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.
The Home Improvement star – who turned 43 on September 8 – was last spotted in 2023 and fans who spent their younger years crushing on him, were shocked over his appearance.
Keep reading to learn what happened to the actor who famously voiced Simba in Disney’s 1994 film The Lion King!
After appearing as Greg Brady’s son on the short-lived 1990 TV series The Bradys, a spinoff of The Brady Bunch, Jonathan Taylor Thomas earned the role on Home Improvement, which starred comedian Tim Allen.
Only 10 when the show premiered in 1991, Thomas, who played the middle child, spent the next eight years grew up in front of an international audience, reaching a stratospheric level of fame as a teen heartthrob to millions of adoring young girls.
“You are a part of their life, and there is a lot that is owed them,” he told the New York Times of his rabid popularity. “But it’s difficult because you want to make everyone happy, but if you try to do that, you’re setting yourself up for failure.”
In 1994, the Pennsylvania-born Thomas, 12, voiced Simba in the hugely successful Disney animated film The Lion King, a film that made fans laugh, cry and sing.
“Simba’s like me,” says Thomas, who used his regular voice to play the little lion in the smash hit. “I just put my natural energy into it. Real curious, fun-loving, always getting into mischief.”
Switching his time between The Lion King and Randy Taylor on Home Improvement, Thomas shares that it was two years of being shuttled back on forth from one set to the next.
“I had to kind of go, ‘Oops! Time to be Randy’…’Oops! Time to be Simba,’” Thomas told People in 1994. “You have to prepare yourself to become this totally different person. I mean, we’re not lions, right?”
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‘Full blown migraines’
In 1998, after leaving Home Improvement before its final season, Thomas started his retreat from the spotlight.
“I can’t tell you how many shows I’ve done with full-blown migraine headaches,” he says of his exhaustion. “I’d been going nonstop since I was 8 years old…I wanted to go to school, to travel and have a bit of a break.”
Jonathan Taylor Thomas during 1996 Nickelodeon Big Help at Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, California, United States. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc)
Over the next few years, he had guest appearances on several shows, including, Ally McBeal, Smallville and 8 Simple Rules and loaned his voice to animated characters on The Wild Thornberrys and The Simpsons.
‘Blatant lie’
Before stepping away, he challenged himself with some edgier roles as a bisexual hustler in the indie film Speedway Junky (1999) and as a persecuted gay teen in Showtime’s Common Ground (2000).
Those roles, combined with maintaining his privacy, sparked rumors about his sexuality, which he gently denied while speaking with Jay Leno.
“Pretty much in Hollywood you’re not anyone until it’s rumored that you’re gay, so I wasn’t that upset about it,” Thomas, then 17, told the host. “Not that there’s anything wrong with it, but they’re rumors and you should always be kind of careful with that internet stuff.”
The star, who kept his attire simple, was seen wearing a beige sweater that he paired with jeans and a black tuque.
Fans quickly jumped into the comments section, offering their thoughts on his rare sighting.
“JTT, my elementary school crush,” gushes one fan while a second adds, “Like many others my age, he was my childhood crush. I’m glad he avoided the Hollywood weirdness.”
A third offers, “He was a child star and a teen heartthrob, who knows what happened to him. Hollywood rarely treats children well.”
Another, reflecting on Thomas’ memorable hairstyle from Home Improvement, adds, “Of course he looks different now! Not many 42 yr old men walking around with bowl haircuts. He brought much joy to many with his early career.”
Being called “Fat” is an offensive slur. So why is that, exactly?
Everyone was left wondering what actually happened after a mother of two called Allison shared her account of what happened while she and her children were swimming recently on Instagram. When the 3-year-old daughter dubbed Allison “obese,” Allison reacted beautifully, and her retort is being widely shared online.
When Allison Kimmey was barely 14 years old, she started dieting. She managed to maintain a size two to four body throughout graduate school, but it was difficult and she wasn’t happy. Allison realized she’d be more happier if she allowed herself to stop battling her weight gain when she reached size eight three years ago, at the age of 27.
In order to motivate herself, Allison started the @allisonkimmey Instagram account, where she publishes pictures and quotes. Although Allison’s message of body acceptance inspires and uplifts those who hear it, not everyone does.
Recently, Allison took her son and daughter to the pool. When it was time to depart, Allison’s child shouted at her and called her fat. Allison shared on Instagram that
Me: “Exactly what were you saying about me?”
She said, “I warned you were overweight, mama, I’m sorry.”
Me: “Let’s talk about it. It’s true that I’m not overweight. Nobody is overweight. It is impossible to be it. However, I am obese. We are all fat. In addition to providing us with energy, fat protects our muscles and bones and keeps our bodies working. Are you obese?
She says, “Yes! I currently have some on my stomach.
That’s accurate, I say. Both I and your brother concur.
Her Brother: “I don’t have any body fat. I’m the thinnest. I’ve only gained muscle.
Me: “Yes, there are obese people in every country. But our particular amounts differ.
Her Brother: “Alright, I get it. I have some so I can keep my strong muscles! I own less than you do, though.
Me: I’m sure that’s true. While some people are extraordinarily affluent, others are not. But that does not mean that one person is better than another. Do you two comprehend?
Both say, “Yes, Mother.”
Could you repeat what I said, please?
They: “Yeah! Everyone has some fat, and that is acceptable, as you can’t just be obese. I shouldn’t call anyone fat, though.
I said, “That’s right!”
Allison wanted to teach her children social skills, but she also wanted to instill the idea that everyone is equal, regardless of body shape. Since then, her Instagram post has gained a lot of popularity.
The idea that being obese is unpleasant, filthy, funny and underserved gets spread if I reprimand my children when they use it. Allison penned this.
What a strong lady! We need to be better at encouraging one another rather than judging one another primarily on how we come across to others. Post if you concur!
For many of us, history is something that we took in school and we probably forgot more about what we learned in the class than what we remembered. It may not be the favorite subject for all of us, but there are some interesting things that can be learned from it.
That includes what we have in this interesting picture. It is something out of history that was used by millions of people but is not necessarily something that is recognized today. In fact, we would venture to say that most people would not know what it is.
In case you haven’t figured it out by this point, it has to do with laundry. Doing laundry is something that has been done for thousands of years, although the methods of doing so have changed as the millennia continue to roll body.
Many years ago, people would take their dirty clothes down to the river and beat them against a rock. These days, you put them in a machine, and in an hour, they are finished.
The interesting little device we have in these pictures made it easier for people to do their laundry. Considering all of the different steps that are necessary through the process, including hauling the water, boiling it, washing, rinsing, wringing the clothes out, and drying, it was quite a process.
Ree Drummond Set to Become a ‘Young, Awesome, and Cool’ Granny ‘At 31’ – Details about Her Daughter Alex’s First Pregnancy
Ree Drummond, known affectionately as “The Pioneer Woman,” is entering a heartwarming new chapter as she prepares to become a grandmother for the first time. Her eldest daughter, Alex, and son-in-law, Mauricio Scott, are expecting their first child, a baby girl named Sofia Marie. The announcement has filled the Drummond family with excitement and joy, as they look forward to welcoming the newest member of their family.
The journey toward grandparenthood has brought a whirlwind of emotions for Ree, who humorously shared her initial shock and delight upon hearing the news. Reflecting on her blog, Ree described the surreal feeling of her “first baby having a baby” and joked about becoming a grandmother at 31 — despite her actual age of 55. True to her signature humor, she mused about what being a “cool grandma” might entail, even imagining herself driving a red Trans-Am to fit the part.
Alex and Mauricio’s announcement, shared in June, included their golden retriever wearing a “Big Brother” bandana, a playful and sentimental touch that added to the excitement. Their photos, featuring the couple proudly holding the ultrasound and smiling together, beautifully captured their anticipation for the new journey ahead. Alex and Mauricio, married since 2021, expressed gratitude for the upcoming addition to their family in a touching Instagram post, writing, “Thank you, Lord, for this precious gift.”
To celebrate, Alex’s sister Paige and her college friends hosted a memorable baby shower filled with love, laughter, and plenty of family traditions. For the special day, Alex wore a pink floral dress, cradling her growing bump as she received thoughtful gifts, including a tiny denim jacket for her daughter. In attendance were family and friends who showered her with gifts and well-wishes, creating precious memories she looks forward to sharing with her daughter one day.
The shower’s sentimental details, such as Dr. Pepper bottles adorned with pink ribbons—a family favorite—and a nostalgic photo of Ree with baby Alex, highlighted the strong bonds and cherished traditions within the Drummond family. In her blog, Ree wrote about her emotional reaction to the event, sharing that she “teared up a few times” and cherished the joy surrounding her daughter’s milestone moment.
In a sweet nod to her mother, Alex chose the middle name Marie for her daughter, honoring Ree’s full name, Anne Marie. The name choice underscores the close bond shared between mother and daughter and the generational connection they look forward to passing down.
Alex and Mauricio also lovingly transformed a guest room into a whimsical nursery for their daughter, blending soft floral patterns and classic decor to create a timeless, serene space. The nursery’s centerpiece, a grasscloth mural from Anthropologie featuring blossoms and bluebirds, brings a touch of elegance, while the room’s delicate pink and white accents give it a cozy charm. Adding personal touches, Alex prepared a floral-covered Bible and stocked bookshelves with beloved childhood stories and Bible tales, creating a space filled with warmth, faith, and family tradition.
The room also features thoughtful touches, such as plush toys, a rocking horse, and a pair of tiny pink cowboy boots — a tribute to Alex’s Oklahoma roots. The nursery setup reflects Alex and Mauricio’s shared love for family, faith, and timeless style, creating an inviting atmosphere where precious memories will be made.
With the baby’s arrival drawing closer, Ree’s enthusiasm to step into her role as a grandmother is evident. Her joy is contagious as she embraces this new chapter, not only for her family but for her dedicated fans who have followed her journey. Ree’s warm humor, her reflections on family, and her excitement about becoming a “young, cool granny” bring a new, heartwarming layer to her public persona.
As the Drummonds await baby Sofia’s arrival, their journey is a testament to the enduring love, traditions, and family bonds that Ree has celebrated for years. For Ree, Alex, Mauricio, and the rest of the family, this precious new chapter is one they will treasure, and they’re ready to welcome Sofia Marie with open arms, creating more of the love-filled memories that define the Drummond family
From switching careers to embracing motherhood, here’s what happened to the actress who rose to fame on “All in the Family” after deciding to pursue her true passion beyond Hollywood.
This former actress became successful early in Hollywood, starring in one of the most popular sitcoms of all time, “All in the Family.” Her talent earned her award nominations, and her future in acting seemed bright.
The young actress on the set of “All in the Family” as Stephanie Mills in 1979. | Source: Getty Images
But by 18, she had grown tired of acting and decided to start a whole new career “from scratch.” Curious about where her bold decision led? Here’s what happened to this “All in the Family” star and where she is now.
The “All in the Family” actress circa 1980s. | Source: Getty Images
From Broadway to ‘All in the Family’
This young actress first captured attention on Broadway. At just eight years old, she starred as Molly, the orphan, in the original 1977 production of “Annie.” By 1978, she landed a significant role in one of television’s most iconic shows, “All in the Family.”
She joined the cast as Stephanie Mills, the bright, witty niece of Archie and Edith Bunker. Her portrayal of Stephanie quickly won over audiences and critics alike. The actress was honored in 1981 with the Best Young Actress Award at the Young Artist Awards.
The young star circa 1981. | Source: Getty Images
The CBS sitcom’s spin-off, “Archie Bunker’s Place,” gave her even more room to showcase her abilities, and she earned a Golden Globe nomination for her performance, further solidifying her place as one of the show’s standout stars.
The actress circa 1981. | Source: Getty Images
Her contribution to television was recognized once again when she was ranked No. 50 on VH1’s “100 Greatest Kid Stars.” However, despite all the acclaim, the “All in the Family” star made a life-altering decision at 18 — she walked away from acting, setting the stage for a new chapter in her career and life.
The young actress circa 1982. | Source: Getty Images
Shifting Gears
This young star turned her back on her flourishing acting career and decided to pursue her passion for music. The former actress revealed that music had always been her true calling. She said, “I found out that after doing the TV show, I wanted to do music and more than anything to write music.”
The child actress at the Ringling Brothers & Barnum & Bailey “The Greatest Show on Earth” event circa 1982. | Source: Getty Images
She added, “I had already done the acting thing, and when you are 16 and 17 years old you are all cocky. I felt I am going to go for it and start from scratch.”
She joined forces with Gregg Alexander, a fellow singer-songwriter and producer. With their strong creative partnership, they co-wrote several songs.
The actress-turned-musician circa 1983. | Source: Getty Images
“We became soul mates rather quickly. […] She was a big TV star, was just getting out of TV and going to launch into a film career. But she had this passion for music and singing and songwriting,” Alexander noted.
The singer-songwriter circa 1980s. | Source: Getty Images
The “All in the Family” star’s songwriting talent shone brightly, particularly through songs like Natasha Bedingfield’s “Unwritten” and “Pocketful of Sunshine.” Her work garnered critical acclaim, including an Oscar nomination for the romantic ballad “Lost Stars,” featured in the 2014 film “Begin Again.”
In the film, the song is first sung by the movie’s star, Keira Knightley, and then sung twice more by pop star Adam Levine, who played Knightley’s boyfriend.
“Begin Again,” written and directed by John Carney, marked the first time the former actress and Alexander composed for a film. The latter revealed that Carney called him out of the blue after getting his name from a few mutual friends.
The “All in the Family” actress circa 1987. | Source: Getty Images
“It was a very fluid process, doing the music for this film,” said the actress-turned-songwriter, who also co-wrote two of the film’s other songs, “A Step You Can’t Take Back” and “Coming Up Roses.”
She and Alexander knew they had gold in their hand with “Lost Stars.” When they finished the demo and sent it to Carney, they received an email saying tears were hitting his computer.
The singer-songwriter at the “Before Sunrise” premiere on January 24, 1995, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
Though the former actress’s transition to music was not without its rough patches, the musician’s courage to embrace this new challenge paid off as she continued to build a career in music over the years.
The musician at the “As Good as It Gets” premiere on December 6, 1997, in Westwood, California. | Source: Getty Images
The actress-turned-songwriter also released her solo work, with her 1994 album “Arrive All Over You” gaining attention overseas, especially in Europe. However, she admitted that competing with American rock bands at the time made it difficult to break through in the U.S. market.
“It did really well in England, Germany, and Europe, but in America, we had a bit of a struggle because it was coming out at the same time as Pearl Jam. I was on the same label,” the former Hollywood star explained.
Alexander added, “We stuck [together] through the lean years. There was a period when both of us got dropped by our record labels because we didn’t sound like everything else that was out there at the time.”
Nonetheless, the “All in the Family” actress’s collaboration with Alexander led to the formation of the New Radicals. Together, they created the album “Maybe You’ve Been Brainwashed Too,” featuring hits like “Someday We’ll Know.”
The musician and The Radicals during a photoshoot in 1999. | Source: Getty Images
As of 2024, 25 years after they parted ways with only one album, New Radicals, now comprising only Alexander and the former actress, released new music, including their version of Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s “Murder on the Dancefloor.”
The singer-songwriter and The Radicals during a photoshoot in 1999. | Source: Getty Images
Embracing Motherhood
This actress-turned-musician is Danielle Brisebois, who entered yet another fulfilling chapter of her life over the years — becoming a mother. In 2008, she married British songwriter and producer Nick Lashley. Not long after, the couple welcomed twin daughters, Lola and Charlotte.
In December 2020, Brisebois took to Instagram to celebrate her daughters. She captioned the sweet birthday post, “We had a fun day!! Actually a great day!! Happy Birthday my loves! 7. Wow.”
In April 2022, the singer-songwriter shared in a post that Charlotte tried her hand at modeling as she posed for the family’s favorite clothing lines. A few months later, Brisebois was the picture of a proud mom as she posed with her twins, writing, “The love I have for these two is beyond the best thing in the world.”
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In 2023, the “All in the Family” actress posted a snap of her daughters enjoying a day at Disney before her husband took to Instagram to commemorate the twins’ first day in 5th grade in September 2024.
In the post, the twins — one of whom was a foot taller than her sister — wore sweet smiles as they held up signs in honor of the milestone.
Note: we are republishing this story, which originally made the news in October 2016.
An English mother of 12 reportedly stole more than $12,000 in change from parking meters. Cheryl Prudham, 34, is no stranger to publicity or controversy. Before this, she came under fire for collecting more than $49,000 a year in welfare, earning the title “Queen of Benefits” from the country’s newspapers.
Earlier in the year, Cheryl was photographed shopping for a Mercedes at a dealership near her home in Wigan, Lancashire.
Cheryl’s estranged husband, Robert Prudham, 31, is charged with stealing $12,886 from parking meters along with failing to divulge previous criminal convictions to a recruitment firm. Cheryl is accused of handling Robert’s stolen cash.
The family trio, which includes Jacob Undertown, 27, are all charged with the same crimes, but deny the allegations. The three reportedly stole cash and coins from numerous car parks in Maidstone, Kent.
Cheryl, Robert and Undertown will stand trial in November, reports the Daily Mail.
Cherly is a part-time cleaner and had six children by two different men before having six more with Robert.
The couple broke up after she says she caught Robert having a threesome involving his own cousin.
“I don’t want another [man] because they are too much hard work. I was hurt by Robert and find it difficult to trust again,” she said.
She recently revealed she wants another child, which she plans to have through a sperm donor. She says she’s addicted to getting pregnant.
When Cheryl and Robert were still married, they reportedly took home $73,626 a year and succeeded in evading a $31,899 benefits cap. By having a 13th child, Cheryl would be able to claim more benefits, according to The Mirror.
“Another baby would mean more benefits so the more the merrier,” said Cheryl.
“I’m not worried about getting hit by the benefits cap, there are always ways around it.”
She plans on using the extra money for breast enhancement surgery and tummy tuck.
“I’ve spent most of my life having babies and I wanted to treat myself and concentrate on me for a bit,” she says.
”I’ve had offers of dates but I can’t be bothered with men any more and I’ve realized having babies makes me happy.”
Childbirth is a remarkable journey filled with a range of emotions for both the mother and the father. From moments of pure bliss to overwhelming fear, it’s an experience like no other.
In the past, fathers were often left waiting outside the birth room, relying on updates from skilled midwives. But times have changed, and now fathers are not only expected to be present but to actively support their wives throughout the delivery process. It’s a shift that has brought excitement and a new level of involvement for fathers.
One couple, Brett Sillis and Amanda Renee’ from Arkansas, recently captured their heartwarming journey to parenthood in a series of photographs that have touched the hearts of many. The photos perfectly capture Brett’s genuine emotions as he witnessed the birth of his son, connecting with people worldwide.
In one photo, Brett’s expression of brief disgust became an unexpected moment of humor for Amanda. Their focus on the beautiful chaos of childbirth made them miss these moments until they returned to their room. But after seeing the photos, Amanda felt compelled to share them with the world, and the response was overwhelming.
Both parents are now thriving after the successful birth, but it’s evident from the photographs how thrilled and relieved Brett was. Leaving the hospital after the labor ordeal brought immense relief to Amanda, a feeling shared by countless parents.
Brett’s emotional journey resonated with people across the globe, garnering thousands of shares, likes, and comments. Many fathers expressed their own experiences, relating to Brett in ways that only someone who has witnessed childbirth truly understands. Mothers also chimed in, sharing their own amusing and touching stories of childbirth with their partners.
The comments section became a space of encouragement and camaraderie, reaffirming the power of shared experiences.
Overall, childbirth is an ever-evolving event that brings about profound changes for both parents. The increasing involvement and support of fathers during childbirth mark a significant evolution in our society. These shared moments and emotional connections create memories that last a lifetime. Brett and Amanda’s heartfelt journey has touched the lives of countless individuals, spreading joy and laughter far and wide.
So let’s celebrate the miracle of childbirth and the bonds it strengthens within families. Share this heartwarming tale with your loved ones and continue spreading the love!
To fulfill their father’s dying wish, two little girls visit his grave on his birthday to show him their adorable outfits. Near the gravestone, they find two beautifully wrapped boxes with their names and have no idea what’s waiting for them.
Isla, 6, and Madison, 8, missed their daddy, Brian. After he went to his heavenly home, they hadn’t stolen cookies and ice cream from the kitchen at night, joined forces to bother their mother, or gone shopping. Because without Daddy Brian, those things were no fun.
“You’re spoiling those girls, Brian!” Brian’s wife, Linda, used to scold him. “Why do y’all gang up against me? I know you steal from the pantry for your little angels!”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
“Well, I’ll spoil them for the rest of my life!” Brian would say with a wide grin. “They will always come first for me as long as I live! I’m sorry, honey, but you now have competition. But you know, I adore all my girls—including you,” and hug her.
That’s how Brian was. He would always balance out a situation. He was the perfect family man. But after he passed away, something changed. Isla and Madison became very quiet, and Linda, well, she was struggling to come to terms with his death too.
After all, her last memories of Brian had been nothing but terrible. He died before her very eyes, and she couldn’t help him. Stage four cancer, the doctors had told Linda. They started the treatment the right way and tried their best for Brian, but they lost the battle, and the terrible illness won.
Death cannot break the bonds built with love.
Brian’s health kept deteriorating, and one morning he didn’t wake up. Isla and Madison had slept beside him on the hospital bed the night before. He had asked Linda to leave the girls with him that night. Probably he sensed that was his last night with his little daughters.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
“Time of death: 4 a.m. Tuesday…” the doctors declared that morning after Linda called, worried because Brian was not answering his cell phone. The doctors gave her an apologetic glance before they covered his once-smiling face with a white hospital sheet. Brian was gone. He wasn’t coming back, and Linda was devastated.
After Brian’s death, Linda couldn’t pull herself together, no matter how hard she tried. Her girls had been stronger than her. They had at least attended the funeral. Linda couldn’t stand to see him buried under the Earth.
“On my birthday, I want my little girls to look their prettiest, and I’m curious to see what they’ll wear. Do you promise to come to Daddy and show me your beautiful outfits, girls? You see, it’s possible that daddy won’t be with you that day, but you have to promise me you’ll look your best,” was the last thing Brian had said. It was his dying wish that his girls visit him on his birthday.
So the day before, the girls asked Linda to take them out shopping.
“Mommy,” little Isla said. “Daddy loved my red dress. He got me one for my birthday. I want a red dress.”
“You can pick for me, mom,” Madison offered. “I want it to be Dad’s favorite color.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
“I – I don’t think I have the time, girls,” Linda tried avoiding the topic. She was still grieving Brian’s loss. She was not ready for anything resembling closure.
“But we need to visit daddy!” Isla said. “He asked me to wear something beautiful on his birthday. He asked Madison too.”
Linda’s eyes welled up. She was so consumed by grief that she had forgotten Brian’s birthday.
“What did he ask you?” Linda asked, her eyes welling up with tears.
“Daddy wanted to see us in pretty dresses on his birthday. We need to visit him, mommy,” Isla said. “Hurry up! We need to go shopping!”
“When did he ask this?” asked Linda. “I – I didn’t know….” She had no idea about Brian’s dying wish.
“The night before he died, mom,” Madison revealed. “He held our hands and said he wanted to see us in nice outfits on his birthday. Mom, I think we should do this for him. I know you’re upset, but please?” She covered Linda’s ears with her hands. “I know you’re missing dad, but we need to do this for Isla. She misses daddy a lot.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
Madison was always a bright child. She understood things children her age would find hard to comprehend. And she finally convinced Linda to go shopping.
“Alright then,” Linda said. “Let’s get you, girls, the prettiest outfits, so daddy knows what he’s missing by not being with us! He will regret leaving us like this!” Linda said, bursting into tears and her girls hugged her to comfort her.
“Dad doesn’t want to see you sad, mom. I know….” Madison whispered, patting her mom’s back.
The next day, on Brian’s birthday, the little girls wore their new outfits and held hands together as they walked to Brian’s grave. Linda was walking behind them.
Once they were in front of Brian’s gravestone, the little girls noticed two beautifully wrapped boxes with their names on them, and a small sticker on top said it was from Brian.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
“Mommy!” Isla turned to Linda and said, “Look, daddy sent us gifts! He is silly! He doesn’t know we should give him gifts on his birthday,” and chuckled.
Madison gave Linda a glance that said she knew Brian couldn’t have sent them that. Dead people don’t send you gifts.
“Well, maybe he was missing his daughters. Go ahead and open the box, girls,” Linda said with an encouraging smile.
As the two girls unwrapped the boxes, Linda had to hide her tears. Isla was grinning with delight while Madison was crying for the first time since Brian’s death.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
There was a lovely pair of Mary Janes and a letter from Brian in each box.
“Shoes!” chirped Isla. “They are so pretty, mommy! My favorite color…pink!”
The letter said:
“My prettiest girls,
Some angels here in heaven are surprised to see how girls can be so pretty! They say you are the most beautiful girls God ever created. Daddy can see how beautiful you look in your outfits. But I wanted to make my girls look even prettier, so I bought these shoes for you. I hope you like them.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Unsplash
You see, daddy is not around you, but he is always there in your heart. I know that my girls no longer eat cookies and ice creams. Don’t tell mommy, but I know she’s restocked the pantry with huge cookie boxes. I saw her doing that. Next time you visit me, I want to hear stories about how you stole them successfully behind mommy’s back. Just because daddy isn’t there does not mean we won’t trouble mommy! I want you girls to be happy and smile every day. You don’t always have to be good. I’m sure even mommy doesn’t like that.
And thank you for visiting me and wishing me a happy birthday, girls. Daddy loves you and misses you.
Sending lots of love to my lovely girls,
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Brian.”
“Umm…that’s too much for me to read!” Isla complained. “Madison, what did daddy write?”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
Madison hugged Elsa tightly. “He said he is happy where he is, Isla, and he wants us to be happy too. He misses us. Thank you for everything, mom,” she added, knowing the boxes were from her. “We appreciate you bringing us here.”
Linda smiled and whispered, “I love both of you,” thanking her girls for helping her step out of the grief and giving her the strength to visit Brian.
What can we learn from this story?
Death cannot break the bonds built with love. Brian is far away from his family in the skies, but he is always present inside their hearts.
Mothers always put their children first. While Linda was not ready to visit Brian yet, she gathered the courage to do so after seeing how badly her girls wanted to visit their father.
In a now-infamous Instagram exchange, Iskra Lawrence, the popular model and body positivity advocate, faced an unusually harsh and personal attack from a user who tried to demean her appearance. The commenter insinuated that Lawrence was only perceived as attractive because, according to him, “most people are obese.” His statement seemed to imply that Lawrence’s beauty and appeal were nothing more than a product of shifting societal standards—suggesting that her popularity was a byproduct of a society growing accustomed to larger body types and redefining beauty around them.
This remark struck a nerve not only for its bluntness but for the larger implications it carried about how society views different body shapes and sizes. Essentially, the commenter’s message was a challenge to Lawrence’s role as an advocate for body positivity, as if to imply that her work was merely enabling unhealthy habits rather than promoting self-acceptance and wellness. The comment seemed designed to undermine Lawrence’s career and the message she shares with her millions of followers.
Lawrence, however, didn’t back down. Known for her resilience and outspoken support of self-love and body acceptance, she responded in her usual, graceful way. Rather than retaliate with anger or engage in name-calling, Lawrence took the high road. She affirmed her commitment to challenging narrow beauty standards and reminded her followers that beauty is not determined by size but by confidence, self-respect, and how one treats others.
This incident became a widely discussed example of the kind of negativity faced by public figures who promote diverse standards of beauty. For many, Lawrence’s response was inspiring, a reminder that criticism rooted in body shaming is a reflection of the critic’s insecurities rather than any truth about the person being attacked. Through her response, Lawrence reinforced her message of inclusivity, self-love, and resilience, embodying the very values she champions and reminding everyone that beauty is multifaceted, subjective, and above all, personal.
