I wouldn’t have thought twice about it.

To say I was reluctant to trust Brenda with handling their dresses for the ball is an understatement, but what could I do? Brenda sounded so genuine when she told me she’d take care of everything that I fully believed she’d do right by all three of my girls.

I was an idiot.

We were at the funeral reception when my phone buzzed with a message from Brenda. I’d been drowning in grief all day and thought hearing about my girls’ preparations for the school ball would cheer me up.

How wrong I was.

The minute I opened the message, I was confronted with pictures of Tessa and Juno in stunning, sparkly princess dresses — exactly what we had planned. But my beautiful, sweet Mabel was wearing a ridiculous, cheap, foam hot dog costume!

And the worst part was the caption: “Every princess needs a sidekick, right? Well, here’s ours!”

I stared at the screen, my heart dropping into my stomach. A sidekick! My Mabel, the girl who had been counting down the days until she could feel like a princess, was instead shoved into a costume that mocked her.

My grief morphed into something hotter and sharper — a rage I hadn’t known I was capable of. I stormed outside the reception hall and dialed Brenda.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” I hissed, trying to keep my voice down. “Why is Mable dressed as a hot dog?”

Brenda sounded baffled like I was making a big deal out of nothing. “Judith, calm down. It was just a joke. Mabel didn’t mind.”

“A joke? She’s ten, Brenda! She was supposed to be a princess, that’s what she wanted, and you put her in that ridiculous costume instead?”

“She didn’t seem upset about it—”

“She didn’t seem upset?” I could barely breathe. “Did you even ask her?”

Aaron was by my side now, frowning as he listened to my side of the conversation. After a few minutes, he gestured to me to pass him my phone, which I gladly did.

“Mom, what’s going on?” he demanded, his knuckles white as he gripped the phone. “You promised to take care of this. You said you had it covered.”

On the other end, I could hear Brenda’s voice, wavering but still defensive. “Aaron, I don’t see why this is such a big deal! Mabel didn’t mind. It was just a joke, for heaven’s sake. She wasn’t upset—”

“Well, I thought it was funny—”

Aaron’s patience snapped.

“She’s a child, Mom! Not your punchline. We’ll talk about this in person.”

And with that, he ended the call and turned to me. I nodded, and we headed straight for the parking lot. I could barely keep up with him as he stormed to the car, his face hard with determination.

Aaron barely said a word during the drive, his jaw clenched, eyes fixed on the road. The moment we pulled up to Brenda’s house, he slammed the car door and headed straight inside, not waiting for me.

I followed, heart pounding, my stomach twisting in knots.

Brenda was in the kitchen, her back to us, casually pouring herself a cup of tea like nothing was wrong. Aaron didn’t waste a second.

“How could you do this to her, Mom?” His voice boomed, startling her as the teacup rattled in her hands. “How could you humiliate her like that?”

Brenda spun around, her face flushed. “Aaron, calm down. You’re overreacting. It was just a harmless joke—”

“Harmless?” His voice cracked. “I bet Mabel was the only kid at that ball dressed like a joke! Do you even understand what you’ve done?”

I didn’t wait to hear more. I moved quietly past them, heading down the hallway to the living room where the girls were sitting.

Mabel looked up at me, her eyes wide and questioning.

“We’re going home, sweetheart,” I whispered, gently brushing my fingers over her hair. “It’s all going to be okay.”

When we got home and spoke to Mabel, my heart shattered. She tried to be brave at first, but all it took was a soft word from Aaron and she crumbled. Tears streaked her face as she told us about the ball.

“All the other girls were in dresses, and they kept asking me why I wasn’t.” Her voice wobbled, and she looked down at her lap, twisting her hands together. “I didn’t know what to say, so I just laughed along. But… I felt so stupid.”

I kneeled in front of her, gently lifting her chin so I could look into her eyes. “Baby, you are not stupid. You’re the most amazing, strong, and beautiful girl, and I’m so sorry you had to go through that.”

Aaron squeezed her hand, his face etched with guilt. “We’ll fix this, Mabel. I promise.”

But we couldn’t fix it. In fact, it got worse.

The school shared photos of the ball, including shots of Mabel as a hot dog surrounded by sparkling princesses, and one of them went viral in our city. It started as a joke among the kids, and then it spread like wildfire.

Parents began asking me why Mabel had been singled out and I told them what Brenda had done. That’s when everything exploded.

See, one of the parents worked for a local TV station. Soon, the story made its way into the local news as part of an exposé on thoughtless jokes and how they can hurt children.

Brenda was mortified. She started getting calls, texts, and emails from neighbors and strangers condemning her actions. She tried to defend herself by saying it was all a misunderstanding, but no one cared.

The damage was done. She had humiliated her granddaughter, and the entire city knew it.

The silver lining in all of this? Mabel wasn’t alone. The community, the same one that had gossiped and judged, now rallied behind her.

Local parents came forward, offering empathy and support, and in a twist I never saw coming, a local boutique decided to sponsor a second princess-themed ball, just for Mabel.

The night of the event, Mabel walked into the room in the most stunning princess dress I’d ever seen. Layers of tulle and silk swirled around her when she moved and a tiara glittered on her head.

She wasn’t a sidekick anymore. She was the star.

Watching her beam as she twirled across the dance floor, the weight of Brenda’s apology hung in the air. Yes, she’d apologized. To me, to Aaron, and finally to Mabel.

But no matter how genuine it was, the damage was already done. Trust is hard to rebuild, especially when it comes to your children.

Still, that night, as Mabel twirled in her gown, her laughter ringing out, I felt hopeful that Brenda had learned her lesson about treating her granddaughters equally. It wasn’t so hard, after all, I thought as I watched Aaron take Mabel’s hands and dance with her around the living room.

Here’s another story: When my nieces mocked my daughter by hanging her first set of bras for the world to see, they thought it was just a joke. But when it comes to my child, I don’t take anything lightly. It was time they learned a lesson they’d never forget. Click here to keep reading.

Michael Douglas’ daughter is all grown up and is now attending college while following in her parents’ career footsteps. Some netizens have compared her to her father, while others believed she resembled her mother more, especially after wearing one of the actress’ old dresses.

Fans were thrilled by her appearance when they saw Michael Douglas posing alongside his daughter, Carys Douglas. They compared her to her famous parents as her father visited her at school.

On October 20, 2024, Michael took to his Instagram account, sharing two images of him with his daughter, whose mother is actress Catherine Zeta-Jones. In the first image, only Carys smiled, while in the second, both she and her father appeared happy.

Tagging his daughter in the post, Michael wrote, “Visiting my daughter Carys at school on a fall Sunday! @carys.douglas ❤️” Netizens who saw the post couldn’t decide whether the 21-year-old looked more like her father or her mother.

Believing Carys resembled her father more, one person commented, “The resemblance & vibe uncanny [sic].” Agreeing, another wrote, “She’s got her dad’s smile.”

Another fan added, “Beautiful looks like her Papa ❤️,” while someone else who thought Carys shared a specific trait with her father said, “Dady’s [sic] chin! Beautiful girl!”

Others felt she favored her mother with one Instagram user saying, “So pretty looks like her beautiful mom💙🤍,” while another noted, “She looks so much like Catherine❤️.”

“She’s gorgeous and the spitting image of her Mama! 🥰,” agreed one Instagrammer. Breaking away from the divided opinions, another user shared, “What beautiful [sic] young lady she took the best from both of you 😍.”

This wasn’t the first time Carys was compared to her mother. In April 2024, for her 21st birthday celebration, Michael’s daughter wore her mother’s pink slip dress from the 90s and shared images on Instagram.

Her Instagram post was captioned, “The most perfect 21st I could ask for!” One follower, noticing the resemblance between mother and daughter, replied, “carys! beautiful like her mother, love u beautiful [sic] ❤️.”

Another fan observed, “Stunning beautiful gorgeous grown woman, just like her mother 😍 x.” Carys celebrated with friends, sharing moments of laughter and joy, and even blowing out the candles on her birthday cake.

Catherine first wore the dress in 1999 at the MTV Movie Awards on the red carpet. To honor her daughter, Catherine shared several photos of Carys from childhood to now, showing the woman she has become.

The actress wished her “beautiful” daughter a happy birthday and expressed how Carys was the joy in her life. She said watching her daughter grow into the “most incredible woman she is today is a God-given gift that I never take for granted and cherish every day of my life.”

The star concluded her post by thanking Carys for being who she is, sharing her love. In response, Michael’s daughter reciprocated the love, thanking her mother for everything and expressing her pride in being Catherine’s daughter.

Michael also honored Carys by posting a photo of himself gazing lovingly at her. He wished his daughter a happy 21st birthday and noted how she brought joy to him and the world.

In response, Carys replied, “I love you so much, Dadda! Thank you for being the best dad in the world ❤️.” Back in April 2021, Catherine expressed her excitement as her daughter began preparing for college.

The actress shared a “very cute alert” video of a young Carys talking, joking that the journey to higher education starts on the bathroom floor, with limited teeth and a passion for books. She mentioned that her daughter was packing for college as she looked through old videos.

Catherine humorously asked her followers not to tell Carys about the adorable clip. Showing her inclination toward her parents’ career, in September 2024, Carys shared screenshots from a movie she had worked on.