This is one of those stories that warm our hearts and remind us that there are still good and compassionate people out there who use kindness to make our days brighter.
Mother Natalie shares what happened on the day when her son Landon went shopping for his first ever normal pair of shoes. The boy was born with a condition known as club foot with one of his feet rotated upwards which resulted with the boy wearing casts and braces until the age of eight. You may assume it is quite challenging for a young boy to be facing this issue, so what happened at the Under Armour store really meant the world for both Landon and his mother.
Facebook/Natalie Ann
The boy was thrilled and was about to experience how it feels like to enter the store and pick the shoes you like the most not having to worry whether the brace would fit.
Facebook/Natalie Ann
The store manager Sean Kelly assisted Landon and showed him a bunch of shoes to choose from, and once he picked the model he liked the most, Sean measured the boy’s feet in order to get him the right number.
However, what they heard next simply wiped the smiles off their faces. Due to different foot size, they had to buy two pairs of shoes, a size three and a size six. This made Landon quite sad, and his mom got a bit emotional and concerned because that meant paying double the price.
“Anyone who knows Landon knows he was born with a club foot and has struggled ever since the day he was born. As he grew older his right foot did, too. However, his left foot being casted so much did not allow his left to keep up. This is when I mentioned his disability he was born with, causing the huge difference. I struggled to hold back tears as I always do, but Landon loved these shoes so I knew regardless I was buying both. I made the comment, ‘Welp we buy both.'”
Facebook/Natalie Ann
Sean, the manager, could see that Landon really liked that pair, and he could also see how distressed his mother was, so he stepped in and made a generous offer.
“How about I buy a pair and you buy a pair?”
He simply took the money out and paid for a pair of shoes.
“Not that we wanted a hand out or couldn’t afford them, but he wanted to do this for a little boy who loved these shoes… Seriously, I’m amazed by how kind people truly can be, to make a kid smile.”
Facebook/Natalie Ann
Natalie couldn’t let Sean’s deed to be left unheard so she expressed her gratefulness in the best way possible. She wrote to the store telling them how their manager saved the day and didn’t let her son’s dream of buying his first normal shoes ever to be crushed. He was willing to see the boy smile and that was the best thing someone could do for Landon.
“Landon gave him a thank you card for being so kind. Sean ended up having a surprise up his sleeve for Landon. We went into the store and were looking for a few things and Landon mentioned I want a back pack from here for school. Here comes Sean with a backpack of goodies. Landon was pumped and so grateful. We were also told that Under Armour World Headquarters had given us 5 buy one get one free for shoes. Which is incredible. Some may see this as a small gesture but to us it’s huge! As if the first story didn’t tear at your heart strings, this only solidifies there are good people out there. Sean didn’t have to do this, Under Armour didn’t have to do anything. But people made things happen, to be kind.”
The story went viral and it made people aware of two things. The first is that an act of kindness, no matter how big or small, always goes a long way, and the other thing is that it raised awareness of the condition Landon was born with and how it affects children’s health and self-confidence. It even inspired other moms to join in and share their stories.
Brittany Walls Canup wrote on Facebook:
“My 2.5 year old daughter has clubfoot. We have a difficult time finding shoes to fit. Her feet are 2 sizes difference.”
Sean did something amazing that day and he probably never imagined that so many people will learn of his kind deed.
Please share this story with your family and friends. It may inspire someone to follow this manager’s example and help someone in need.
The flag is a sacred symbol of a country, but it seems like Americans are attached to it more than any other nation. In a country that is a home of people with different political, social, racial, and geographic background, the flag has become a symbol that unites the citizens who share a unique homeland regardless all the differences .
After Assistant Chief of Police Anita Najiy (far left) refused to salute the flag, a fellow officer took action. (Photo Credit: Screenshot via YouTube)
American schoolchildren are expected to salute the flag in a formal ritual every day, and that speaks a lot about how much the Stars and Stripes are involved in the core values of each American.
It’s somehow logical for us to expect from the military and the police officers to pay even greater respect to the flag under which they serve the country. That is why a police chief raised his concerns when he spotted a fellow colleague disrespecting the hardiness and valor, purity and innocence, and vigilance, perseverance and justice that the flag stands for after she stood silently and refused to recite the Pledge of Allegiance and place her hand over her heart during a ceremony.
Unfortunately for the 32-year-veteran officer Anita Najiy, her colleague Fraternal Order of Police president Javier Ortiz noticed her apparent contempt for America and wrote a letter to her superior in which he questioned her ability to serve the country.
“If you’re not pledging allegiance to the United States, my question is what country are you pledging allegiance to?” Ortiz says. “Anyone who isn’t offended by that is not American, because when you become a U.S. citizen, you pledge allegiance to the .US.”
Ortiz strongly believed that Anita Najiy should have been disciplined and removed from her position as commander of the department’s Honor Guard.
Fraternal Order of Police President Javier Ortiz reported Anita Najiy for violating the department’s code. (Photo Credit: Screenshot via YouTube)
Ortiz also believed that being a Muslim, Najiy put her religion above the country and failed to perform her duties as an officer which he stated in the letter to Chief Rodolfo Llanes.
“I had false hopes that the MPD [Miami Police Department] would address the issue at hand. Assistant Chief Najiy practices in the Muslim faith. The MPD apparently is afraid to address this,” Ortiz said. “In the United States, you have the right to practice any religion and say whatever you want off-duty. When you’re in your police uniform, you are to be neutral.”
After Ortiz’s claims were refuted by the justification that Najiy was following U.S. Military code, which supersedes the city’s Honor Guard code, he went further saying that she should have behaved according to the code because she is an officer wearing a law enforcement uniform.
“Religious and political views have no business being reflected when wearing a police uniform,” Ortiz said. “There are plenty of police officers in our department that practice the Muslim faith and pledge allegiance to our country and have a problem with her defiance towards the United States.”
Najiy’s refusal to place her hand over her heart has sparked debate concerning a police officers’ rights and responsibilities. (Photo Credit: Screenshot via YouTube)
This incident and his attempt to bring to question Najiy’s actions marked officer Javier Ortiz a racist and he was strongly criticized for expressing his concerns and beliefs on the social media.
“We are appalled by the hateful comments that we have been forced to witness over the past several days,” Miami Community Police Benevolent Association President Ella Moore wrote. “Manufacturing issues to divide and call attention away from his own misdeeds seem to be a pattern of this FOP president, who does not appear to be up to the task of showing the true leadership benefiting his current position.”
The ordeal has sparked debate across the country whether Javier Ortiz was right denouncing Anita Najiy’s acting during the ceremony. Some people support Ortiz’s claims, while others believe that officers have the right to refuse to salute the flag without questioning their reasons for doing so.
Would you take a stand for Ortiz’s or Najiy’s actions. Do you believe the country should be above everything? Please share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.
Four years ago, the world lost one of the most adored artistic souls, the great Robin Williams. The news of his passing spread like wildfire and left huge number of devoted fans heartbroken.
His vibrant personality and unique sense of humor made millions laugh. He never failed to amaze and captivate worldwide audiences with his one-of-a-kind performances. Some of his most memorable roles are that of Mr. Keating in Dead Poets Society, Peter Pan in Hook,Mrs. Doubtfire, therapist Sean Maguire in Good Will Hunting, and many more. The list is endless as he played more than 100 iconic roles.
Robin Williams’ spirit will continue living through all the characters he played and the powerful words and messages he was spreading to people from all around the globe.
No matter how much time passes by, he will always be dearly missed. Below are some of his most powerful and most influential quotes that will give you more optimistic perspective on life.
Photo Credit: Everett Collection / Shutterstock.com
“You’re only given a little spark of madness. You mustn’t lose it.”
“The essential truth is that sometimes you’re worried that they’ll find out it’s a fluke, that you don’t really have it. You’ve lost the muse or – the worst dread – you never had it at all. I went through all that madness early on.”“No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.”“Winning an Oscar is an honor, but, between you and me, it does not makes things easier.”“I used to think that the worst thing in life was to end up alone. It’s not. The worst thing in life is to end up with people who make you feel alone.”
Photo Credit: travelview / Shutterstock.com
“Please, don’t worry so much. Because in the end, none of us have very long on this Earth. Life is fleeting.”“Tweets? That stuff kills conversation. And people taking pictures with their phone or recording you, sometimes surreptitiously, is creepy. They come up and just start talking to you, and you can see the red light on their phone.”“I do believe in love; it’s wonderful – especially love (the) third time around, it’s even more precious; it’s kind of amazing.”“Reality: What a concept!”“Politics is so personal, vicious and immediate, how are you going to get anything done? Even the local politics where I live have gotten so ugly.”
Photo Credit: Gocili / Shutterstock.com
“I’m sorry, if you were right, I’d agree with you.”“Sometimes over things that I did, movies that didn’t turn out very well – you go, ‘Why did you do that?’ But in the end, I can’t regret them because I met amazing people. There was always something that was worth it.”“Comedy is acting out optimism.”“Spring is nature’s way of saying, Let’s party!”
“Cocaine is God’s way of telling you you are making too much money.”“Never pick a fight with an ugly person, they’ve got nothing to lose.”“Medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love: these are what we stay alive for.”“You will have bad times, but they will always wake you up to the stuff you weren’t paying attention to.”“Good people end up in Hell because they can’t forgive themselves.”
Please share these wise words with your loved ones!
John Lewis’ Christmas commercials are something we are always looking forward to because they announce the start of the holiday season and bring in us that cozy feeling of warmness and tradition.
The emotional video is a tribute to the living legend Elton John and backtracks through time depicting his life. Titled TheBoy and the Piano, the tear-jerking advert is a reminder of how one special gift can determine the course of life.
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The video starts with Elton playing the piano in present day and singing his major 70s hit “Your Song” before going back in time, showing glimpses of his exciting music career. Time flips back and shows the singer in some of the most important moments of life that made him the celebrity of today. From his Dodger Stadium concerts, performing at private parties, playing at school as his mother is in the crowd cheering, to the moment where it all started – that Christmas morning when he got the gift of his life.
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As he headed down the stairs, young Elton was overwhelmed by the sight of his mother and grandmother unwrapping a piano. Him looking at the instrument with admiration and gently placing his finger on the keys is a start of an era.
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The song is played throughout the whole commercial with original recordings of all the scenes we see Elton in but put together in one piece which allows the viewers to feel a subtle change of mood as the song progresses. The advert ends with the 71-year-old singer closing the piano lid. The whole thing conveys the message that “Some gifts are more than just a gift.”
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Elton wrote on his Instagram account that it was a pleasure to be part of the so much anticipated commercial of the retail giant John Lewis, adding, “It’s been a lovely opportunity for me to reflect on my life in music and the incredible journey I have been on, and how first playing my Grandmother’s piano marks the moment when music came into my life. The ad is absolutely fantastic and I’ve truly loved every minute of being a part of it.”
We hope this Christmas you’ll get a gift that may change your life.
Wednesday night’s CMA Awards were the perfect occasion for the new song of Garth Brooks to be unveiled. The performance was a sweet surprise for the country singer’s wife of thirteen years, Trisha Yearwood.
Among all those people at the crowded place, Brooks dedicated the song to the love of his life, and the amazing thing was that it was the first time for “Stronger Than Me” to be ever performed and heard by the wider audience.
Alone on the stage, singing from the heart, looking straight in his wife’s eyes as though they were the only ones there, it was a perfect moment that let them cherish their love for one another.
The singer describes the new piece of music as “maybe the most well-written thing I’ve ever had to lend my voice to. It’s beautiful.”
“I won’t play it for anybody else because it’s a song, you’re not going to believe it’s written by guys, it’s a song about the strength of a woman. And for me, that’s Trisha,” Brooks had explained.
Disney – ABC Television Group
Brooks revealed the CMA producers were hesitant about him premiering on the show because of the busy schedule, but he had his fans’ support and found himself in the limelight.
“They’ve been very sweet. They kinda came back and said, ‘Hey look, something new that’s a ballad probably doesn’t work for us,'” he said.
Everyone simply loved the song, and his wife was so moved by the gesture that she couldn’t hold her tears back. She wasn’t sure what to expect because she had never heard the lyrics nor the music before.
“I have no idea what’s going to happen,” she told People.
Brooks received standing ovations as he sang the final emotional verse of the ballad:
“I’d give her anything that’s mine in life to give her to the last breath that I breathe, and if I have a choice I pray God takes me first ’cause you’re stronger than me.”
ABC
So many concerts behind him performing in front of millions of people, but still so nervous when singing for his wife that he even considered calling the performance off.
“The closer I got, the more I thought it was a bad idea,” he said, “because she’s not a big surprise girl.”
He opened the ceremony in which he handed over his Entertainer of the Year crown to Keith Urban by announcing a moment of silence as a respect for the Borderline Bar & Grill shooting victims.
“Tonight, let’s celebrate their lives. Let the music unite us with love, and their enduring memory,” he said, before a list of the victims’ names was projected on a screen.
Before and after photos always remind us how time flies. But it’s nice to have them, so that we know how much we’ve changed over the years.
Some of the faces depicted are already wrinkled and looking quite different, but the emotions the photos reveal remain the same.
From spouses on their wedding day, to siblings taking their first trip together, and even proud pet owners on the first day they met their furry pals, these people and animals recreate the same situations years after. Things change, we change, and the essence of life is what we experience between those changes.
These reenactment photos will certainly make you nostalgic about the good old days.
1. Man’s best friendGordondel via Reddit
10 years later, and the bond between this man and his dog is just as strong.
2. Girl powerPinterest
These four best friends never lost touch—or their love of snacking!
3. Brotherly loveImgur
These brothers are just as goofy (and loving) as they were when they were babies.
4.This adorable couple who loves cakemaxxhock via Reddit
From wedding day to being grandparents, this couple will always have their cake.
5. Road tripRUSirius7 via Reddit
The leg hair might’ve grown, but their seat in the car (and their outfits!) have not.
6. This young merry pairLeviSnuts via Reddit
What began with a sweet glance on a carousel ended with a sweet glance on a carousel. Their love truly makes the world go round! (Get it?)
7. These best friends who always have each other’s backsAwesome Jelly
Though it may have been a bit easier back in 2000…
8. This daddy/daughter duo@dawsonalliah via Twitter
They’ll always dance together in the kitchen.
9. And this father/son duoMagicmoonlight007 via Reddit
After 60 years, everything and nothing has changed at the same time.
10. Riding dirtyImgur
This couple is still “riding” out life together and more in love than ever. (Their love may not have faded, but the motorcycles have surely improved!)
11. 60 years laterBored Panda
From wedding day to a 60th anniversary and this couple could not be more in love.
12. Prom datesBored Panda
20 years after prom and this couple still looks as dapper as ever!
13. Floor snackerswhimsicalfloozy via Redditt
Nothing like eating a meal on the floor of a kitchen with your favorite gals—when you’re babies and also years later!
14. Dress, suit, relationship: All still fits!Bored Panda
This couple reenacted their wedding photo 45 years later.
15. From ring bearer and flower girl to husband and wifeBored Panda
Who knew that their wedding day would actually be the second time they walked down the aisle together?
16. College sweetheartsBored Panda
Same ledge, same couple, same love.
17. Travel buddiesBored Panda
This couple will never take for granted the adventures they’ve shared throughout the years—especially when they get to visit special locations years later. (Hint: This couple was on their honeymoon in the first photo!)
All these pictures show us that true love resists time, and never fades away.
Phil Wright is a famous name in the world of music and choreography. This immensely talented man has been working with some of the most famous celebrities such as Will Smith, Chayanne, Nicki Minaj and Pitbull, but now he is here to do something a bit different.
He came up with an exciting idea of creating dance classes for parents and children, and although he wasn’t sure whether it would work or not, he decided to give it a go. Having in mind that many parents are taking some time for themselves while the kids are taking classes, Phil wasn’t sure if the parents will be willing to spend that time dancing along their kids. But it turned out they didn’t only want that, but were actually thrilled and eager to push that interesting idea forward.
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Phil’s taught dancing before, and was part of facilities like Millennium Dance Complex, Debbie Reynolds Dance Studio, IDA Dance Academy and Abby Lee Dance Studio.
Dancing and choreography are Phil’s passion and his greatest wish is to spread it to as many people he can.
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The parents and the children are dancing to a unique choreography on the famous song of Earth, Wind & Fire, “Let’s Groove,” and no one could imagine it would turn into one of the most impressive performances we’ve ever seen.
Every move they make is simply flawless. Their frisky dancing along with the little sass they add is mesmerizing. It’s clear it took time for this routine to be practiced at this level of perfection, but it was worth it.
Phil was more than proud of the parents and the children who went against their teenage instinct to buck at every turn.
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Take a peek at this awesome family-friendly dance routine below. You are going to love it, that’s for sure!
Our favorite music talent show The Voice UK, turned even better with Sir Tom Jones being one of the judges. Jones’s powerful voice has been described as a “full-throated, robust baritone” and it was only a matter of time when the audience of the show would hear him perform live during one of the episodes. It was a real blast and a treat for the ears.
This legendary singer has been a real heart-breaker from the moment he started his singing career in he mid-1960s up until this day. Women from all over the world are going crazy over his talent and his looks. During his rich career he’s been performing pop songs, R&B, show tunes, country, dance, soul and gospel.
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The crowd was left in awe when Olly Murs, one of the judges of the show started singing one of Tom’s songs to which Sir Jones reacted with “yah!” and liked the way his fellow colleague sounded.
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The crowd is as well happy to hear the judge singing, but they want to listen to the original performer of the song “It’s Not Unusual” so they start chanting Tom’s name. Another judge, Will.i.am, joins in and everyone is eager for Sir Jones to start singing along. He simply can’t hold back, lets his voice loose, and that’s when the magic happens.
He gets so much into the song that he treats the fans with some frisky dance moves and they go wild over what they are seeing and hearing. At this point, no one is in their seats, but up and dancing. It’s an amazing show that Tom surprises the crowd with.
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This finger snapping, toe tapping tune has everyone dancing around. The lyrics are pretty peppy, too, focusing on love and life.
“It’s not unusual to be loved by anyone. It’s not unusual to have fun with anyone. But when I see you hanging about with anyone it’s not unusual to see me cry, I wanna die. It’s not unusual to go out at any time. But when I see you out and about it’s such a crime. If you should ever want to be loved by anyone. It’s not unusual it happens every day no matter what you say. You’ll find it happens all the time. Love will never do what you want it to. Why can’t this crazy love be mine?”
Everyone is super excited to be listening to a singer like Sir Tom Jones singing in front of their eyes.
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Take a look at one of the best episodes of The Voice UK. This is what we call having fun.
The flag is a sacred symbol of a country, but it seems like Americans are attached to it more than any other nation. In a country that is a home of people with different political, social, racial, and geographic background, the flag has become a symbol that unites the citizens who share a unique homeland regardless all the differences .
