The wedding day, for most couples, holds the tittle of the best day in their life.
The wedding truly is a celebration of love between two people who make a decision to commit to one another for the rest of their days. This day marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with shared experiences, growth, and support for each other.
Emma Bauso
Wedding is also an opportunity for the entire family to gather together.
From the exchange of vows to the first dance, weddings are filled with unforgettable moments that create lasting memories that hold sentimental value and are cherished by the couple and their loved ones for the years to come.
When couples plan their wedding day, they put a lot of thought on each and every detail because they want it to be picture perfect. From the choice of venue to the décor and theme, weddings are a reflection of the couple’s unique love story.
T Leish
However, in an attempt to provide their guests with a unique experience, some couples do weird things. Whether they regret it when they look at their wedding photos years later is something we will never know, but what we know is that some weddings are so awkward they make us question the sanity of the bride and the groom, and some are so fun they put a smile on our faces.
Take a look at the video below and see some of the most intriguing weddings you’ve ever seen.
While driving home one evening, a man encountered a startling interruption: a bear wandered onto the road and directly blocked his car. He immediately came to a stop, expecting the bear to lose interest and move on. But what happened next caught him entirely off guard. Within seconds, the bear approached his vehicle and, to his surprise, began tugging on the car door handle as if trying to get inside.
The man was shocked, watching as the bear, appearing unafraid and extremely curious, continued its determined attempt to open the door. In that intense moment, he was grateful he’d locked the doors, keeping him safely separated from the animal. Heart racing, he realized how close he’d come to having a much more direct encounter with the wild bear.
This unusual moment didn’t just shake up his drive; it served as a powerful reminder of the unpredictability of wildlife, even in areas where encounters might not be expected. The man shared the story later, noting that while he’d heard of bears wandering near roads and campsites, he’d never imagined one would come right up to his car and try to join him for the ride.
The experience left him both in awe and on edge, a reminder to stay cautious and prepared when out on the road, as nature’s surprises can appear at any moment, even on the most routine drive home.
Three years had passed since my daughter Gianna’s death, and though my son Sebastian called occasionally, he rarely visited. Loneliness was a constant, until one day, I saw a young woman by the roadside, holding a baby and looking lost. She reminded me of Gianna.
“Do you need help?” I asked. Surprised, she hesitated, but agreed. Her name was Julia, and her baby, Adam. Welcoming them into my home filled it with warmth I hadn’t felt in years.
Julia stayed with me, finding a job nearby while I cared for Adam. Laughter filled the house, reviving a long-lost joy. But one night, I found her searching through my belongings. Heartbroken, I asked why. Tearfully, she confessed her struggles—her other child, Aurora, was gravely ill, and Julia was desperate.
Instead of anger, I felt empathy. I gathered friends and organized a fundraiser. The community responded with generosity, raising enough for Aurora’s surgery.
Afterward, Julia and her children became a fixture in my home, filling it with love. Eventually, I asked them to stay permanently. This once-quiet house was now alive with laughter and belonging. Julia and her kids had given me the gift of family once more. In helping them, I found peace and joy I thought I’d lost forever.
Shania Twain is a major superstar whose name is known worldwide. However, her life was not always as glamorous as one would assume. It is always fascinating to know more about your favorite celebrity’s childhood.
She might dominate the charts and travel the world now, but that did not always happen. She did not always have an easy life.
Keep reading to know more about the singer’s childhood, which might surprise you.
Born to a family grappling with poverty in Timmins, Ontario, she had a tough start to her life. Her stepfather’s low-paying reforestation job and her mother’s depression made things even harder. She was just one of five children and had to learn early on to do without.
She began to sing in bars and perform; however, soon, she would have a lot more responsibility on her shoulders than just having some gievery now and then. Soon she was left to be responsible for her siblings.
Since her family always struggled with money, she knew how to be without even essentials such as food, heating, and electricity.
She realized her life was different to that of her classmates when she would be without lunch and look at her peers during lunch, hoping they would leave some of their food uneaten so she could take it.
The young girl would usually tell her teacher that she had left her lunch in her locker or at home. She began to focus on music as a way to escape the harsh realities of her life.
She would go to the forest with her guitar, light a small fire, and then lose herself to her music. The music she played helped her forget the harshness of her real life where her responsibilities and poverty weighed her down.
First taste of performing
Her mother was able to see her talent and began to take her to gigs at local bars when she was just 8 years old. She would perform after midnight when patrons would already have their alcohol served to them since she legally could not be in a place where alcohol was actively being served at that age.
When she was 11 years old, she got a permit to perform earlier in the evening however she did not get paid till she was fourteen years old. She also started working at McDonald’s, a job she later referred to as her “saving grace,” as it allowed her to get paid while also providing her with regular meals, something she did not know about.
She would work at McDonald’s after school and then sing at bars afterward; her schedule was incredibly busy and left her exhausted. However, she focused on her music and hoped to have a better life.
However, her family struggled with things other than poverty. Her stepfather had legally adopted her and her siblings. He was harsh and abusive and made their home environment incredibly toxic and scary for the children.
She recalls having to fend for herself against his violence. She recalled a specific moment when she threw a chair at him in self-defense. “I think a lot of that was anger, not courage,” she later said of it.
Shutterstock.com
The abuse went on for a while, and it was only one part of her trauma. When she was ten years old, her stepfather began to sexually abuse her. She kept the abuse a secret, and it further weighed on her for years till she felt brave enough to talk about it publicly.
Some of her trauma remained unresolved because when she was 22 years old, her mother and stepfather died in a car crash. Shania Twain was left to care for her younger siblings. She was the second eldest and was responsible for the younger children.
A new job
She wanted to make sure all of them were together, so she took a singing job at a nearby resort, a job that allowed her to have a small home. At the time, her life was very stressful. She woke up to chop wood to heat up the house, get her siblings to school, then sing late into the night.
The teenager had to maintain a feminine image of a polished singer for her job. She had never had time to focus on herself before, but now her job required her to take care of herself.
The big break
As her siblings grew up and became more independent, she was able to focus more on her own career. She recorded a demo and sent it to record labels. Her hard work paid off when Mercury Nashville signed her. This marked the beginning of her musical career.
As her music career started, she met a renowned music producer. The two of them collaborated and soon it turned romantic as they married one another. They soon developed Twain’s musical style, co-writing and producing together.
Her celebrity grew rapidly as a result and she reached massive audiences with her music.
But as her success rose, she noticed that her voice was having some setbacks. But it took another decade for her to get a diagnosis for Lyme disease, which had affected her vocal cords.
Shutterstock
She had to take a break from singing and undergo surgery which left her with a raspier voice than before. She embraced this difference and focused on her music. Her musical partnership with her husband, music producer Robert “Mutt” Lange, was still working well. The two have a son together, Eja D’Angelo Lange. Apart from musically, the couple also were doing well personally however Twain discovered that her husband was cheating on her.
He was having an affair with his close friend, Marie-Anne Thiébaud, whom she had previously worked for as their secretary. Shania Twain found an unexpected ally in Thiébaud’s husband, who was just as blindsided by the affair. Her relationship with Frédéric Thiébaud started off with their mutual devastation.
However, the relationship soon turned romantic and in 2011 the two of them married and began a new chapter in their lives.
Twain revealed that she no longer holds any resentment for her ex-husband and his affair. She acknowledges what he did for her musical career and the child they share together.
The singer has seen it all in her life! She has been on the highest of highs and the lowest of lows! We are sending the singer our best for her future. Share this with other fans of Shania Twain who might not have known this about her.
If your hair isn’t meeting your expectations, it’s time to try this homemade remedy. With just one herb, you can achieve thicker and more beautiful hair, and the results will pleasantly surprise you. Here’s a guide inspired by a popular YouTube tutorial.
What You’ll Need:
5 cups of water
5 sprigs of rosemary
Method:
Boil the Water: Pour water into a pot and bring it to a boil.
Clean the Rosemary: Rinse the rosemary sprigs in a bowl of water to clean them well.
Infuse the Rosemary: Once the water boils, add the rosemary sprigs to the pot and cover with a lid. Let it simmer for 15 minutes.
Cool and Strain: After 15 minutes, turn off the stove and set it aside. Let the decoction cool to room temperature. Then, pour the solution into a spray bottle using a strainer and funnel.
Application:
Apply to your hair morning and night. After application, your hair will be damp, so spray the decoction generously in the morning to allow it to dry before heading out.
Visible results should be noticeable within a month.
Effects of Rosemary on Hair:
Rosemary is an effective herb known to combat hair loss and stimulate growth. This rosemary solution also prevents the appearance of gray hairs.
In today’s fast-paced and chaotic society, it’s hard not to feel a pang of nostalgia for the simpler times of the ’70s and ’80s.
I can vividly recall the days spent cruising on my bike, the wind in my hair, and the world stretching out before me. My mom’s call of “be home before it gets dark!” echoed in the background as we roamed free, making memories with friends.
Those were truly special times!
And you know, people actually talked to each other back then. Conversations were meaningful, and interactions were often face-to-
While the ’70s certainly had their imperfections, they feel like a golden age compared to the dystopian nightmare we sometimes find ourselves in today.
As we delve into the evolution of friendship and relationships, it’s essential to recognize how these connections have changed from the ’70s to today. Join me on a journey as we explore the shifting dynamics of love, companionship, and the bonds that unite us, highlighting the nostalgic elements that made the past so special.
The ’70s were a kaleidoscope of ups and downs that crafted the essence of the decade. The crisp scent of freshly cut grass filled the air, and Saturday mornings were dedicated to watching your favorite cartoons.
In the evenings, people enjoyed live musical acts that brought them together. Drive-in theaters were the height of weekend entertainment, and conversations were often carried out over the distinct sound of dial telephones.
And who could forget the vibrant avocado green kitchen appliances or the banana bikes that adorned our neighborhoods? The muscle cars zoomed by, showcasing the power and style of the decade. I would gladly revisit those days in a heartbeat.
Now, let’s explore how relationships have evolved from the ’70s to the present day.
1. Communication Styles
In the 1970s, communication in relationships was predominantly face-to-face or via landline telephones.
The idea of texting or instant messaging was far from reality. Couples often wrote letters to express their feelings or shared moments through phone calls.
The number of households with phones soared to about 95% and this was also the decade when touch-tone phones began to replace the old rotary models, making calls a little more efficient — and a lot less frustrating!
In the 1970s, phone rates were quite steep, so I’ve heard that my family seldom talked to our distant relatives until the night rate became available. When the phone rang during the day, it usually meant bad news.
Today, communication is instantaneous, with social media, texting, and video calls allowing couples to connect regardless of distance. This has led to an increase in both communication and, sometimes, miscommunication, as tone and intent can be easily misconstrued through digital mediums.
In the past, if you wanted to date, you really needed to have some solid social skills.
For example, you actually had to be brave enough to chat with strangers — imagine that! Some folks claim dating was a walk in the park back then; you could stumble upon your future soulmate practically anywhere — at school, work, or through friends, and yes, even in the smoky haze of bars and clubs.
Exchanging phone numbers was practically a rite of passage, and if you wanted to make plans, you had to dial their number and hope for the best. No swiping required — just good old-fashioned nerve!
Today, where dating apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge have revolutionized how people meet. Dating in the ’70s often involved traditional roles, where men typically initiated dates and paid for meals – that has definitely changed today!
3. Attitudes and commitment
The concept of commitment has also shifted. In the early 1970s, a remarkable 70% of married men and 67% of married women reported feeling very happy in their marriages, highlighting a time when marital satisfaction seemed to thrive
Back then, there was a strong emphasis on marriage as a significant life milestone.
Couples frequently married young, and divorce was less common, though it was beginning to rise. Today, more young people prioritize personal fulfillment and career development.
Moving in together before marriage has also become widely accepted, with many couples opting to live together before making a lifelong commitment or starting a family.
4. Gender roles and equality
The feminist movement played a crucial role during this era. While the 1970s had its fair share of good times, women still faced a long road ahead for their rights. It was pretty uncommon for women to work outside the home back then. They were often labeled as ”housewives” or “homemakers,” and that was seen as their primary role in society. Roles were divided in the home by sex, not need.
With limited job opportunities, many women found themselves in a tight spot if they separated from their partners. And if they had kids? Forget about it! Employers often asked, ”Who’s watching the children while you’re at work?”
That’s one of the reasons women began advocating for equality, leading to changes in how relationships were viewed and navigated.
Today, the push for equality continues, but there is a broader understanding of diverse relationship structures, including LGBTQ+ partnerships and non-monogamous arrangements.
Gender roles are also more fluid, allowing individuals to define their relationships based on mutual respect and collaboration rather than traditional expectations.
5. Did people have more friends?
Personally, I believe that people in the 70’s had more meaningful friendships than today. Just think about it: no PCs, no cell phones, no CDs or DVDs, and VCRs were a rare luxury.
Car phones were huge and mostly found in limos. There were no flat-screen TVs, cable channels, voicemail, or answering machines — everything was analog.
And 24-hour stores? Forget it! The only ones open all night were a few gas stations and the occasional 7-Eleven. Because of all that, the time spent with friends was much more personal, and I think it really created stronger bonds. Back then, the number of friends you had didn’t matter much — unless, of course, you were vying for the “most popular” title in the high school yearbook!
For me, it was always about the quality and depth of those friendships. There was something special about sharing moments together, just the two of us or in a small group, that made those connections truly meaningful.
6. Social media influence
Back in the ’70s, showing a little love in public was mostly kept to private moments— think sneaky hand-holding and quiet kisses away from prying eyes.
Fast forward to today, and it’s like a whole new world! Now, we’re all about sharing relationship milestones on Instagram and Facebook.
But did you know that the very first social media-like software was actually creatied in 1978. Bulletin Board System was a way for friends to share info and connect with each other. Picture this: you’d dial in with a modem — yep, the kind that made those funny beeping noises! Users could set up groups, share files, and post messages for others to see. It was like the original online hangout spot before social media blew up! How cool is that?
Some people today say that social media “friends” aren’t really friends — kind of like those folks you chat with at a bar.
Someone mentioned that you could disappear from social media for a few months and see how many people actually notice, and that’s a little scary! But on the flip side, it’s also a great and easy way to stay connected with old classmates, family members, and casual acquaintances. It’s definitely a mixed bag with social media.
7. Mental health awareness
Finally, the growing awareness of mental health issues has totally changed how we approach relationships. Back in the ’70s, talking about mental health was often seen as taboo, and people had a tough time expressing their emotional needs.
People often self-medicated, and there was a lot of tolerance for craziness, drunkenness, and sadness in society back then. A lot of people were labeled as “insane,” “lunatic,” or “idiotic” — which, honestly, didn’t help anyone at all. It just added to the stigma.
But today? It’s a whole different ball game. There’s a big focus on emotional intelligence, mental health support, and healthy communication.
Couples are encouraged to seek therapy, have open chats about their feelings, and really prioritize their emotional well-being. Honestly, I think it’s way better nowadays! It’s refreshing to see people take their mental health seriously and build stronger, more connected relationships.
So there you have it! The friendships of the ’70s brought something special to the table: real connections, memorable hangouts, and plenty of laughs without the distractions of modern life.
While today’s friendships come with their own perks, there’s just something about that good old-fashioned bonding that we can’t help but miss!
So, what do you think? Were the friendships of the ’70s truly better? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Let’s chat about it in the comments – and don’t forget to share this article on Facebook!
When I met Jacob on a dating site, I was captivated. He was charming, attentive, and seemed genuinely interested in who I was. Our messages quickly turned into long, late-night conversations, and soon, I found myself thinking he might just be “the one.”
We had spent months getting to know each other over video calls and texts, sharing stories, dreams, and even insecurities. Jacob felt different from other guys I’d dated. He noticed the details, like my handmade Scarlet Witch costume in a profile photo, and he remembered the little things about me. I thought I knew him so well. But as our first date approached, I would discover there was a lot he hadn’t told me.
Friday evening, I arrived at Coffee Beanz with butterflies in my stomach, dressed in the perfect outfit my best friend Sarah had helped me pick out. As I stepped inside, the warm aroma of coffee and pastries wrapped around me, and I scanned the tables for Jacob. My excitement quickly faded when I spotted him—sitting with a well-dressed older couple who, I soon learned, were his parents.
“Lia! Over here!” he called, smiling as if nothing was out of the ordinary. I walked over slowly, processing the scene. This was supposed to be a first date, not a family reunion. As I sat down, Jacob introduced his parents, Linda and Patrick. I forced a polite smile, trying to get a grip on the situation.
Linda patted the chair beside her, and as I sat, she reached into her designer bag and pulled out a sheet of paper, which she handed to me with a slight smile. “Now, dear, I just have a few questions to help us get to know you better.”
I stared at the paper, my mind reeling. Each question was more invasive than the last:
What is your current annual income and five-year career projection?
Please list any medical conditions, including family history of genetic disorders.
How many romantic partners have you had, and why did those relationships end?
Do you own or lease your vehicle, and what’s your credit score?
Are you willing to sign a prenuptial agreement?
And it continued from there, with questions about childcare, living arrangements, and hosting family holidays. I looked over at Jacob, expecting him to jump in and say this was all a joke. But he simply looked down at his napkin, avoiding my gaze.
“Is this…for real?” I asked, dumbfounded.
Linda looked at me with a slight frown, as if I were being difficult. “Of course, dear. We have to make sure our Jacob is in good hands. We’re just doing what’s best for him.”
I took a deep breath, deciding I needed a moment. “Would you excuse me?” I said, standing up.
Instead of going to the restroom, I ducked out to a nearby convenience store, grabbing a notebook and pen. Five minutes later, I returned to the table with my own list of questions, determined to flip the script.
I sat down, and with a calm smile, I slid my paper over to Linda. “Before I answer your questions, I have a few of my own.”
Linda’s face showed shock and then irritation as she scanned the page. I had written questions like:
At what point did you realize your son couldn’t choose his own partner?
How many women have gone through your interrogation process?
Do you inspect their teeth, or is that saved for the second date?
When Jacob moves out of your basement, will you require his future wife to submit weekly progress reports?
Have you considered therapy for your control issues?
Linda’s face flushed, and she looked to Jacob for support, but he simply sat there, stunned. “This is outrageous!” she hissed, glancing around the restaurant as people started noticing the tension at our table.
“And treating me like a job applicant isn’t?” I asked, my voice low but firm. “Jacob, if you can’t stand up for yourself, that’s one thing. But don’t expect me to sit here and be treated like an acquisition.”
Jacob finally spoke up, his voice barely above a whisper. “My parents just want the best for me. They’re just looking out…”
I shook my head, standing up. “What’s best for you is to live your own life, Jacob, not let your parents run it.”
Linda, red-faced, started gathering her things, instructing Jacob to leave with her. But before they left, I raised my voice slightly. “Waiter!” I called out. “These people are trying to leave without paying their bill!”
Linda’s jaw dropped, and the entire restaurant went silent. She pulled out her wallet, her hands trembling, and angrily paid the check.
As I left the table, I turned to Jacob. “Good luck finding someone who meets your family’s standards. Maybe you should try a job recruitment site instead of a dating app. They’re much better at vetting.”
I walked out into the cool night air, my phone buzzing with a message from Jacob, saying, “You didn’t have to be so cruel. My parents were only trying to help.”
I typed back, “Just looking out for myself. Goodbye, Jacob.”
Later that night, I called Sarah, filling her in on the disaster. She laughed in disbelief and joked, “I bet Linda has a spreadsheet ranking all of Jacob’s potential wives.”
We both burst into laughter, and in that moment, all my disappointment melted away. If there was one thing I’d learned, it was that sometimes, dodging a red flag wrapped in a questionnaire is the best thing that could happen.
A man who had lost his family decides to adopt a little boy that no one wants because he has Down syndrome. Years later, he is contacted by a lawyer with surprising news.
David paced nervously up and down the hospital waiting room. His brother Jack said, “Calm down, Dave! You’d think no one ever had a baby before!”
David smiled. “I know,” he said. “I’m just so nervous! I’ve always wanted to be a father!”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
Jack grinned and patted his brother on the back. “Get ready to be a daddy, my man!” It was then that the doctor walked in and headed for David. There was something in his expression that killed all laughter, and David just knew.
It was, the doctor said, one of those one-in-a-million flukes, a rare mischance but it had cost Rita and their baby their lives. David listened to him very calmly and nodded in all the right places.
He didn’t even cry, but when he tried to take a step, his knees just folded. A weeping Jack had to hold up his brother and carry him home as if he were a child.
Days later, after Rita and their baby were buried, and everyone but Dave seemed ready to forget, he woke to a silent house. He reached out to Rita’s side of the bed. Empty.
Parents will make the most heartbreaking decisions for their children’s welfare.
He got up and walked down the corridor to the nursery and turned on the pretty nightlight that cast soft pastel stars up onto the ceiling. He and Rita had decorated that room as much with pain as with dreams. It was all gone.
Dave sat in the rocking chair Rita had insisted was a must-have and cried. His heart and his house were empty, his dreams were gone. He wanted to tear that nursery apart and negate that emptiness.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
Suddenly, a thought invaded his mind. “You can’t fill a hole with anger, only with love.” Who said that? Dave wondered. He’d heard that somewhere, sometime. Now, maybe that idea might save his life.
Dave contacted social services and inquired about adopting or fostering a child. At first, the social worker was hesitant. “We don’t usually give children to single parents,” she said. “Though it IS becoming more common.”
“I have a good life,” Dave said. “I have a lot to give a child, especially love. My wife and I dreamed of being parents — I want to make that dream come true.”
The social worker picked up a file with lots of colored stickers on it. “Would you consider a special needs child?” she asked.
Dave shrugged. “All children are special, they all have needs,” he said quietly. “We never know what God might send us. I’ll take the child who needs me.”
Of course, Dave had to go through a lot of interviews and had to do some parenting workshops, but eventually, the big day came. They told him he had a son.
“We have a little boy who has been through three different foster families,” the social worker said. “His name is Sam, and he is two years old. He has Down syndrome…”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash
“Where is he?” asked Dave.
“Sam has some health issues you should be aware of,” the social worker said.
“I’ll take him to the pediatrician,” Dave said. “Whatever he needs, he’ll get.”
When Dave saw Sam, it was love at first sight. Sam was the cutest baby he’d ever seen!
At first, Sam was shy, but when he realized how much Dave loved him, and how caring he was, he slowly came out of his shell. Dave couldn’t understand how anyone could not want such an adorable child!
Of course, it took Sam a little longer to reach his milestones, and the doctor said they would have to watch his heart, but in almost every way, he was perfect!
For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash
The best part of Dave’s day was when he picked Sam up from childcare, and his little boy ran to him, arms opened wide. Dave would swing Sam up high and tickle his fat little belly, and his heart would overflow with love.
“Rita,” he’d whisper to his dead wife when he watched Sam sleeping. “I made our dream come true, I filled the hole you and our baby left in my life with love.”
The years went by, and Sam grew as fast as any other child. The doctor said his heart was just fine. He was a happy, friendly boy who made friends out of everyone he met. No one could resist Sam and his happy grin!
The phone was constantly ringing with invitations for sleepovers and playdates, and Dave could hardly keep up with Sam’s busy social life!
Then Sam turned twelve, and he started wanting to go out with his friends on his own like the big boy he was. It wasn’t easy for Dave, but like every other parent, he learned to give his son space.
Then one day, he received a phone call from a lawyer. “Mr. Wallace,” the man said. “I’m calling on behalf of your adoptive son’s birth parent…”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash
“What do you want?” Dave asked sharply.
“I would like to talk to you…” the lawyer said.
“I’m not interested,” Dave said. “Those people abandoned my son. There’s nothing you could say that I want to hear.”
“Please, Mr. Wallace,” the lawyer said. “For Sam’s sake.”
Reluctantly, Dave agreed to meet the lawyer. As soon as he arrived, the man handed Dave a letter. “This will explain everything so much better than I ever could, Mr. Wallace,” he said.
Dave opened the envelope and started reading: “Dear Mr. Wallce, if you are reading this, I’m finally at rest with my beloved wife. I thank you for loving my sweet Sam and for caring for him.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash
“Before Sam was born, the doctors told us he had Down syndrome, and it made no difference to us. We welcomed him joyfully. We imagined we’d have many long and happy years as a family, but it was not to be.
“When Sam was three months old, he was in the hospital for some tests. My wife, Emily, and I drove to the hospital to pick him up, and we were hit by a truck.
“Emily died instantly, I survived, but as a quadriplegic. For these last twelve years, I’ve been a dead man who still breathed and cried and cursed God.
“I was not the father Sam deserved. I wanted better for my son, so I placed him for adoption. I was right, Mr. Wallace, because you took my boy in and you’ve been the best father.
“One day, I want you to be able to tell Sam that his birth parents loved him and wanted him. I don’t ever want my boy to think we abandoned him.
“Please, tell him! My lawyer will give you the papers for Sam’s trust fund which will be in your hands. Thank you again, Mr. Wallace, for loving my Sam, for being the father I should have been.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash
The lawyer gave Dave access to Sam’s trust fund which came to $1.2 million, money which he vowed would secure his son’s future, just as his biological father had wished.
Dave wondered if the families who had turned away from Sam would have turned down the money if they had known it existed! Sam’s biological father had been right to hide his fortune, so his son could be loved for himself.
Clara was thrilled when Nick invited her on a romantic weekend getaway to a luxurious hotel. From the breathtaking ocean views to the lavish meals, it seemed like a dream come true. Nick’s attentiveness during dinners and their long walks along the beach made her feel more in love than ever. The entire weekend felt like something out of a fairytale — until Monday morning.
Without warning, Nick abruptly told her he had an urgent work meeting and needed to leave immediately. He asked her to handle the check-out and said a quick goodbye. Clara was disappointed but figured he’d spent so much on the trip that she could cover any additional expenses. That was until she saw the bill — a staggering $1,350 for minibar items and room service charges he’d accumulated over the weekend. When she called him, he casually texted back, asking her to “take care of it.”
Feeling hurt and betrayed, Clara reluctantly paid the bill. But as she was checking out, the receptionist revealed something shocking: Nick hadn’t spent a dime on the room, as it had been covered by his company’s travel perks. He had left her with the entire tab, pretending it was a grand romantic gesture when it was really just a way to avoid spending his own money.
Back home, Clara decided she wouldn’t let Nick’s deceit slide. She posted a heartfelt recount of their weekend on social media, complete with photos of the romantic setting, the surprise bill, and Nick’s dismissive message. Her caption explained how a perfect weekend had soured, exposing Nick’s true character.
The post quickly gained attention. Friends and family flooded the comments with support, while others expressed shock and disappointment in Nick’s behavior. Nick called, furious about the backlash, demanding she take down the post. Clara simply told him, “People deserve to know the truth,” and hung up.
Within hours, Nick had blocked her and deleted his social media accounts, trying to escape the fallout. Clara, meanwhile, felt a sense of satisfaction. She had lost some money but saved herself from a lifetime of betrayal.
Remember Tomm? When he was born, he had enough skin for a 5-year-old kid. He was so wrinkled that the doctors were surprised and said they had never seen anything like it.
Tomm’s dad, Geoff Tennent, was shocked too. He said, “When he came out, I was quite shocked. I didn’t think a human, especially a little baby, could ever look like that,” in an interview with 60 Minutes Australia in 2003.
Since Tomm’s unique birth, it’s been a tough journey for him and his family. But if you see him today in 2021, it’s hard not to be moved and maybe even shed a tear…
In 1993, when Tomm Tennent was born in South East Australia, his parents quickly realized he was going to be a special baby.
Before he was born, no one knew that their boy would be called a medical mystery. But during ultrasounds, doctors saw that not everything was as it should be.
When Tomm’s parents heard this, they didn’t know if they should keep the child. Tomm’s dad, Geoff Tennent, said, “We talked about it and decided that whatever is meant to be will be. So, we went through with it.”
Even with all the tests and regular check-ups, nobody could have predicted how serious Tomm’s condition was. When his parents first saw him, they were surprised.
Tomm’s mom, Debbie Tennent, was shocked when they placed her son on her chest in the delivery room. She said, “My heart jumped to my throat, but at the same time, it was nice to pick him up and cuddle him.”
Doctors were puzzled by the boy born with too much skin. They couldn’t understand why Tomm had so much extra skin, and because of that, there was no treatment or cure. Initially, they hoped he would grow into his skin as he got older.
Because Tomm was so unique, researchers decided to spend time and money studying his case. They wanted to uncover the mystery behind his condition.
Tomm spent two and a half months in a medical center for tests and analysis. It was a big challenge for scientists because Tomm was the first child on record born with so much skin, and they didn’t have any previous cases to refer to.
It was a tough time for the Tennent family. No parent wants to spend months in the hospital with a newborn. Despite the challenges, Geoff and Debbie found strength by looking at their strong baby boy. Tomm always stayed a lovable toddler, unaware of his condition.
During this time, doctors did everything they could to figure out how to help Tomm with his medical issues. After investigating further, they found something unexpected. They noticed similarities between Tomm’s appearance and the Chinese dog breed Shar Pei. This discovery led to some important answers.
Researchers found that the level of Hyaluronic acid in Tomm’s skin was 100 times higher than normal, similar to Shar Pei puppies. For Shar Peis, these levels decrease as they grow up, resulting in a more normal skin appearance. Doctors hoped and prayed the same would happen for Tomm.
Fortunately, it did.
Tomm’s doctor, Dr. Andrew Ramsden, said the condition would probably go away as Tomm got older. And he was right.
While growing up, Tomm faced some challenges. Even though he was loved and famous in his hometown, some people teased him, especially when he started school. Some kids didn’t want to play with him.
But Tomm didn’t let this bother him. It didn’t take long for him to make many friends and become fully part of his school. During these years, Tomm still looked a bit different, though not as much as when he was born.
In 2003, someone asked Tomm if he worried about how his friends saw him. Tomm said, “Not really… because they are my friends, and they don’t really care how I look.”
He also shared with 60 Minutes that when he looked in the mirror, he saw “a kind, loving person.”
Tomm added, “Sometimes people say I look cool, sometimes they say I look really cool, and sometimes they don’t say anything.”
Certainly, Tomm’s parents have always been very proud of their special son.
“He’s a good boy” (…) All he has achieved … he is doing good at school, he is doing good at everything,” his dad said.
His parents said that they knew from the moment he was born, they would never hide him. They rightly believe that beauty comes from within, and is more than skin deep.
It’s been 28 years since Tomm amazed the doctors when he was born. After the documentaries by 60 Minutes, a lot of people were curious about how things turned out for the boy with the big smile and extra skin. However, there haven’t been many updates from traditional media.
Checking social media doesn’t provide much information about Tomm’s current life. On his Facebook, it seems like he has married the love of his life, Hannah. The couple looks happy, and they seem to live in Frankston, a suburb of Melbourne in Victoria, Australia.
One quote on Tomm’s Facebook profile captures his mindset and approach to life: “Life’s simple. You make choices, and you don’t look back.”
It’s truly wonderful to see him today, still with that same beautiful smile from 20 years ago, isn’t it?
Tomm Tennent: The baby born with enough skin to cover a 5 year old child
He had skin like a shar pei.Tomm Tennent is a baby that has made medical history. He was born with so much skin that it could cover a 5 year old child. No one knows the reason but his condition is similar to a shar pei puppy. Experts have never seen anything like this and don’t know how to treat him. Their only choice was to wait it out and see how his skin developed over 10 years.
Posted by Vitamin on Thursday, November 4, 2021
Tomm is so inspiring! I’m so happy he has a fantastic family who treated him just like any other child and that he seems to be living a happy life with his wife.
When he was asked what he would change about himself, he answered: “Probably nothing.” Isn’t that how we should all view ourselves?
