Single foster mom shares the story of her journey to family of four: ”Love has no color in my home”

By
Monica Pop
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Not every child who ends up in the foster system is lucky enough to find a forever family. A lot of young kids go from one home to another, but never settle, and that’s a very sad reality.

Luckily, there are people out there, like Treka Engleman, who give these children a chance for a clean start and turn their life for the better.

Sharing her incredible story with Love What Matters, 30-year-old Treka from Cincinnati, Ohio, recalled the time she decided to became a foster parent.

“I have 20 nieces and nephews, 3 great nieces, and a host of cousins who I have babysat over the years. I’ve worked in childcare ever since I graduated from High School. I’ve always babysat for different families; I guess I can say I thought I was a natural when it came to taking care of children. Little did I know three children would change my life….” she wrote.

“For years, I wanted to be a foster mom. Yet I was always hesitant to start the journey into foster care because I didn’t think a single person like myself could be a foster mom (no spouse, no children).”

Treka heard a lot of stories of children who were left without a family, and losing her mother at the age of six, she could only imagine how hard life would be for her without her big family by her side.

Once she was told she was suitable to be a foster parent, Treka took some parenting classes at an orphanage and moved into a bigger apartment.

When asked about the children she wanted to foster, Treka listed down African American and Caucasian. “Color doesn’t matter to me. Love is love no matter what color you are,” this incredible lady said.

The first child she welcomed into her life was five-day-old Elijah Lee Hill. Soon after, she was asked whether she wanted to take two sisters in. Treka agreed, but only one of her sisters, Alexis Bowman, came to live with her. As it turned out, the older girl, Mercedes, got herself into trouble and was sent to a group home.

As she couldn’t imagine for the girls to be separated, Treka contacted the caseworkers and asked to take Mercedes. They agreed, and soon after, the two girls were reunited and Treka’s family became a family of four.

“On March 16, 2018 Mercedes came to live with us. The girls and little Eli were all so excited. So now at this point it was me, a single mom 30 years old with 3 children ranging from 1 to 15. What was I thinking?

“You know what I was thinking? I love these kids and I wouldn’t have it any other way. They needed a home and I had more than enough to give them…My family does not see color, just kids that needed someone.

“Yes I have had my fair share of stares while we’re out in public, but we just keep walking by unbothered. I’ve had people ask me, ‘Oh, are you babysitting?’ and my response is no, they are my children. No questions asked. I never say ‘foster children,’ but my children. Because that’s what they are and always will be,” Treka shared with Love What Matters.

“Love has no color in my home and they are loved unconditionally…If you are considering fostering or adopting I say go for it. It doesn’t matter if you’re single, divorced, married, black or white. You can change someone’s life!”

Thank you Treka for everything you do for your beautiful children. You truly are an amazing woman and a mother.

Disabled father couldn’t take newborn son for a walk, a group of students built him a wheelchair-stroller

By
Monica Pop
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This uplifting story will definitely make your day. It involves a beautiful family of three and a group of very innovative high school students.

When Jeremy King became a father, he was over the moon. Sadly, his happiness was overshadowed by the fact that he could not enjoy his baby’s company to the fullest due to his condition. Namely, he had a brain tumor and underwent a surgery which affected his balance. As a result, he now uses a wheelchair.

Speaking to Good Morning America, Jeremy’s wife, Chelsie King, said: “While he can walk, he can’t do so safely carrying a child. So we jumped into, ‘OK, what do we need in order for him to parent safely?’ and honestly, not a whole lot came up — there’s just really not a ton of resources out there for disabled parents.”

“One of the things that we really couldn’t find was a way to enjoy walks with our son,” Chelsie said, according to NBC Washington.

“We really just wanted a way to have walks as a family and for him to be able to do everything that a parent without physical disabilities does,” Chelsie added.

After exploring all the options, Chelsie came up with a brilliant idea. She reached to the students at the Bullis School in Potomac, Maryland, who are part of the school’s Innovation and Technology Lab, or BITlab. One of the classes, under professor Matt Zigler, Making for Social Good, is all about coming up with innovations which improve the lives of those who need it the most.

Professor Zigler was more than happy to introduce his class with the challenge. “One, it was great to have it as a challenge, but two, it was great that it was somebody in our community that could benefit from it,” he said.

The young minds did the most incredible thing. They created the WheeStroll which allows Jeremy to have the so much anticipated walks with his son.

The students not only made one father’s greatest wish come true, but they also received plenty of awards for their invention, including “Best Inspirational Story” and “Best Showcase of Iterative Design.”

“To see the smile on his face and to know that I was able to help give him that connection with his child that he wouldn’t be able to have because of his disabilities,” one of the students involved in the project, Benjamin Gordon, said.

“It definitely made me feel for them and it kind of made me mad because something like this should be made already and we shouldn’t be the one—high schoolers—making these designs,” student Jewel Walker added.

We are so happy for Jeremy and Chelsie, and profoundly thankful to the young students for their incredible work.

For more of the story, check out the video below.

Caitlyn Jenner says she will “support” Donald Trump if he runs for President in 2024

By
Monica Pop
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When Olympic gold medalist and a father of six, Bruce Jenner, transitioned into a woman, all eyes were on him. Known not only for his professional achievements but also as the former husband of Kris Jenner and part of the show Keeping Up With the Kardashians, Bruce, now Caitlyn, has spent a lifetime battling gender dysphoria before finally coming out as a woman at the age of 65.

Besides having kids on her own, Caitlyn has also been the stepfather of Kris’ children, Kourtney, Kim, Khloé, and Rob.

However, after transitioning, it looked like her relationship with her stepchildren sort of broke down and they are not into contact any longer. Speaking about it, she told Grazia: “I don’t talk about that side of the family, I spent 23 years of my life with those kids –  it’s difficult to talk about it, terribly terribly sad.

“I’ve lost all relationship with them, yes, I don’t talk to any of them anymore.”

Recently, 71-year-old Caitlyn has turned to politics and announced earlier this year that she will be running for governor of California against Governor Gavin Newsom.

“Californians want better and deserve better from their governor. For too long, career politicians have overpromised and underdelivered. We need a leader with a vision and the resolve to see it through,” the reality star shared on Twitter in April.

“This will be a campaign of solutions, providing a roadmap back to prosperity to turn this state around and finally clean up the damage Newsom has done to this state.”

In case she’s elected, she will be the first transgender governor in the country. At the same time, Caitlyn slammed President Biden’s work so far and said she will support Donald Trump in case he runs for the presidential elections in 2024.

In an interview with Fox News’ ‘Justice with Judge Jeanie,’ Caitlyn expressed her support for former POTUS Donald Trump.

“If I was governor of the state of California… obviously, I would support him,” she said. “Yes, I still would support Trump. I do not like what’s happening in this country right now.”

This support comes despite the fact that the republicans took a critical stance regarding the LGBTQ issues. Caitlyn herself has done a lot for the rights of the transgender people, especially the children. She, however, is against transgender girls competing in sports. “I oppose biological boys who are trans competing in girls’ sports in school. It just isn’t fair. And we have to protect girls’ sports in our schools.”

Caitlyn says that what she liked about Donald Trump is that he was a disruptor. “He came in and shook the system up, OK? A lot of people didn’t like that in Washington, D.C., but he came in and shook the system up,” she said.

Caitlyn has made it clear she wouldn’t like Trump’s endorsement during her campaign.

Dog fakes limp out of sympathy for his owner who hurt his ankle

By
Monica Pop
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Dogs! What would we do without them by our side? Honestly, they make the best of friends and are the only creatures who love us more than they love themselves.

But did you know that except affection and loyalty canines can provide sympathy as well? Just take a look at this cute dog named Bill who stole the hearts of millions of people after his owner Russel Jones from London shared what he did for him.

Posted by Russell Jones on Monday, 6 July 2020

Namely, Jones hurt his leg recently and he had to have it put in a plaster cast. That meant he experienced trouble walking properly and was forced to use a crutch. While out for a walk, Jones noticed how Bill started limping as well. He, of course, got concerned and took his four-legged companion to the vet.

After the check-up, this worried owner posted a video on the social media, writing:

“Cost me £300 in vet fees and X-rays, nothing wrong just sympathy. Love him ❤️“

Source: YouTube

As it turned out, sweet Bill was only pretending to be injured so that his owner didn’t feel bad for having trouble walking.

The video has been seen over 1.8 million times in just a couple of days and people love it, love it, love it. Well, what’s not to love here? Check it out below.

Deployed soldiers recreating a video scene and dancing on ‘Call Me Maybe’ will make your day

By
Monica Pop
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0

A group of soldiers who were deployed overseas found a way to have some fun and forget about the stressful job they have for a moment. They came across the video of the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders dancing to the hit song “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen and though it would be a nice idea to give it a try and recreate the video scene. The song is an absolute hit worldwide and these soldiers are fans of it.

The final result is jaw-dropping. Who would have thought that it will end up so accurate knowing they lack all of the resources like the sea and the sand, and only have a military base in the foreign country of Afghanistan. But, they still managed to recreate each scene and it’s hilarious to watch. The video is now going viral and everyone praises the soldiers’ ability and willingness to cheer up even in the warzone.

Soldiers don’t have it easy. Not being able to be around their families and friends and missing all the important events such as their kid’s school recitals, holidays, and birthday parties may result in feeling devastated and depressed, so having some fun along the way can be good for lifting the soldiers’ spirit, and this group certainly knows the right way to do it.

YouTube

Check out the video below and make sure you share it with your friends.

Deaf dog’s reaction of welcoming soldier dad has been seen over 20 million times

By
Monica Pop
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0

Oh, those dogs. I thank God every day for making them part of our lives, because if it wasn’t for them, some people would have never learnt the true meaning behind “unconditional love, loyalty, and friendship.” Dogs are probably the only living creatures who love their owners more than they love themselves and they have proven this to be true numerous times.

Cotton, an adorable Pit Bull, melted the hearts of millions who have seen the video of him waiting for his human daddy to get back home from a drill weekend spent outside of the house.

Well, as it turns out, Cotton had no idea how long two days could feel when someone you love isn’t around. Although he’s deaf, Cotton knows his daddy is about to enter the door and he has the sweetest reaction after seeing him.

It doesn’t really come as a surprise that the cute video has been seen over 20 million times.

Source: YouTube/ Shanti Kriens

Unfortunately, Cotton’s owners posted an update later on that their loving dog got seriously ill and they had to make the tough decision of putting him down.

Rest in peace, sweet boy, you were the kind of pet anyone would ask for.

You can take a look at the video of Cotton below. Cute beyond words!

The life and career of Howard McNear, who portrayed Floyd the Barber on “The Andy Griffith Show”

By
Monica Pop
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Over the years, a number of incredible actors and actresses who were part of the movie industry helped shape it. No matter how big or small their parts in certain films were, some roles remain iconic, just like that of Barber Floyd in what is considered one of the most warmly remembered comedies ever, The Andy Griffith Show.

The beloved barber was played by actor Howard McNear who had a long career on radio before he turned to films. He first found fame with a role on the radio program Speed Gibson of the International Secret Police, where he voiced Clint, an ace operator and Speed Gibson’s uncle.

In 1942, McNear enlisted as a private in the U.S Army Air Corps and after serving, he took the role of Doc Charles Adams in the CBS Radio show Gunsmoke. Over the years, he played a number of roles, including congressmen, hotel managers, and even villains.

However, he had his major breakthrough starring alongside some of the greatest names of the time, among which Andy Griffith.

Floyd, the barber he played, became a crucial Mayberry character fans couldn’t imagine the series without.

Many believe that the character of Floyd “The Barber” Lawson was based on the barber who cut Griffith’s hair, a man named Russell Hiatt. However, Jim Clark, co-author of The Andy Griffith Show Book, said: “No one can know for sure at this point. I’ve heard Russell tell folks that he remembered cutting Andy’s hair during the time frame of his trips home during college, which circa 1944 would fit.”

During the show’s run, McNear suffered a stroke which limited the motor function of the left side of his body. He took some time off, but it was Andy himself who did his best to get McNear back to the show. After his return, he was often portrayed sitting in a chair and when he needed to stand “it was with the aid of a special jig the men in the crew built for him.”

Two years after the stroke, McNear suffered another one, and sadly, he passed away in 1969 at the age of 63.

Speaking of the impact and influence McNear had on The Andy Griffith Show, pop culture historian Geoffrey Mark told Closer: “If you watch all the episodes like I have hundreds of times, Floyd the Barber really permeates Mayberry. A lot of Mayberry’s attitudes get revealed through him, because that barbershop was kind of the center of town for the men to gossip in. And there were almost as many scenes in the barbershop as there were in Andy’s office.

“People just hung out there, so whenever anything happened in town, any storyline where something was going on, there was always a scene at Floyd’s where they discussed it.”

Rest in peace Howard McNear.

Larry King’s new will emerges as legal battle over his estate between his estranged wife and children continues

By
Monica Pop
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0

The biggest dream of one of the greatest, if not THE greatest, TV hosts, Larry King was to pursue a career in broadcasting. He worked hard for that and even after his passing in January of this year, he is still remembered as a legend. “I wanted to be a broadcaster since I could remember, when I was five years old,” King said on the series Dispatches From Quarantine.

The way he entered the industry is quite amazing. In fact, late King met a CBS announcer by chance and was offered to go to Florida and try his luck as a broadcaster. At the time, there weren’t many people who worked this job and it was quite easy for inexperienced individuals to get hired.

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However, King first worked as a cleaner when in Florida and was put on the 9 a.m. to noon shift, also doing newscasts and sportscast during the afternoon, after one of the announcers quit. One of the conditions for getting the job was for King to change his birth name, which was Lawrence Zeiger. So, minutes after going on air, he decided to call himself King. Why King you may wonder. Well, according to the host himself, he had seen a commercial for King’s Wholesale Liquor and the name sounded good.

“I was petrified,” King told People in 1980 of his beginnings. “The theme music was supposed to fade, and I was supposed to do a voice-over. But every time the music faded I’d turn it back up again.”

“Finally, the station manager stuck his head into the studio and said, ‘Remember, this is a communicating business.’ I let the music go down and told the audience what had just happened. Those were my first words on the radio.”

Youtube/CSpan

During the first few years of his career, King didn’t have it easy. At one point, he was arrested for grand larceny, and although he was acquitted of all charges, he lost all of his broadcasting roles. But it didn’t took him long to return, again as one of the best in the business. In 1978, he was hired by WIOD in Miami and given his own coast-to-coast talk show, The Larry King Show, and the rest is history.

King interviewed some of the most famous and most influential people during his career.

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“The hottest radio property in the country,” as described by the Miami Herald’s former magazine Tropic Sunday, King wasn’t only famous for his special technique for interviewing people, but for his suspenders too.

“‘You know, you’re much trimmer, you look good, you ever tried suspenders?’ I had never worn suspenders in my life,” King recalled on the Today Show. “‘You ought to try it. It might be a nice look.’ I tried it and one night, put suspenders on. Some people called in and said, ‘Boy that looks good’ and that’s all you had to hear. And I’ve worn them ever since.”

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The “king” passed away on January 23, 2021, at the age of 87. He had multiple health issues over the years. In 2019, he suffered a stroke, and just before he left this world he was hospitalized with COVID-19.

King’s son, Larry King Jr, spoke of his dad and told People: “What we can all take away from our father’s last time with us was his love of life. He had an indomitable spirit. Although he lost the battle he beat so many times over the years, we continued to be inspired by his strength.”

“Our dad was always thinking and focused on what we were up to in our lives,” he added. “He enjoyed just spending time with us and sharing memories together, especially going to Dodger games. I remember us playing basketball in the front yard of our house. Celebrity tour buses would come around and I think they were caught off guard seeing dad shoot baskets with us. We just loved those moments.”

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In 2020, a year before he died, King lost two of his children, Andy and Chaia. And now, as he’s no longer here, a battle for his estate is on. As reported by Yahoo, his estranged wife Shawn King is after it.

In February of this year, Larry King Jr. submitted a holographic will that his father had written on October 17, 2019. In it, King says he leaves his property to his children. However, according to the Los Angeles Times, Shawn’s lawyers claim the will was written under “questionable circumstances.”

“It will be argued that Larry did not have the capacity to draft a will. The fact that he hand wrote the will, combined with his possibly diminished capacity could lead one to believe he did not know what he was doing,” Shawn’s lawyer Walzer Melcher told Yahoo.

“A man of Larry’s wealth and experience would ordinarily retain counsel to prepare an estate plan that would include a trust.”

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King had filed for a divorce with Shawn in August 2019 but according to her lawyers, he “was not pushing the divorce and was generally non-responsive and refused to participate in the divorce proceeding,” according to The Los Angeles Times.

Rest in peace, Larry King, you will be missed.

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