She was just a little girl when her brother did these things. Now she’s dying and she wrote him a letter.

Sexual and physical abuse affects far too many children, and it haunts those children as they become adults. One dying woman’s last wish is for her brother to see her letter so he might forgive himself, or at least know that she forgave him. While in this case she chose not to report him, that…

Angie Aker

Sep 9, 2014

Dear brother,

It has taken four years to call you my brother. In my 7383 days of existence, I have lived through 2920 days of calling you monster. Do you remember? Do you remember how it began? It was a game. You invited me into your small blanket fort and told me you were going to protect me from monsters. Little did I know that you were one of them. I played the charade of “show me yours and I’ll show you mine” only to be poked at as curiosity struck through your mind and body. Gradually your game became more and more complex. I can still remember being told, “shhhh, this is our little secret.” 2920 days of my life gone.

After 365 days I remember being told that kissing was something kids do. 2920 days of my life gone.

After 730 days it became laying in a dark corner as you felt some sort of pleasure in seeing me bare. You enjoyed my shame and found some sort of sick happiness in your idea of a game. 2920 days of my life gone.

After 1095 days I was 11 and began to have older friends who had boyfriends and this was when I knew you were wrong. I felt wronged and told you it wasn’t right. From then on you blamed me and said it was my fault. You accused me of somehow starting it all. I can remember countless days of being locked up in my closet. Countless days of being hit in the face whenever I didn’t listen. Countless doctor appointments with the excuse of “I fell.” Countless broken bones. Several dislocated joints. Everyone thought I was just clumsy. If only they knew. 2920 days of my life gone.

On day 2898 I became sick. I was throwing up every morning. I began to feel different. Mom thought it was strep. Dad thought it was a bad case of the flu. Oh, but you knew. You walked me to the clinic and that was that. On day 2920 you left and never came back. You disappeared. No one knew where you were.

On my 17th birthday I saw you in Chicago. I followed you for quite some time. Thought about all the ways I could hurt you back. You were with another woman and oh my heart wanted to rip to shreds because she didn’t know the agony you put me through. I could have hurt you but I chose to walk away.

It has been three years since I’ve seen you. And there’s something I’ve gotta say.

Thank you.

Because of you I lived. I survived. I am a fighter. I made it through. All those times you felt strong because I looked weak. Well look at me now. I made it to nearly hell and back. Here I am. I am not a victim anymore. I am a victor. Those 2920 days taught me to be brave. To do hard things. To not run from harm. I am who I am today because of who you were.

I know who you are. I have kept tabs on you. You don’t have to drink or do drugs. You don’t have to harm yourself because of the guilt you feel. You were my monster but the game is over. You can be my brother. You don’t have to be a monster for your whole life. You can be better.

I could have reported you but I chose to forgive you. So here I am. Forgiveness is yours if you take it.

Life is short. I am sick. And for me, my timespan is shortened. But I am fighting to live, each day fighting my disease because that’s how 2920 days of my life made all the difference. I will not give up. The dark days in dark corners only give me more motivation to fight.

I’m getting more sick and weaker each day but I wanted to forgive you now and I hope this reaches you. I want my brother back and only hope you can forgive yourself enough to move past the guilt in order to have your sister back in your life.

Your sister,

-C

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In Partnership With Habitat For Humanity →

Homeowners celebrate the completion of their new home in Cambodia's Siem Reap Province alongside Habitat for Humanity volunteers and staff.

Culture, Family

A safe, stable home can change lives for the better. Here’s how Habitat for Humanity wants to make that possible for everyone.

Better health, better jobs, and a brighter future all start with access to a safe, affordable home.

Sarah Watts

3/25/2026
A single door can open up a world of endless possibilities. For homeowners, the front door of their house is a gateway to financial stability, job security, and better health. Yet for many, that door remains closed. Due to the rising costs of housing, 1 in 3 people around the world wake up without the security of safe, affordable housing.

Since 1976, Habitat for Humanity has made it their mission to unlock and open the door to opportunity for families everywhere, and their efforts have paid off in a big way. Through their work over the past 50 years, more than 65 million people have gained access to new or improved housing, and the movement continues to gain momentum. Since 2011 alone, Habitat for Humanity has expanded access to affordable housing by a hundredfold.

A world where everyone has access to a decent home is becoming a reality, but there’s still much to do. As they celebrate 50 years of building, Habitat for Humanity is inviting people of all backgrounds and talents to be part of what comes next through Let’s Open the Door, a global campaign that builds on this momentum and encourages people everywhere to help expand access to safe, affordable housing for those who need it most. Here’s how the foundation to a better world starts with housing, and how everyone can pitch in to make it happen.

Volunteers raise a wall for the framework of a new home during the first day of building at Habitat for Humanity’s 2025 Carter Work Project.

Globally, almost 3 billion people, including 1 in 6 U.S. families, struggle with high costs and other challenges related to housing. A crisis in itself, this also creates larger problems that affect families and communities in unexpected ways. People who lack affordable, stable housing are also more likely to experience financial hardship in other areas of their lives, since a larger share of their income often goes toward rent, utilities, and frequent moves. They are also more likely to experience health problems due to chronic stress or environmental factors, such as mold. Housing insecurity also goes hand-in-hand with unstable employment, since people may need to move further from their jobs or switch jobs altogether to offset the cost of housing.

Affordable homeownership creates a stable foundation for families to thrive, reducing stress and increasing the likelihood for good health and stable employment. Habitat for Humanity builds and repairs homes with individual families, but it also strengthens entire communities as well. The MicroBuild® Initiative, for example, strengthens communities by increasing access to loans for low-income families seeking to build or repair their homes. Habitat ReStore locations provide affordable appliances and building materials to local communities, in addition to creating job and volunteer opportunities that support neighborhood growth.

Marsha and her son pose for a photo while building their future home with Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity in Georgia.

Everyone can play a part in the fight for housing equity and the pursuit of a better world. Over the past 50 years, Habitat for Humanity has become a leader in global housing thanks to an engaged network of volunteers—but you don’t need to be skilled with a hammer to make a meaningful impact. Building an equitable future means calling on a wide range of people and talents.

Here’s how you can get involved in the global housing movement:
- Speaking up on social media about the growing housing crisis
- Volunteering on a Habitat for Humanity build in your local community
- Travel and build with Habitat in the U.S. or in one of 60+ countries where we work around the globe
- Join the Let’s Open the Door movement and, when you donate, you can create your own personalized door
- Shop or donate at your local Habitat ReStore
Every action, big and small, drives a global movement toward a better future. A safe home unlocks opportunity for families and communities alike, but it’s volunteers and other supporters, working together with a shared vision, who can open the door for everyone.

Visit habitat.org/open-door to learn more and get involved today.
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Dad discovers child has pinworms and it's freaking people out

Family, Parenting

Dad discovers his son has pinworms and pediatrician hits him with even worse news

Pinworms are super common and absolutely disgusting.

Jacalyn Wetzel

Upworthy Staff

5/7/2026

If you’re a parent you’re likely in one of two categories: parents who have never heard of pinworms or parents who shuddered at the headline. Parents are not really given any sort of warning for all of the eyebrow raising situations that occur in childhood and one dad has found out that there was a lot left out of that non-existent parenting handbook. If you thought lice was bad, well, frankly, you have no idea.

Justin, a dad that runs the TikTok page parentingcheerleader took to social media to tell the world of the current nightmare fuel parenting situation he was experiencing. He’s also doing parents on social media a solid by giving them a heads up on the disturbing secret plaguing the parenting world: pinworms.

So what exactly are pinworms?

The viral video starts out with no trigger warning before he says though clenched teeth, “my son has worms in his anus.” Yeah, you read that right. It’s a thing. A slightly terrifying but totally normal thing.

These don’t look so bad until you realize where they live. By DPDx, PHIL – Public Domain

About 20% of kids will get pinworms at some point. They can affect anyone, but adults rarely get them because they generally have better hygiene habits and awareness about putting their hands in their mouth after touching surfaces. (You usually get a pinworm infection by accidentally swallowing the eggs. Yeah… sorry for that) The first signs will be an itchy butthole, trouble sleeping, and irritability or loss of appetite.

If you’re a glutton for punishment, read on! Pinworms are hard to diagnose, for obvious reasons. They’re very small and hard to see, plus they like to live in a very sensitive, hard to reach area. But they are visible to the naked eye, so diagnosis sometimes involves quite literally looking at a child’s butt with a flashlight. Sometimes doctors will use tape to see if they can collect eggs from the area, which can be seen under a microscope.

No word from Justin on how he figured out that his kid had pinworms, but that’s probably for the best.

“No one tells you about this stuff when you’re thinking about being a parent but apparently it’s like super normal for a child to just have worms in his booty hole,” a flustered, baffled Justin says. In the video, he’s on his way to pick up medicine for his kid while trying to somehow wrap his head around the reality of the situation.

Then a pediatrician made it worse

Dr. Cerissa Key, a pediatrician, chimed in on Justin’s disturbing revelation and assured him and every parent watching that pinworms are a common thing that happens in young children.

But she also dropped some info that others including Justin may not have been ready to hear.

“Justin, sir. I hate to be the bearer of bad news. But if your son has worms in his booty hole, sir, politely and respectfully, you also have worms in your booty hole,” Key reveals.

Key goes on to explain that kids are “disgusting” and don’t wash their hands well so pinworms spread easily if a child at school or daycare has them. She advises that parents stock up on the chalky banana flavored medication that clears them up and to wash everything on hot while being sure to vacuum your floors well. Luckily, there are good over-the-cofteoaboutunter options for suffering families, as well as stronger prescription methods available. Typically, medication can get rid of the pinworm infection pretty quickly.

Parents on the internet did not take this well

People in the comment section of both videos were horrified that this was an actual thing while others commiserated with the stressed dad.

“I have no kids and now I’m paranoid I have pinworms with no symptoms,” one person writes.

“I’ve raised 4 kids and never had this happen. Tomorrow this will be my entry on my gratitude journal,” a mom confesses.

“Do I have kids? No…Do I even work around kids? Also no…do I still have the urge to take this medicine just in case anyways? 100000%,” someone says.

Several people were forced to question if they even wanted kids anymore knowing there’s a 20% chance they may have to deal with this at some point in the future.

@therealdrkey
#stitch with @Justin Allllll about pinworms! It your kid has them, YOU have them. 😩 #pinworms #pinworm #pediatrician #momlife #itchybottom #itchyvulva #pinwormssuck #parenting
♬ original sound – DrCerissaKey

Not everyone was stressed, some were thankful for the information. “Thank you! We haven’t experienced pinworms yet, but super informative and helps to make parenting normalized,” another commenter writes.

Key suggests that if your child has pinworms that the entire family should take a dose of the medication two weeks apart to make sure any left over newly hatched eggs are also killed. Why so thorough? Well, it’s estimated that one pinworm (or threadworm) can lay up to 16,000 eggs.

And on that note…

While you may not have been warned about pinworms, no one ever said parenting would be glamorous. It just seems people weren’t prepared for how unglamorous it could get.

This article originally appeared three years ago. It has been updated.

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Every generation has it's own flavor of fun.

Culture, Generations

Millennial asks Gen Zers what they do for fun, and the answers are surprisingly different

There’s something very different about Gen Z.

Heather Wake

Upworthy Staff

5/7/2026

The coming-of-age era known as your twenties are a time for experimentation, branching out, learning about different aspects of yourself, and of course, having stupid fun.

Of course, every generation‘s definition of fun varies. Just what might Gen Zers, those who navigated their teenhood through TikTok and basically came of drinking age during a global pandemic, do to elicit feelings of fun?

Millennial content creator Ashley Tea wondered this very thing. In a video that went viral on TikTok in late 2023, she shared “I genuinely think millennials got to have a way better time than Gen Z does.”

@ashleyteacozy
im genuinely curious
♬ original sound – Ashley Tea

Millennials are already nostalgic about their glory days

Tea then reminisced about her own experience of being “an emo kid in 2005,” going out to clubs, bars, and restaurants with her friends having a “fun, great, trashy” time.

That simply wouldn’t be financially feasible in today’s economic landscape, Tea noted, leaving her “mystified” as to how today’s college-age adults might enjoy themselves.

So again, Tea posed the question: “it’s a Friday night, a Saturday night…What do you do? Where do you go?”

Gen Z’s answers to this question were eye-opening

The responses to Tea’s question were illuminating, to say the least, and certainly different than how she spent her early 20s.

For starters, Tea’s joke about “Gen Zers not having any fun at all” rang true for many people of that age group.

“As a 23 year old: I don’t have any fun, hope that helps!” quipped one person.

Another joked, “sometimes I sit outside if I’m feeling extra.”

One obvious factor behind this is finances. With everything being far more expensive, many Gen Zers simply cannot afford to have a social life that resembles earlier generations.

“As a 21 year old, the economy makes it difficult to have fun that way, I work 40 hours weekly and I’m either too tired or can’t afford it,” one person wrote.

Another reason, which isn’t maybe as obvious, is surveillance. Tea noted that a lot of young people said that since either of their “parents can track their phones everywhere,” they are deterred from doing things that could get them into trouble. Perhaps that’s a win for safety, but there is something to be said about excessive levels of control.

Then of course there’s the pandemic, which sucked the fun out of everything big time

“I got ROBBED of my early 20s bs COVID started when I was 22 Nwo things are normal but all the good bars and clubs in my area didn’t survive the lockdown,” one person wrote.

Plus, there’s a lack of third places to gather, leaving very little options beside staying home and scrolling on TikTok.

So what does Gen Z actually do for fun?

However, it’s not all gloom and doom, Tea discovered.

For one thing, Gen Zers don’t “glorify binge drinking” nearly as much as Millennials and Gen Xers. According to recent research, Gen Z is drinking significantly less than previous generations, with nearly two-thirds planning to cut back or abstain entirely.Part of this comes down to Gen Z prioritizing health and wellness more than previous generations, and another part is the cost.

When Gen Zers do actually have fun, it tends to lean towards more wholesome activities, like house parties (sometimes even themed house parties) and crocheting. Lots and lots crocheting apparently.

Grocery stores are the new clubs.

Then there’s self care, which genuinely is fun:

Love that self care is considered entertainment these days.

As promised, crocheting and taking care of one’s body are really all the rage with Gen Z:

Fitness groups are a new way people are finding friends.

And who doesn’t love a good coffee shop?

Though of course, hanging out in coffee shops isn’t exactly anything new.

Gen Z will be just fine

So maybe things look quite a bit different for Gen Z than Millennials or other generations.

That’s not entirely a good or bad thing, and it’s definitely to be expected in some ways. The struggle of rising costs and limited opportunities to form connections and have fun are undeniably issues that must be addressed. But the fact that Gen Zers are leaning into their creativity is worth noting too. If nothing else, it makes it clear that even though it might not look like it, there is still fun to be had.

Now, I wonder what Gen Alpha’s young adult fun will look like in a few year’s time? If their slang is any indicator, it’s going to be weird.

@damonsharpe
Gen Alpha Slang the complete guide 🤓 all our viral videos in one! The latest slang at the end! #genalpha #genalphaslang @Charlie Belle
♬ Gucci Lemonade – Damon Sharpe & AXON & Kirsten Collins

We’ll get back to you on that. But, honestly, more power to them.

This article originally appeared two years ago. It has been updated.

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Photo credit: via Krari The Crow/YouTube – How to befriend a crow.

Animals, Nature

Crows are incredibly smart. Here’s how to make friends with one in four easy steps.

“They are loyal friends and have brought much joy into my life.”

Tod Perry

Upworthy Staff

5/7/2026

When it comes to keeping birds as pets, people usually think about parrots or canaries. Nobody ever considers having a crow. But research has shown that crows are incredibly clever, curious, and self-aware. They recognize the faces of people they like or don’t like, have the ability to use tools, and can even mimic human speech. Looking to experience the magic of crows yourself? A YouTube user named Alexandra from Germany made a video on how you can befriend the crows in your neighborhood in four easy steps. All it takes is “some food and some patience.”

Over a decade ago, Alexandra made friends with a crow named Krari. Krari and her friends visit her regularly and are considered part of the family. They also bring their “little ones” to Alexandra’s house to chill as well. “They come here to get food, to play, or just hang out with me and relax,” Alexandra says in an introductory video on her YouTube page.

How to make friends with a crow in four steps

1. Find a pair of crows

Crows tend to live in areas populated by humans, so chances are there are crows in your neighborhood. The best place to start is to find a pair with a fixed territory that you see on a regular basis. That way, you’re cultivating a relationship with the same animal day after day, and you can “slowly get to know each other.”

2. Offer food

Crows will eat just about anything, from insects to invertebrates to meat. They also enjoy nuts, worms, and vegetables. If you offer the food in the same place at the same time of day, you’ll establish a routine. Then, the crow may come by regularly to see if you have anything tasty to eat.

3. Be mindful

When interacting with the crow, make sure they aren’t anxious or displaying signs that they are prepared to fly away at any moment. Approach the birds with an open, indirect gaze so as not to cause alarm. Sit quietly while you wait for the bird to approach and avoid quick movements.

4. Let the birds come to you

This requires patience. The crow will be shy at first, but they know you better than you think. They will remember your face and your kindness. Give them a chance to observe you and earn your trust.

One important reminder before you start

At the end of the video, Alexandra reminds everyone that while we should make friends with crows, they are supposed to live free in the skies and not be stuck in a cage. “I hope this helps you build a relationship with these fascinating birds,” Alexandra concludes her video. “They are loyal friends and have brought much joy into my life. Please let birds have their freedom. They do not belong in homes or other forms of captivity. Thank you.”

If you succeeded in befriending a feathered genius, tell your new crow friend we say hi!

This article originally appeared five years ago. It has been updated.

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Mr. Rogers went to put on his shoes and found they didn't fit.

Culture, Nostalgia

Mister Rogers’ crew once pranked him during his opening song. His reaction was so very him.

He really was such a delightful human.

Annie Reneau

Upworthy Staff

5/7/2026

Fred Rogers was truly one of humanity’s greats, in every sense that counts most. He wasn’t a titan of industry or a builder of empires. He wasn’t a man of great means or a wielder of political power. He was humble, gentle, and kind. He was a teacher, a learner, and a leader in his own way.

For generations of children, he was a consistent voice of compassion, curiosity, and caring. He was a calm haven in our television set, a safe space where we always knew we were loved just the way we are.

And yet he was strong, too, just not in the way we often think of strength. He was a fierce defender of children and a champion of justice. His testimony before Congress about public television totally turned around the sentiments of a senator who was extremely skeptical before Rogers started speaking. He wasn’t forceful and he didn’t yell or cry; he just shared his feelings, indicated his trust in the senator’s conscience, and explained the value of quality children’s television programming in a way that was impossible to disregard.

Watch:

No one could deny the wholesome awesomeness of Rogers. He was the real thing, tried and true, through and through and the world misses him greatly.

He was exactly the same off camera

It’s quite well known that Rogers was the same man off-screen as he was on his show, and a video of his cast and crew pranking him once during his opening song offers a bit of delightful proof.

Watch:

Seriously, he was the most delightful human. His laugh when he sticks his foot in the second shoe. Priceless. His “Thanks ever so much” was epic.

The internet can’t get enough of this clip

People have responded to the video on Reddit with gushing praise.

“Mr. Rogers thanking that man for a delightful practical joke just changed something in me for the better,” wrote one commenter. “Off to go thank my husband for some stuff.”

“What a magical person that just a clip of him having a laugh is making me well up,” wrote another.

“My childhood was a scary place but when I turned on Mr. Roger’s, it all disappeared for awhile,” shared another. “Thank you for being a light to so many children. May you Rest In Peace.”

“An amazing human being and an utterly sweet person,” wrote another. “We should all aspire to be the person Mr. Rogers knew we could be.”

Indeed, we should.

Even Candid Camera couldn’t rattle him

Fred Rogers’ response to the prank was not only a look into his kind and gentle character, but his consistency as well. In a 1998 episode of the prank show, Candid Camera, host Peter Funt played a prank on Rogers and he responded just as kindly and wholesomely as he did before. Rogers is staying in a hotel while attending a PBS conference where he will be the keynote speaker. Hoping to frustrate him, Funt (as a bellhop) relays to Rogers that his room has no TV (that’s the gag!). Instead of responding with annoyance, however, Rogers surprises Funt and viewers by kindly saying he “doesn’t use the television anyway” and has “enough TV in [his] life.”

The interaction is as sweet and kind as Fred Rogers always was.

Watch:

The shoe prank outtake can be found on the Mister Rogers Neighborhood website, which also houses tons of content about the show, the neighbors, the puppets, and Fred Rogers himself. They also upload five full, new episodes every other Monday for fans to enjoy. The first Monday of the month features episodes from the early years (1968-1975), and the third Monday of the month features episodes from the “Theme Weeks” (1979-2001). Fans can also watch Mister Rogers Neighborhood on PBS Kids,Pluto TV, and Prime Video.

There may be many wonderful people who walk this earth, but there will never be another Fred Rogers. What a precious gift that we have so many hours of him on film to enjoy and share with generations to come.

This article originally appeared five years ago. It has been updated.

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Chase might just be the clingiest cat ever.

Nature, Pets

This couple has the clingiest cat on Earth and people can’t get enough of his cute demands

There are clingy cats—and then there’s Chase.

Annie Reneau

Upworthy Staff

5/7/2026

Cats are quirky. We all know this.

Those of us who have had multiple cats throughout our lives know that some cats are quirkier than others. Maybe they like to sleep with their face in a shoe (true story). Maybe they won’t stop tearing into bags of Styrofoam packing peanuts and eating them, necessitating a shipping business to switch to cornstarch-based packaging (also true story). Maybe they can catch a crumpled-up piece of paper you toss into the air with their paws and bring it to you in their mouth like a dog playing fetch (awww, I miss that cat).

Or maybe their unique quirk is that they have to be Velcroed to someone’s body every minute of every day. That’s Chase the cat in a nutshell: super sweet, but super clingy.

Meet Chase, the world’s clingiest cat

Chase belongs to Kareem and Fifi of the TikTok channel @dontstopmeowing. The couple have become Internet famous for their three very chill cats. Their “spaw day” videos showing how their cats, Chase, Skye, and Millie, get pampered went viral in 2021, and they’ve gained a huge following sharing life with their cats.

All three are adorable, but Chase…oh, Chase is a special one. I’ve seen some clingy cats before, but nothing like this.

Watch:

@dontstopmeowing
Same Cat, Diff Day #fyp #foryou #foryoupage
♬ Love You So – The King Khan & BBQ Show

Literally clingy, as in “won’t stop clinging to the human.” How many cats like to be carried around like a baby? Not many, I’d guess.

@dontstopmeowing
Not exactly your average kitty #fyp #foryou #foryoupage
♬ Married Life – Michael Giacchino

When Chase wants Mommy, Chase wants Mommy.

@dontstopmeowing
Where did he learn to be so clingy? 😭 fyp foryou foryoupage
♬ original sound – Kareem & Fifi

Of course, Chase doesn’t always want Mommy. Sometimes it’s Daddy’s turn for all the lovin’.

@dontstopmeowing
😔💔 #fyp #foryou #foryoupage
♬ Blue Blood – Heinz Kiessling

Yes, they tried to train the clinginess away

Fifi shares videos of her attempting to train the clinginess out of Chase, which are hilarious. This one has been viewed over 57 millions times.

@dontstopmeowing
This is why he rips my clothes 😭 #fyp #foryou #foryoupage
♬ original sound – Kareem & Fifi

She even dubbed the viral audio of a toddler video “I just a baby!” That fits perfectly with Chase’s hug-happy antics.

@dontstopmeowing
He really thinks he’s a baby #fyp #foryou #foryoupage
♬ original sound – Jordan

Oh, Chase. You’re just too much.

@dontstopmeowing
I can’t stop laughing 😭 #fyp #foryou #foryoupage
♬ original sound – Kareem & Fifi

And just because it’s so dang cute, check out this video of Chase meeting a baby for the first time. (Warning: Wicked adorable baby giggles incoming. Hold onto your ovaries if you have ’em.)

@dontstopmeowing
Who’s reaction was your favorite? #fyp #foryou #foryoupage
♬ Funny Song – Sounds Reel & Funny Song Studio & Thomas Hewitt Jones

Then a baby joined the family

It’s a good thing Chase got on with the baby so well, because the couple welcomed their first (human) baby, Taj, in January 2024 and Chase certainly had a hard time adjusting.

@dontstopmeowing
That guilty face at the end..#fyp #forypu #foryoupage
♬ Dramatic Sad Violin – Platon Davydov

But today, it looks like Kareem, Fifi, Taj, Chase, Skye, and Millie are all one big happy family.

@dontstopmeowing
Not him parking his car 😭 #fyp #foryou #foryoupage
♬ original sound – Kareem & Fifi

Keep up with the family on their TikTok and YouTube.

This article originally appeared four years ago. It has been updated.

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Photo credit: WQAD News 8 on YouTube – Avant Williams kept a promise he made back when he was a toddler.

Culture, Wholesome

Wisconsin teen delivers on lifelong promise to take his grandma to prom

“It’s so special.”

Erik Barnes

5/7/2026

When Avant Williams was just a toddler, he made a promise to his grandma, Svala Heller. While sweet, promises from kids around age two aren’t expected to be kept. But now in his junior year of high school, Williams kept his 14-year-old promise and took his grandmother to his prom.

“Since I was like a little kid, my grandma’s been telling me she wanted to go to prom. It’s her dream, and then today I just feel like I should make that come true,” Williams said to KBTX News through WXWO.

Grandma’s first prom experience

“She didn’t have a prom, so then my junior year of prom she told me I have to take her, so that’s why we’re here,” Williams said with a big smile.

Heller grew up in Iceland where high school proms aren’t common. However, she was intrigued and loved the idea from years of watching American television. Many shows she watched featured the extravagance of the high school dance.

“I’ve always wanted to go to a prom,” said Heller. “Watching American TV and all that glamour that goes with it, and you know, for 14 years he’s been saying, ‘Yeah, one day I will take you to prom.’”

Williams enjoyed having his grandma as his prom date alongside his best friend, Ruben Smith. After having dinner together, all suited and dressed to the nines, they went to the La Crosse Central High School prom in Wisconsin.

“I was definitely excited,” said Williams. “I mean, I’ve only been looking up to this moment since I was like two years old. So, like it’s a big deal for my grandma, and it’s like I feel very special that I can take her to this prom.”

Grandson and grandmother’s big dance

Heller got to have everything about prom she dreamed about. Posing for pictures with Williams and his friends, dancing, and everything else the American teens she saw on television experienced. Only for Heller, it was even better enjoying it with her loving grandson.

“It’s so special,” said Heller. “We have such a special bond. I’m just taking every, every inch in and just enjoying every moment.”

Being her grandson’s prom date won’t just be a wonderful memory for Heller, but a lasting one for Williams.

“It means the world to me. Like, I love my grandma. She’s been there for me like my whole life. I’m just happy I can make her dream come true,” he said.

@jos1ahg
She dident go when she was younger 💔💔❤️‍🩹#TopGunMode #greenscreenvideo #fyp #LIKEABOMBSHELL
♬ Grillz – Nelly

Other grandson/grandmother prom pairings

Over the years, there have been other grandsons who have taken their grandmothers to the big high school dance. In 2014, Ohio teen Austin Dennison took his 89-year-old great-grandmother “Granny DD” to his prom because she couldn’t afford to go when she was a high schooler. South Carolina student Connor Campbell took his 93-year-old grandmother to his prom in 2017. In 2022, North Dakota student Dakota Wollen took his great-grandmother to what was both his and her first prom.

@calov.1
in 2014, Austin Dennison made a choice most wouldn’t think of. instead of a typical prom date— he invited someone special. his great-grandmother, Delores Dennison. at her age, it wasn’t just another night out. it was her first prom. something she never had in the 1940s, when life—and its limitations— took that moment away from her. but that night, everything changed. they shared dinner. laughed. stepped onto the dance floor together. and as the music played— a song her late husband once sang— it became more than just a dance. it became a memory, a bridge between past and present. a moment she had waited a lifetime for. and when the room saw them… they stood. a standing ovation. because sometimes, the most beautiful gestures aren’t about grand plans— they’re about giving someone a moment they thought they’d never have. dm to share your story with us ❤️ #calov #wholesome #family #love #storytelling
♬ suono originale – sardiniaworld

Traditionally, prom is a ritual to celebrate that current generation before they get into adulthood. It can create lasting fond memories as that teen grows into adulthood. However, based on Williams, Heller, and other grandson-grandmother prom pairings, it can also create wonderful family memories, too.

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Photo credit: Canva – An airplane takes off as a passenger walks through the airport terminal.

Nature, Travel

No one was manning the Delta desk at the airport. So a playful passenger grabbed the intercom.

“So those mics DO work, they just choose to mumble”

Evan Porter

5/7/2026

Flying is frustrating, especially lately. Flight delays are surging, costs are going through the roof, and airlines are squeezing customers to maximize their profits. It can be pretty infuriating.

When you’re flying and run into obstacles, you have three choices: become irate and make a scene (not recommended), grin and bear it, or, if you’re really bold, have a little fun with the situation.

Annoyed passenger makes sarcastic announcement

One traveler passing through Los Angeles International Airport recently took matters into his own hands when he needed assistance from a Delta Air Lines employee but couldn’t find one. The Delta desk at his gate was completely empty and unmanned, and he needed help with an issue related to his flight.

And that’s when he noticed the intercom.

Video footage from a fellow airport traveler captures the man approaching the desk, picking up the intercom, and saying, “Hi Delta associates that aren’t paying attention, please come to 30B. You have a customer waiting. Thank you.”

When no one comes, he grows more annoyed and even more sarcastic, activating his best pilot/flight attendant voice: “Delta, Delta, Delta. Please come to 30B. You have a customer waiting.”

@marilyndelgado
@delta help this man. #LAX #DELTA #AIRPORT #30B
♬ Jackass theme – Saltyapple3

Suddenly, in the middle of his next announcement, he’s interrupted by an automated message regarding baggage information. He responds in kind: “OK, that’s fine if you want to do the baggage thing, but what about customer service? Customer service is needed at 30B. Please come and help the customer at 30B. Uh, anybody on shift? Delta, Delta, please help! 30B, thank you!”

Intercom man is hailed as a hero

A few of the weary passengers visible in the video get a good chuckle out of the performance, but it took social media to really give the man the props he deserves.

“Who is he? Upgrade him,” a commenter suggested.

“Rumor has it he’s still at 30B waiting to be helped,” joked another.

Others were just amazed that airline workers never seem to make announcements as clearly and loudly as this random passenger did:

“This is the clearest I’ve ever heard that mic.” (Over 81,000 people agreed with this comment, which says a lot.)

“So those mics DO work, they just choose to mumble”

Many viewers were quick to identify with the broader frustration:

“TSA not getting paid, Spirit died, now delta is self serve? what is happening?”

One commenter summed it up beautifully: “We are all this exhausted with 2026”

In part two of the video, a pilot approaches the man. The two have a brief discussion—slightly tense, but amicable—and then the pilot leaves. “So the pilot just walked away from me,” the intercom man announces.

@marilyndelgado
@delta help this man PT2 #LAX #DELTA #AIRPORT #30B #fyp
♬ original sound – Marilyn Delgado

Playful moment represents serious frustration

The flying experience, in general, has had a rough couple of years.

For starters, passengers are worried about the safety of the planes they’re flying on. Issues with Boeing planes have been publicly documented and have definitely put flyers on edge.

Flight delays have become almost unavoidable. Equipment issues, boarding problems, and air traffic congestion have made sitting on the tarmac for hours an all-too-common nightmare.

And for the passengers’ part, their etiquette has been far from pristine. Reports of unruly passengers and in-flight confrontations involving flyers and crew have been all over the news in recent years.

An empty desk with no assistance for a flyer who needs customer service perfectly encapsulates what it’s like to fly in 2026. But the beauty of this story is the man’s playful, sarcastic, and yes, pointed outlet for his anger. He probably broke some airport policy, but no one got hurt or arrested, and the virality of the moment made his point perfectly.

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Photo credit: Canva – A girl with a paper airplane, left, and a man playing guitar.

Culture, Wholesome

Little girl helps struggling musician neighbor go viral with wholesome paper-plane song request

This is how neighboring should be.

Heather Wake

5/7/2026

Most neighbor stories begin with a simple wave across the driveway or a quick introduction by the mailbox. In Lakewood, Ohio, however, one friendship started with a paper airplane carrying a Taylor Swift song request.

As reported by WKYC-TV, eight-year-old Madeline Glynn heard guitar music floating in from the yard next door and immediately wanted to hear one particular song. There was just one problem: She didn’t know the neighbor yet.

Instead of barging into the backyard, Madeline came up with her own solution.

With help from her mom, Natalie Hulec, she folded a paper airplane, wrote a note requesting “Love Story” by Taylor Swift (great choice), and sent it soaring over the fence separating the two homes.

Waiting on the other side was 26-year-old musician Ethan Hayes.

@nattdoeshair
Pretty sure we hit the neighbor lottery 🫶🥹🎸 #fyp #wholesome #taylorswift #neighborgoals #acousticcover
♬ original sound – nattdoeshair

A neighbor willing to say yes

Hayes had recently moved into the neighborhood last fall and spends much of his time playing music. He performs covers at bars and wineries while also writing songs of his own. Guitar became part of his life during the COVID-19 lockdown, and singing followed a few years later.

That day, he just so happened to be sitting outside practicing when the airplane landed in his yard.

Madeline’s stepdad, Russ Hulec, explained the situation through the window.

“Hey man, my daughter threw a paper plane over. She has a request,” Russ can be heard saying in the clip.

“Am I going to say no? Absolutely not,” Hayes recalled. So without skipping a beat, he pulled up the lyrics to “Love Story” and started playing. From the other side of the fence, Madeline enthusiastically sang along word for word.

One family video became something much bigger

Natalie recorded the exchange because, understandably, it felt like one of those parenting moments she’d cherish forever. Thinking friends and relatives might enjoy the clip as well, she uploaded it to TikTok.

Instead, millions of people watched.

Madeline woke up to news that the video had exploded online. She eagerly called relatives to share the excitement, repeating the same thrilled phrase again and again: “I’m famous! I’m famous!”

Meanwhile, Hayes had no idea any of it was happening until people started sending him the video.

“I didn’t know she was recording. I didn’t hear them singing along. I was just playing the song,” he told WKYC-TV.

@ethanhayesmusic
Replying to @ethanhayesmusic i’m the Taylor swift paper plane guy! #music #taylorswift #swiftie #noahkahan #smallartist
♬ original sound – ethanhayesmusic

The gift that keeps on giving

The sweet neighborly exchange garnered thousands of positive comments from viewers, many of whom encouraged others to check out Hayes’ music on Spotify.

For Hayes, the response means much more than bringing attention to his work.

“What are we if we don’t have each other?” he asked. “Community is one of the most important things. As things get hard, it’s always nice to have somebody to lean on.”

Once strangers, the two households are now planning future cookouts and summer hangouts. And yes, more paper-plane song requests are very welcome.

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