When we lose a loved one, we feel like our whole world collapses and the sorrow that settles in our heart can be overwhelming. In those times of grief, nothing seems to help ease the pain, but life is miraculous at times and comfort can come from unexpected places.
21-year-old Mary MacInnes from U.K. is giving grieving families something to hold on to while doing their best to overcome their pain. This incredible young lady is creating teddy bears from the clothes of the people who left this world.
Memory Bears started after a friend of hers asked her to craft one. The next moment, other started asking for these special “toys.” However, Mary had to say no because she was way too busy with her fashion studies. “I turned them down because I wanted to concentrate on university and a career in bridal,” she told the Metro.
But you know what they say. Things don’t always turn the way we have imagined, so Mary found herself creating teddy bears and she never looked back. It’s been seven years now that she is doing it. Some of them even include pockets for storing ashes or letters.
Good Morning from gran & papa bear made from dressing gown, shirt & tie 🧸
Of course, it’s not always easy, because she meets many different people who lost someone they loved and cared for, so she feels their pain. “Recently I had a 37-year-old man pleading with me to make his two daughters aged 10 & 12 bears before Christmas. He insisted on paying in full and gave me £10 extra asking me to post them to his girls,” Mary said. “It turned out he has terminal cancer and won’t see Christmas. I cried the whole time I cut out, sewed and stuffed those two little bears.”
At the same time, she’s happy her hand-made creations can bring comfort when people need it the most.
Dressing Gown bear is waving to you.
Let’s see who waves back. Comment your city please.
My memory bears have joined…
“I love seeing their faces take on character and I’m absolutely loving life. I really enjoy meeting my customers when they collect bears – 80% burst into tears. I think that’s because garments arrive as sad reminders of the past then it’s almost as if new life is breathed into them,” she told Metro.
“They become something that’s much more acceptable to cuddle and talk to, and the feedback is they definitely can help the grieving process,” she added.
Child kidnapping is a real thing and it happens way more often than any of us can imagine. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children revised its estimates of stranger abductions to 4,000 to 20,000 per year, while previous figures estimated these numbers to be 50,000 per year.
The question many parents ask themselves is whether there is something that could be done in order to protect their children from potential kidnapping. It turns out there is a method which has been widely used over the year, but not by enough number of parents out there.
Source: YouTube/ Good Morning America
It was Wednesday, November 7, 2018, when the deputy of the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office was alerted of a potential abduction of a young girl named Maddison. Luckily, a tragedy was avoided because the girl was previously told by her parents to never talk to strangers and ask those approaching her if they knew the code word, a word the parents and the children decide on previously just in case the little ones become potential victims of kidnapping.
“At 3:45 p.m., a [10]-year-old girl was walking with a friend near a park in the neighborhood when a man, driving a white SUV, pulled up next to them. The man told the girl that her brothers were in a serious accident and she needed to go with him,” the Facebook post by the Sheriff’s Office read.
“The child asked the man what the “code word” was, but he did not know it and drove off.”
Source: YouTube/ Good Morning America
Thanks to the girl’s quick thinking, she probably saved her own life and now the police department is using her story in order to raise awareness and make more parents use the full potential of the ‘code word’ strategy.
“Kudos to the parents of this child for having a code word and talking about to their children about stranger danger. We hope by putting this out, it will encourage parents to have that conversation and create a plan with their children, so they know what to do if they are in that situation,” Sheriff Mark Lamb wrote.
The girl’s mother, Brenda James, said that she encourages all of her daughter’s friends to come up with code words together with their parents. “[Maddison] can show other kids it’s okay to ask that question and not everyone’s your friend. I think kids respond more to kids than they do adults, and they can understand they can be brave and smart and run,” she said.
Even the thought of a child getting abducted or kidnapped is scary so preparing the children for such situations can save their life.
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Going through life without a parent by your side can be truly harsh, especially when you are young. The parents are those people who have our back no matter what and whose guidance make everything easier, so not having them around to share the joys with them can be devastating.
One teen with special needs lost his mom in 2010 and he was left to fight his battles without her love and support. However, no matter the challenges, he managed to graduate from high school.
Source: YouTube/ RM Videos
Wanting to share the happiness of reaching such an important milestone in life, he dressed nicely, bought a bouquet of beautiful flowers and visited her grave on the day of graduation. “I did it, I graduated today and I know you’d be so proud of me and so happy and I love you so much,” he said on his mother’s grave.
The video touched many hearts. People congratulated him on his huge achievement and wished him all the best. “This young man is lovely, I bet your mother was cheering you on from heaven buddy. You did great, congratulations on your graduation,” one person wrote.
We are sure your mother is watching over you from heaven young man, and she’s smiling for raising such a loving boy.
Source: YouTube/ RM Videos
What a bittersweet moment this must have been. Take a look at how he honored his mom in the video below.
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Recently, there were a lot of articles published on social media asking whether we knew who Jacqueline Faye was. As that was the first time I stumbled upon that name I was curious enough to take a sneak peak at some of them. Apparently, Jacqueline was the latest sensation that stole the show on the stage of X factor. Her performance was one of the most noticeable so far on the show that it left all the four judges in delight. I couldn’t stop myself from watching the episode Jacqueline was in and it was the best decision I made that day. Now let me share my impressions on her stunning performance with you.
What caught the eye of those watching is that Jacqueline lives on a farm in Oxfordshire, England and she spends her days with the animals she takes care of, among which chickens, ducks, horses, and two special peacocks named Dave and Chaz. As she states her peacocks are her greatest love, judge Ayda Field jokes how her peacock Robbie is standing next to her.
As she goes on about her life and her husband, the audience is left in laughter and it seems like they take the 53-year-old lady for granted believing she entered the wrong show.
It’s quite obvious that she’s tensed as she announces she is about to perform Cilla Black’s hit song “You’re My World”.
YouTube
Once she starts singing, she immediately receives a round of loud applause for it is obvious she’s killing it. Everybody is overwhelmed by her breathtaking vocal abilities and she proves that appearances can often be misleading. It seems as though never in her wildest dreams Jacqueline could imagine getting ovations from Simon -who is the most strict of the judges- or even debuting in front of Robbie Williams who she says “is not just an entertainer, he’s an icon. He’s the kind of guy I’d like in my family.”YouTube
The ending of her staging was followed by amusement by the audience as well as the judges. Simon admitted he didn’t expect such strong and powerful performance by her saying: “As you walked out I’m kind of thinking to myself [that] maybe you’ve walked on to the wrong show by mistake. And I’m thinking this isn’t going to be great… and then you were.” to which Louis Tomlinson added “For me, stories like this – this is exactly what this show should be all about – someone your age standing up there and having a real moment like that.”
Jacqueline’s talent is undeniable, and no matter her age, she is destined to become a super star loved by many.
YouTube
In case you missed it, this is her performance that will leave you speechless!
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Bored Daddy
Love and Peace
June was a month of great significance for the British Royal Family. Her Majesty the Queen celebrated her Platinum Jubilee which marked 70 years of reign. The event lasted for a couple of days and was celebrated by the entire country, as well as people from all over the world.
The celebrations began on Thursday, June 2, with Trooping of the Colour, an event for which the Queen appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. The following day, there was a Thanksgiving service which the Queen could not attend because of discomfort she felt the day before. For the same reason, she had to cancel her planned appearance at the Epsom Derby on Saturday, June 4.
Shutterstock/Shaun Jeffers
On June 5, however, she made an appearance. In a thank you letter she released, Her Majesty wrote:
“When it comes to how to mark 70 years as your Queen, there is no guidebook to follow. It really is a first. But I have been humbled and deeply touched that so many people have taken to the streets to celebrate my Platinum Jubilee,” the Queen’s letter read.
“While I may not have attended every event in person, my heart has been with you all, and I remain committed to serving you to the best of my ability, supported by my family.
“I have been inspired by the kindness, joy, and kinship that has been so evident in recent days, and I hope this renewed sense of togetherness will be felt for many years to come.”
“I thank you most sincerely for your good wishes and for the part you have all played in these happy celebrations,” the letter ended, signed “Elizabeth R.”
LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 05: Queen Elizabeth II stands on the balcony at Buckingham Palace at the end of the Platinum Pageant on The Mall on June 5, 2022, in London, England. (Photo by Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images)
Among those who attended the celebrations were Prince Harry and Meghan. This was the first time the Duchess of Sussex to visit Britain after the couple stepped down from their royal duties and settled in California. They, however, attended only a handful of events, including the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral.
Harry and Meghan weren’t really welcome to appear on the balcony of the Buckingham Palace to greet the gathered crowd because the Queen had made a decision only the working members of the royalty to stand by her side during that meaningful event.
“After careful consideration, The Queen has decided this year’s traditional Trooping the Colour balcony appearance on Thursday 2nd June will be limited to Her Majesty and those Members of the Royal Family who are currently undertaking official public duties on behalf of The Queen,” a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said in May.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 03: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex attend the National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral on June 03, 2022, in London, England. (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage)
Another reason for celebration in June was Lilibet’s first birthday. Since the Sussexes were in Britain, the proud parents decided to throw a picnic party at Frogmore Cottage, their UK home. Since this was the first time for the sweet girl to visit her father’s homeland, the event was even more meaningful.
Queen Elizabeth was reported to have been in attendance but she refused to take photos with her great-grandchildren. As per The Sun, she banned Harry and Meghan to have a photographer present because she didn’t want any images to be made public. Camilla Tominey, royal expert, claimed one of the reasons was that the Queen had a bloodshot eye.
“Harry and Meghan wanted their photographer to capture the moment Lilibet met the Queen,” an insider told The Sun. “But they were told no chance. It was a private family meeting.”
It was such a privilege to celebrate the 1st birthday of Lilibet with my family and hers! Joy and face painting all around ❤️🎂🎉 pic.twitter.com/bg3RY6MOEu
William and Kate didn’t attend Lilibet’s birthday party. It was reported that they traveled to Wales together with their three children.
“William and Kate made no effort at all to introduce Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis to [Lili],” royal expert Christopher Andersen told Us Weekly, adding that there is still “a lot of tension” between Harry and Meghan and William and Kate.
“As far as I know, nobody believes they spoke [to one another] during the celebrations,” he claimed.
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Those who get the chance to grow up with their grandmas by their side are the luckiest people of all. Why, you may wonder? Because grandmas are the best. They love like a mother and spoil their grandkids rotten. From the tasty meals they prepare, to all the presents and stories, nothing beats grandmas. The great thing is that children know how to appreciate the love and affection given to them by the elderly.
A boy dressed in a karate uniform seems to know this best. Asked about his 100-year-old ‘MamMa’ and why God created her, he provides some very interesting answers that make many go ‘awwww..’
YouTube
Well, before you listen to this cutie pie’s explanation let us tell you that there is also a bit of science behind the importance of grandmas. According to Psychology Today, grandmas are way calmer with their grandkids than they were with their own children. That is one of the reasons why these special individuals let things slide off their shoulders when their grandchildren do something unruly.
At the same time, they don’t need to worry about parenting. They just need to make sure the little ones have fun without the stress that raising children brings. Now it makes sense why grandmothers are the best. They are allowed to be the “cool” family member while never really having to discipline!
YouTube
The video of this sweet boy has been seen nearly 4 million times. He doesn’t even hesitate a bit when he needs to answer why grandmas, especially his ‘MamMa,’ are one of God’s best creations. “Well, God made grandmothers to love and care about you, that’s all I know,” he says among the rest. His words truly are hearmelting. For more on what he has to say go to the video below.
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The kindness we offer to those around us is what makes this world go round.
When they spot someone in need of help, some people simply turn a blind eye. Others, however, go the extra mile to step in for the person in trouble.
A young woman named Casey Spelman, who works as a speech and language pathologist for the deaf at an Indiana school, belongs to the latter.
Without being aware that someone is a witness of the kindness she offered to a complete stranger, she did what she believed was the right thing.
Source: YouTube/ WRTV Indianapolis
Namely, she was visiting some friends in the Wrigleyville area and attended a Chicago Cubs game. Once the game was over, she headed home and that’s when she noticed a blind man waiting for a cab. Looking at the crowd, she knew it would take quite some time for the man to find what he was looking for so she approached him and said: “Do you want some help getting a cab?”
The man, who was later identified as Yusef Dale, an assistant U.S. attorney in Chicago, was happy to accept the offer. “He said, ‘Yeah, you sound pretty, so cabs will probably stop for you before me,’” Casey explained.
Source: Facebook/ Ryan Hamilton
At the time she tried to get a cab for him, another person, Ryan Hamilton who was on a rooftop near Wrigley Field, witnessed the situation and decided to snap a photo of Casey and Yusuf that he later shared online.
“Wanted to give a shout-out to this girl. No idea who she is, but we are in Wrigleyville on the rooftop of Old Crow Smokehouse. There was a blind Cubs fan trying to hail a cab for several minutes until the lady came up and asked him if he needed help hailing a cab. She stood there with him until one pulled up. Awesome to see such kindness in a world that the media portrays so much hate in. Share freely in hopes that her kindness spreads,” Ryan wrote in the caption.
Before getting inside the cab, Yusuf gave Casey a hug as a thank you for her kind deed.
Source: Facebook/ Ryan Hamilton
At the time, the young woman was unaware someone was watching her.
“I didn’t really think much of it at the time,” she explained. “It was after a Cubs game and it was still pretty crowded. I thought, ‘Man, it’s going to take him a while.’”
Casey also added that she hopes her action serves as a positive lesson for others.
What an awesome lady Casey is.
For more go to the video below.
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Sometimes in life, we are challenged, and sometimes more than others, but above all else, this story is about overcoming obstacles! Little Brenna and her parents are a reminder of how parents love is unconditional no matter what the obstacles!
Some parents are different than others, some give away their children just because of the way they look and the best kind of parent give unconditional love to their children.
It is, we think, a great thing to show people stories, the best kind, where they can have inspiration and to help them find their own strength and realize that no challenge is too big if you have a little support and inspiration!
Also, there is a message, really to those people that might be tempted to judge anyone based on the way they look.
Courtney and Evan Westlake live their lives very happily with their son Connor, they then realized that Courtney was pregnant again!
The couple was really and completely overjoyed with the news of her pregnancy, they really wanted to expand their family that little bit more.
They were really looking forward to being parents again to another baby, their first ultrasound was fast approaching and they were quite impatient for the time to arrive.
Each time they went to the hospital they were told by the doctors that all was well with their baby, and they were happy with her progress.
Then a few more months into the pregnancy it was discovered that Courtney and Evan found out that they were going to have a girl and their son was going to have a little sister.
The family was all in all super happy, and the couple planned everything that they wanted to do, and what the little baby would do for the all of them.
Evan, the dad, said:
“I’ll have to learn to braid hair now”
Just beforenew years eve was the big day, the little girl was born, but all the plans they made were completely crushed…
They called their daughter Breanna, sadly she was born covered in thick white scales, she didn’t move, she was too hot and her little body was covered in sores, what a sad and scary moment for both parents!
Brenna had to be taken to intensive care straight away so she could even have a chance of survival.
Her parents held her for the first time some two weeks after their daughter was born.
Brenna had been born with a hereditary disease, it was quite serious, it’s called Harlequin ichthyosis…
The disease causes Brenna to grow skin on her body around ten times faster than it should.
A redness all over her body is caused by this exaggerated growth, it also causes problems with her eyes and her mouth too, even her nose and ears are affected.
The disease has no known cure and is often fatal, so sad for this poor little girl!
All the complications caused by Harlekin ichthyosis makes it very challenging to cope with just a normal, or as close to normal as they can make life for her, it was a long hard road ahead for the whole family.
Many people didn’t understand what was going on with the little girl and would stare and point at her, make loud comments or ask many questions about Brenna, it was hard.
Courtney feels really sad sometimes, she understands that other children are curious though because of how she looks.
The thing that upsets Courtney the most is the reactions from other parents, how they pull their children away from Brenna, their ignorance is upsetting, how she sees them tell their children to be quiet as they approach Brenna.
If it was a perfect world, then the ideal situation for Courtney would be, that parents went up to her and Brenna, instead, they look away and leave the playground, and that is the worse of all things to do.
Brenna is a very proud little girl and she is quite confident in herself too. She doesn’t let anyone make her feel down at all, with the support from her family she really is strong.
Big brother Connor also really supports his little sister too, of course, he loves her!
“Why do parents try to avoid talking to people who look different? What are they afraid of? They could just come up to me and ask how old Brenna is”
“When their child asks why Brenna is so red and swollen, why can’t they just be honest and say ‘I don’t know, but it doesn’t matter how we look. We’re all unique’?”
Even though they have really challenging days, Evan Connor and Courtney are really proud of what they achieve and how they cope and support each other, and with good reason too!
Without fail each night Evan bahts his daughter really carefully, and gently, it must be done every single day.
The same guy that joked about learning to braid his daughter’s hair now massages the rich cream she has to have on every day into her scaly skin that just keeps growing.
The disease has a kind of side effect, that Brenna doesn’t have much hair, but every day dad combs the hair she does have, carefully…
Brenna is just like other children in most other ways and she really loves her family, she adores playing with her big brother, and of course bedtime stories too, with dad and big bro!
Brenna’s mommy and daddy are quite rightly convinced that she can do whatever she wants and sets her mind to in life, and why shouldn’t she!
Courtney now writes every day about her family and her life, she has also written a book called ‘A Different Beautiful’, it was published back in August 2016.
Let’s all SHARE this wonderful story with friends and family. We really hope that this story and the book helps dispel prejudices people have about this condition.
