‘Don’t give me back, I’m scared:’ How a little girl in my shopping cart transformed my life

What was supposed to be an ordinary day of doing groceries turned into a chance encounter with a little girl that transformed my life in unimaginable ways.

My life was steady, my career solid, and I was happy with the way things were.

And then, one day, everything changed.

While doing my groceries, I went around the aisles, and when I returned to my shopping cart, I saw a little girl in it.

I asked her where her parents were, but she didn’t say anything, so I went around the store in order to try and find her mom or dad, but no one seemed to be looking for their lost child.

After 20 minutes, the girl grabbed me by the hand and said, “Don’t give me back. I’m scared.”

I got scared as well, and decided to take her home for the night. When my sister Melissa, who was staying with me at the time while going through some personal struggles, saw me, she was shocked.

“Who’s this?” she asked. When I told her what happened, she started yelling at me. “You can’t just take a random child home. Her parents must be worried sick. What were you thinking?”

Midjourney

But I only cared for the little girl who was in distress.

In the morning, someone knocked on the door. It was social services. I realized Melissa alerted them of Lia without telling me.

They took her with them, saying they would try to locate her family.

Lia looked at me and asked me where she was going. I felt the urge to comfort her and tell her that everything was going to be just fine, but I didn’t believe those words myself. I had no idea what future held for her.

Midjourney

After doing some research with the help of a friend of mine who worked at the police, I learned that Lia had a mom and that this wasn’t the first time she ran away from home.

Worried, I decided to pay the mom a visit the following morning.

The house where they lived was rather old. I knocked on the door and there she was, a fragile woman, looking at me with confussion.

“How can I help you?” she asked me. I told her about meeting Lia and that she was safe at the hands of the social workers.

Midjourney

The woman started crying. She explained that after the passing of her husband, she had a hard time taking care of her daughter. She was sick and experienced anxiety, which left her unable to work and provide for Lia.

The conversation I was about to start was a hard one, but I had to do it for Lia’s sake.

“Listen,” I said, “I can take care of your daughter until you are able to stand on your feet. Once you feel better, you can have her back.”

I assured her that I was there to help.

At that moment, Lia got home with the social workers. Her mom and I shared our plan with them. It took a bit of time and plenty of paperwork, but I became Lia’s guarding for the time being.

Midjourney

The little girl transformed my life.

I read her stories, cooked her dinner, and took her places.

One night, as she was going to bed, she asked, “Am I gonna see mom again?”

“Of course, sweetie,” I assured her. “Your mom is working on herself, and once she gets better, you’ll get back to her.” She smiled and thanked me, and that smile meant the world to me. I knew I was doing the right thing.

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Woman describes her journey to ‘hell’ before being ‘taken to heaven’

Tamara Laroux, a woman saw ‘hell’ before being taken to ‘heaven’ shares her life experience and how it changed her life forever.

When she was still a teenager, her parents separated, and she had a hard time accepting the divorce. Laroux was left to live with her mother, but the fact that her dad distanced him from her but remained in contact with her siblings was something that affected her deeply.

Unfortunately, unable to cope with the situation she had found herself in, she decided to end her life.

At 15, she took her mom’s gun, pointed it towards herself and pulled the trigger. The near-death experience led to what she describes as a divine intervention.

Speaking on the Christian Broadcasting Network, Laroux said, “When I pulled that trigger… I knew my body was dying.

“I felt the blood rushing through my lungs. Death gripped my body. I became blind and deaf.

“As my soul left my body, I began travelling faster than the speed of light.”

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She then felt an ‘explosion’ in her body and soon found herself in ‘hell.’ She was surrounded by people screaming in agony and terror, and she knew their sins and emotions. Laroux explained the feeling as one of torment.

“I remember looking at an individual, I knew everything about them,” she said.

“I knew every sin they committed. My knowledge about their life was full. I knew their thoughts and emotions.”

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Next, she felt like someone took her from the hell and brought her to heaven.

“There was an overwhelming sense of peace, joy and complete serenity.

“The colours were so bright and refreshing… their very sight was rejuvenating and full of energy.”

She recalled that she was then taken to hospital and underwent a surgery. Doctors said that the bullet had missed her heart by around one-quarter of an inch.

Today, Laroux, who experienced both hell and heaven, is a devoted Christian. She’s also an author of a book, A Second Chance at Heaven.

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A poor boy fulfills a dream of an old man – has no idea his own life would change the next day

Joining an old man for a simple fishing trip changed my life in ways I have never imagined.

Following my mom’s accident, she was left with a painful limp, but she still worked long hours at the gas station, struggling to make ends meet. I helped in every way possible, whether it was with the mail, chores around the house, or with dinner.

Being 13, I did all in my power to ease my mom’s life as much as possible.

In my free time, I would go out, playing basketball and other teenage stuff.

Midjourney

One day, I was knocking down bottles with a deflated soccer ball when a brand new SUV pulled over in front of me. An old man got out of the vehicle, all dressed up and elegant.

“Mind if I take a shot?” he asked, pointing to the bottles. I nodded and handed him the ball. He then said, “If I miss one, I’ll give you $100, and if I knock each bottle, you get to do me a favor.”

I was quick to agree, hoping I’d get the money, but the old man knocked all the bottles. And the favor he asked for – to join him fishing the following day.

It sounded like a small favor, so I said yes.

Midjourney

In the morning, I left the house, making sure not to wake up mom, and went to the fishing pond, which was quiet, overgrown, and untouched for years.

The old man then shared his life story with me.

He told me he had a son who got sick, but he was poor at the time and couldn’t afford his treatments. After the boy passed away, the old man made a promise to earn a fortune, and so he did. He started a business that grew over the years, but sadly, he never had any more children.

In the middle of his story, our fishing line caught. We both lost balance as we tried to pull the fish out, and we both burst in laughter.

The day, and the entire experience, was fun. The old man seemed genuinely happy and told me the fishing at the pond brought back memories of his childhood. He used to live in the neighborhood, and even went fishing there with his son years ago.

I told him his son would be proud, watching him from above.

The following morning, I found a bag on the porch. It had money inside, lots of it. Inside was also a note from the old man. He thanked me for the joy I had given him the previous day.

I was stunned. The money could help us afford my mom’s treatments and I could attend the best schools.

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Months later, I received a letter from the old man. He wrote that he was about to undergo a heart surgery, which I later learnt he didn’t survive.

I had no idea that the day we spent together could impact our lives forever. The old man wrote that meeting me brought him the happiness and the peace he hand’t felt in years. He also reminded me to never lose hope and never give up.

Fifteen years later, as I stood at the porch, watching my mom play with my kids, I thought of the old man, and how the encounter with him impacted my future. His generosity had given me way more than a financial stability – it taught me that even the tiniest act of kindness always goes a long way.

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This legendary actress never wanted a funeral, memorial, or grave marking after she died

Doris Day, a renowned actress of the Hollywood Golden Age, passed away in 2019, at the age of 97.

She was adored both as an actor and a singer, releasing more than 650 songs and starring in over 30 films. Her impact in the industry of film and music continues to inspire years after her passing.

Doris Day, a huge animal lover known for her modesty, rose to fame with the films Pillow Talk, Love Me or Leave Me, and The Man Who Knew Too Much.

She was married four times, and had one child. Her son, Terry Mulcher, whom she welcomed with husband Al Jorden, passed away in 2004 due to cancer.

Sentimental Journey, Secret Love, and Que Sera Sera were all inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, and her dedication to animals inspired the establishment of the Doris Day Animal Foundation.

It was representatives of the foundation who shared the news of Doris Day’s passing. They said the cause of death was pneumonia, and that there wouldn’t be burial ceremonies, gravestone, or other forms of public remembrance.

The actress wanted to be cremated, and her loved ones fulfilled her wish.

Bob Bashara, Day’s close friend and manager, said the actress avoided discussing the prospect of funeral because she feared death.

“She didn’t like death, and she couldn’t be with her animals if they had to be put down. She had difficulty accepting death,” he said in an interview.

“I’d say we need to provide for her dogs [after she died], and she’d say, ‘I don’t want to think about it’ and she said, ‘Well, you just take care of them,’” Bashara recalled.

“She had several when her will was written, and she wanted to be sure they were taken care of. She didn’t like to talk about the dogs dying.”

Day contributed to the cause of animal rights by raising $3 million through the auction of over 1,000 personal items. She also played a role in establishing a Texas Horse Rescue and Adoption Center, dedicated to caring for neglected and abandoned horses.

Raised in the Catholic faith, Day embraced Christian Science after marrying producer Martin Melcher. He adopted her son, who took Melcher’s last name. Day “drifted away” from organized religion following Melcher’s passing, but she remained a spiritual person.

“She believed in God, and she thought her voice was God-given,” Bashara said of Day. “She would say, ‘God gave me a voice, and I just used it.’”

This beloved actress retired from the film industry in the 70s’. She, however, returned for two TV shows. Day also hosted her own television talk show Doris Day’s Best Friends, on the Christian Broadcasting Network which ran for a year.

Following her passing, Day’s estate was donated to charity.

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With tears in their eyes, Jase and Missy Robertson make the heartbreaking announcement

Mia Robertson, the youngest daughter of Duck Dynasty’s Jase & Missy Robertson, has been born with a condition known as cleft lip and palate, a gap in the upper lip that can involve the gum as well.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shares that about one in every 1,600 babies is born with a cleft lip with a cleft palate in the U.S.

Because of her condition, sweet Mia, who is now 18 years old, has been forced to undergo 13 surgeries, with the 14th taking place just recently. The family truly hopes this would be Mia’s last procedure before her problem is finally solved.

Throughout every surgery, the young girl remains positive. What’s most, she hopes she serves as inspiration for other young children who are born with the same condition. On her own initiative and with the help of her family, Mia established the Mia Moo Fund in order to assist in making certain that each and every child wears a smile on their face.

“One of the functions of the Mia Moo Fund is to spread awareness of the cleft lip and palate journey,” Missy Robertson told Christian Post. “The other one is to help with medical funds for the parents and the families living right here in America.” 

On his podcast Unashamed, Jase Robertson shared an update on Mia’s condition and said that his daughter is recovering well.

“She’s doing great. She’s turned a corner,” he said, and then added, “Everything seems great, seems to be fine.”

“Surgery went a little longer than expected, but she is home and recovering,” the loving father told his podcast listeners. “Thank you for praying for her and for our family. She is a champion!”

Before the surgery took place, Missy spoke of her daughter’s condition and explained that she had been constantly asked about the number of procedures Mia would need to undergo in the future. “There is never any other response than ‘We just don’t know,’” Missy said. She then added that they rely on God for assistance. “Since she is 18 now, she is taking the lead in all the discussions and medical forms. It’s been a little strange,” Missy wrote. “But it’s just another reminder to lean on the Lord and that I’m not in control.”

Mia also hopes that she’s at “the finish line.”

“Hopefully the last time I’ll see my doctors in this setting! It’s been a long road but we are at the finish line,” brave Mia said.

Sadly, in the past, 2002 to be exact, the family suffered the loss of their unborn child. Missy suffered miscarriage between eight and ten weeks into her second pregnancy and that loss deeply affected them, both physically and emotionally. Mia was welcomed into the world shortly after.

The Robertson’s have now been preparing for a new addition to the family as they open the doors to their hearts and home for a child whose mother was unfit to take care of.

We wish Mia speedy recovery.

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On Christmas Eve, a pregnant woman knocked on our door – I was shocked to learn who she really was

The chilly Christmas Eve was filled with warmth and holiday cheer, until a knock at the door disturbed the calmness. A young pregnant woman about to give birth, standing on the porch in the freezing cold, uttered the words, “Let your husband explain…”

When I heard the knocking late into the night, I called Mark’s name. “Mark, someone’s at the door.” Absorbed with his PlayStation, he didn’t even turn away from the screen and said, “It has to be a package.”

But I felt the urge to check. When I opened the door, there she stood, a beautiful young woman with a huge belly.

“Who are you? And what are you doing here?” I asked her.

“I need help. Take me to the hospital.”

It was obvious she didn’t have much time before giving birth. “Why are you all alone at this time and this condition,” I asked, now more concerned for her well-being than anything else.

“Let your husband explain,” she said, “he thought he could get rid of me!”

Her words felt like a sharp knife. “What has my husband got to do with this woman?” I wondered, shocked and surprised.

“Get inside,” I said, not knowing if I was doing the right thing by letting her in.

Midjourney

I started calling my husband’s name. “Mark! Come here. You need to see this.”

The moment Mark saw the pregnant woman, he started trembling.

“What… what are you doing here?” he asked, obviously being perfectly aware who she was.

“Somebody explain this to me? Mark, who’s this woman?” I asked in a low voice, trying not to awake my children, who were upstairs, sleeping.

Nervous and running his hands through his hair, Mark turned to me and said, “Claire, I can explain…I…,” but before he could finish, the pregnant woman said, “I’m his daughter. The one he abandoned and never looked back.”

My world started spinning. This couldn’t be right, but Mark’s facial expression said it was.

“Oh, Mark, what have you done?” I asked, doing my best not to cry.

Midjourney

“Claire, this was before we even met,” he said, looking at his feet, ashamed to look me in the eyes.

“Come on, you are running out of time,” I told the pregnant woman. “I gave her a coat, we got inside the car, and I drove to the hospital.”

The silence in the car felt heavy. “I don’t even know your name,” I said.

“I’m Emma,” the woman said. “I’m Claire. Nice to meet you Emma. No matter what happened in the past, I’m not holding grudges against you, nothing of this is your fault.”

Emma thanked me and said, “You are a nice woman Claire. Honestly, when I came to your house, I didn’t know what to expect, but you are so understanding.”

At that moment, all I could think of was to get Emma to the hospital safely.

Midjourney

Once there, she went into labor and I was with her every step of the way. I held her hand, assuring her everything was going to be fine.

Emma gave birth to a baby boy, and my husband was his grandfather.

I went home, relieved that Emma and her baby were fine, but I needed answers.

I told Mark about his daughter and his grandson and told him to make things right.

That evening, I learnt that the hardest truths bring chances for growth, and Emma was someone I was ready to embrace.

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A lip reader revealed an emotional six-word remark from Prince Louis to Kate Middleton during their recent appearance

On December 6, 2024, Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, held her fourth annual Royal Carols: Together at Christmas at Westminster Abbey in London.

She first hosted this concert in 2021, even playing the piano as a tribute to those who lost their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The following year, 2022, the concert was dedicated to the memory of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

The concert aired at 7:30 p.m. U.K. time on Christmas Eve, December 24, on ITV.

Kate Middleton attended the event with her husband, Prince William, and her three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

Karwai Tang/WireImage

“Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year. It is a time for presents, tinsel and mince pies, but it’s also a time to slow down and reflect on the deeper things that connect us all. It is when we stop and take ourselves away from the pressures of daily life that we find the space to live our lives with an open heart, with love, kindness and forgiveness, so much of what the Christmas spirit is all about,” the princess said before the service.

She added: “The Christmas story encourages us to consider the experiences and feelings of others. It also reflects our own vulnerabilities and reminds us of the importance of giving and receiving empathy, as well as just how much we need each other in spite of our differences.”

During the concert, many noticed the exchange between Kate Middleton and her younger son, Prince Louis, who is known for doing goofy things in public, which is normal considering his young age.

Lip reader Nicola Hickling tried to capture the words the young prince told his mother in a clip that was shared online, showing Kate looking down at him and smiling. According to Hickling, Louis told his mom, “We’re looking out for each other.”

Kate Middleton, who had underwent an abdominal surgery back in January of last year and was diagnosed with cancer, announced in September that she is cancer free.

The news was accepted with delight by her many fans.

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What my wife’s rejection taught me about self-worth

My wife Emma has always had a unique sense of style. The way she combines her outfits brings admiration from everyone who knows her, as well as passersby. Her self-confidence is truly inspiring.

One day, however, she started questioning her beauty after she was humiliated by a clerk from a lingerie store.

Namely, Emma saw a sign that the store, which she loved because of the products they offered, as well as the luxurious display window, was hiring.

She was already looking for a job, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity. Excited and hopeful, she entered the store and greeted the store assistant, who didn’t appear welcoming.

Emma asked how she could apply for the job, and the sales assistant looked her up and down with a sneer before delivering the blow: “Look, I don’t think you’re pretty enough for this job. NO CHANCE. Don’t even try.”

These words have shaken Emma’s self-confidence.

When she came home, she was in tears.

My wife felt devastated, and so did I. I couldn’t believe someone could be so heartless as to tell someone they are ugly right in their face.

At that moment, I was so angry that I decided to teach that sell assistant a lesson.

I called my friend Mike, a handsome man who works as a talent scout, and told him about what had happened. He was in for a sweet revenge, so we headed to the store the following day, making sure that same sell-assistant was there.

When we entered, Mike introduced himself, and I pretended to be buying something. He talked to her about modeling and told her how he was looking for a new face for an upcoming campaign.

She appeared eager to make a good impression, groomed herself and struck poses, but after some time, just when Emma entered the store, Mike told the sell assistant, “Sorry, you are not what we are looking for.” He then turned to Emma, pretending to see her for the first time in his life, and said, “Miss, have you ever considered working as a model? You would be the perfect fit.”

Emma smiled, and the sales assistant was mad to receive a taste of her own medicine.

We all left the store, and while Emma felt a bit sorry for the woman, I knew she deserved it.

I wanted Emma to learn that her self-worth and self-confidence came from within and not from what others think of her.

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