Delight in these Heartwarming, Inspiring Stories - https://mymodernmet.com/category/inspiring/ The Big City That Celebrates Creative Ideas Tue, 09 May 2023 15:57:04 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.1.1 https://mymodernmet.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cropped-My-Modern-Met-Favicon-1-32x32.png Delight in these Heartwarming, Inspiring Stories - https://mymodernmet.com/category/inspiring/ 32 32 Lost Teddy Bear With Last Recording of Little Girl’s Mom Is Replaced by Build-A-Bear https://mymodernmet.com/lost-teddy-bear-replaced-by-build-a-bear/ Mon, 08 May 2023 17:30:40 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=598105 Lost Teddy Bear With Last Recording of Little Girl’s Mom Is Replaced by Build-A-Bear

The story of a 4-year-old who lost her highly significant teddy bear has taken a positive turn. The toy, which contains a recording of her late mother's last heartbeat, was accidentally donated by her family to a Goodwill in Tazewell, Tennessee. They realized their mistake when the girl asked to bring her bear to school. […]

READ: Lost Teddy Bear With Last Recording of Little Girl’s Mom Is Replaced by Build-A-Bear

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Lost Teddy Bear With Last Recording of Little Girl’s Mom Is Replaced by Build-A-Bear Rainbow Sparkle Teddy Bear alongside a note from Build-a-Bear, replacing a little girl's toy

The story of a 4-year-old who lost her highly significant teddy bear has taken a positive turn. The toy, which contains a recording of her late mother's last heartbeat, was accidentally donated by her family to a Goodwill in Tazewell, Tennessee. They realized their mistake when the girl asked to bring her bear to school. At that point, the girl’s father hastily returned to store. Sadly, it was too late, and the bear had been sold. Hoping to bring it back home, the family, the store, and their local radio station WRIL launched a campaign to alert people about the teddy bear.

“We are [in] search of a [tie-dyed Build-a-Bear] that was accidentally donated. This bear is the only thing of a departed mother that a little girl has,” reads a note posted by the store. “Please, if you have it, return [it] to this store so we can reunite them. You will be reimbursed.”

The family first shared a couple of pictures of rainbow teddy bears via the radio station, but a short video later revealed the actual appearance of the missing bear. With this new piece of information, some eagle-eyed commentors spotted that the toy's exact model was a Rainbow Sparkle Bear from Build-A-Bear, potentially narrowing the search. The footage also featured audio of the heartbeat—originally captured over a year ago, making some wonder if a new bear could be made using that sound.

The news traveled far and wide, eventually reaching Build-A-Bear itself. After reaching out to the radio station for any identifying information they could use to provide a replacement, the company browsed their warehouse for a matching toy.

“The staff at Build-A-Bear were heartbroken to hear the news about the missing Rainbow Sparkle Bear,” a spokesperson from Build-A-Bear told Today. In hopes of cheering up the little girl and her family, the company announced that it will replace the bear. Most importantly, it will feature a recording of the heartbeat provided to the station by the girl's grandmother.

“While we remain hopeful that the original bear is located,” a spokesperson for Build-A-Bear has said, “it is our sincere wish that this new teddy bear will provide a bit of comfort for the child and the family at this time.”

As the search continues, the local Goodwill, WIRL, and the family have expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming support throughout this period. “We extend our gratitude to Build-A-Bear Company and WRIL Radio for their efforts in providing a matching Rainbow Sparkle bear with the heartbeat of the 4-year-old child’s late mother placed in the new bear,” said Cynthia Dodson, communications director of Goodwill in Knoxville. “Goodwill Industries-Knoxville is grateful for the outpouring of support in trying to locate the original bear that was accidentally donated. The new bear has been reunited with the family.”

The story of a 4-year-old who lost her teddy bear embedded with a recording of her late mother’s heartbeat has traveled far and wide.

The news eventually reached Build-A-Bear, who has now announced they will replace the bear. Most importantly, it will feature a recording of the heartbeat provided to the station by the girl's grandmother.

Rainbow Sparkle Bear from Build-a-Bear

h/t: [Today]

All images via Build-a-Bear and Goodwill Knoxville.

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READ: Lost Teddy Bear With Last Recording of Little Girl’s Mom Is Replaced by Build-A-Bear

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Father Takes Son on 15-Minute Coffee Dates Every Day to Help Him Adjust to Going to Pre-K https://mymodernmet.com/father-son-coffee-dates-louis-roberts/ Mon, 08 May 2023 16:35:18 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=597440 Father Takes Son on 15-Minute Coffee Dates Every Day to Help Him Adjust to Going to Pre-K

  Ver esta publicación en Instagram   Una publicación compartida por Maria Roberts (spinach4breakfast) (@mariaroberts) For many kids, entering school or pre-k can be daunting. Not only is it the first time they spend time away from their parents, but it’s also a whole new experience, requiring them to adapt to a completely new environment […]

READ: Father Takes Son on 15-Minute Coffee Dates Every Day to Help Him Adjust to Going to Pre-K

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Father Takes Son on 15-Minute Coffee Dates Every Day to Help Him Adjust to Going to Pre-K

For many kids, entering school or pre-k can be daunting. Not only is it the first time they spend time away from their parents, but it’s also a whole new experience, requiring them to adapt to a completely new environment and routine. For a little boy named Luca, this transition was especially hard. The boy’s father, Louis Roberts, had an idea to hopefully ease Luca’s transition to school life each day. On top of making everything much smoother, it started a cute tradition that they'll cherish for years.

“Luca is very routine-oriented and when he's about to do something new, that's the uncomfortable piece for him,” Roberts told Good Morning America. “So we sort of made a couple of different stops on the way to school just to ease his way into it—one of those stops being at this coffee shop that was right around the corner from us.”

That's when their pre-school coffee dates were born. Every morning, father and son sit at the the coffee shop around the corner of their place for 15 or 20 minutes of quality time before heading to pre-k. “Lou never missed a day unless he was traveling for work,” Maria, Luca's mom, wrote. “They started this routine because Luca was having a hard time transitioning to preschool, and although I wish the first few weeks were easier, I am so happy they have this really special tradition.”

Their little coffee dates have become such a staple that the staff at their coffee shop, bwè kafe, have their drinks ready by the time they show up. “We actually don't even need to make the order anymore,” Roberts says.  “They have my, you know, large cold brew [and] what they call a ‘babyccino,' which is just steamed milk and like a little to-go coffee cup.”

As fun as their father-and-son coffee dates are, they may even get merrier with the addition of another family member. “My daughter goes to Pre-K three next year so I'll have two of them to do it with, so maybe it'll take on a new life,” says Roberts. In addition, Luca has been having coffee dates at the same establishment with his mom on Fridays for over three years. “It's still my favorite way to have uninterrupted time together,” she admits.

It seems that both mother and father have managed to help their kids adapt to change and deepen their bond in a more social setting. “Now that we do it, I can't imagine not doing it,” said Roberts.  “It's actually the best 15 or 20 minutes of my day.”

A little boy named Luca was struggling with the transition of entering pre-k. Hoping to ease this process, his father, Louis Roberts, came up with a plan.

Roberts explains, “We sort of made a couple of different stops on the way to school just to ease his way into it—one of those stops being at this coffee shop that was right around the corner from us.”

Now, father and son sit at the the coffee shop every morning for 15 or 20 minutes of quality time before heading to pre-k. “Now that we do it, I can't imagine not doing it,” Roberts admits. “It's actually the best 15 or 20 minutes of my day.”

h/t: [Upworthy]

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READ: Father Takes Son on 15-Minute Coffee Dates Every Day to Help Him Adjust to Going to Pre-K

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105-Year-Old WWII Veteran With No Living Relatives Receives Over 3,000 Birthday Cards https://mymodernmet.com/ernest-horsfall-3000-birthday-cards/ Fri, 05 May 2023 20:15:47 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=598138 105-Year-Old WWII Veteran With No Living Relatives Receives Over 3,000 Birthday Cards

Thanks to your kindness and generosity, WW2 veteran Ernest Horsfall received more than 4,000 cards to mark his 105th birthday – including one from King Charles III! 🎈 He said: “It has been overwhelming. I would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to send one.” pic.twitter.com/wMtXui4EPA — Royal British Legion (@PoppyLegion) April […]

READ: 105-Year-Old WWII Veteran With No Living Relatives Receives Over 3,000 Birthday Cards

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105-Year-Old WWII Veteran With No Living Relatives Receives Over 3,000 Birthday Cards

On April 21, 2023, World War II veteran Ernest Horsfall turned an incredible 105 years old. Born in West Yorkshire in 1918, he has lived through 27 different Prime Ministers and five British monarchs and still has plenty of memories about his long life. In the months leading up to his milestone birthday, Royal British Legion made a call for people to send Horsfall birthday cards, as the vet has no living relatives of his own. In the end, Horsfall accumulated over 3,000 birthday cards, including one from King Charles III.

Horsfall served in the British military during WWII, earning the role of a sergeant in the British Army's Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. After leaving the service, he worked as a private pilot for 50 years. Although Horsfall was married and had one son as well as a sister, he has no surviving relatives. “Ernest lives in a residential home and has no immediate family, so the RBL's Blackpool branch have started an appeal to send him birthday cards,” the Royal British Legion tweeted, including also a mailing address for people to send their cards.

“The Second World War generation is inevitably diminishing, but occasions like this are an opportunity for the RBL to remind everyone that their service and sacrifice means something and will never be forgotten,” says Rachel Venables, the membership engagement manager for the Royal British Legion. Horsfall was over the moon to open so many cards. His girlfriend also visited from Iceland to be with him on his special day.

Horsfall credits his long life to “living as happy as you can” and keeping “a straight mind.” We wish him many more happy years.

WWII veteran Ernest Horsfall turned 105 years old on April 21, 2023.

He has no living relatives so the Royal British Legion made an appeal for people to send Horsfall birthday cards.

He received 3,000 birthday cards wishing him well on the remarkable occasion.

h/t: [Good News Network]

All images via Twitter.

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READ: 105-Year-Old WWII Veteran With No Living Relatives Receives Over 3,000 Birthday Cards

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Inspiring 84-Year-Old Is Working Towards Her GED After Her Husband Passed Away https://mymodernmet.com/shirley-jones-senior-ged/ Thu, 04 May 2023 17:30:26 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=597555 Inspiring 84-Year-Old Is Working Towards Her GED After Her Husband Passed Away

It's never too late to go back to school. Depending on personal circumstances, some people find themselves returning to the classroom in their older years to finally achieve their dreams. Such is the case for North Carolina resident Shirley Jones. After her husband passed away, she took initiative of her life and enrolled in Pitt […]

READ: Inspiring 84-Year-Old Is Working Towards Her GED After Her Husband Passed Away

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Inspiring 84-Year-Old Is Working Towards Her GED After Her Husband Passed Away

It's never too late to go back to school. Depending on personal circumstances, some people find themselves returning to the classroom in their older years to finally achieve their dreams. Such is the case for North Carolina resident Shirley Jones. After her husband passed away, she took initiative of her life and enrolled in Pitt Community College. Now, at the age of 84, she is working towards earning her GED.

Jones is a mother of two daughters and one grandchild and has lived in Greenville, North Carolina, for her entire life. Upon entering college, she was inducted into the National Adult Honors Society through Transitional Studies and is excited to pursue her scholastic ambitions.

“When asked what she liked most about PCC, Ms. Jones stated that she loved the personalities of the students and how nice everyone is. She also gives credit to her success to her teacher Mr. Mizelle and coordinator Sissy Grubbs,” Pitt Community College writes. “She tells students that PCC is the best college and that she got to where she is today by believing in herself and her dreams! Let's congratulate and motivate Ms. Jones in this incredible achievement!”

We wish Jones the best of luck on her academic path!

An 84-year-old North Carolina woman named Shirley Jones is working towards getting her GED. What an inspiration!

h/t: [News Channel 3]

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READ: Inspiring 84-Year-Old Is Working Towards Her GED After Her Husband Passed Away

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Robert Irwin Recreates Childhood Photo of Him and His Late Father Steve Irwin https://mymodernmet.com/steve-irwins-son-robert-recreates-childhood-photo/ Thu, 04 May 2023 14:45:31 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=597054 Robert Irwin Recreates Childhood Photo of Him and His Late Father Steve Irwin

Looking back at old photos can remind us of fond memories as well as stir up many emotions. Robert Irwin recently shared a carousel of pictures on his Instagram, one of which shows him as a toddler sitting on his late father Steve Irwin’s lap in an old utility vehicle. Although it has been 17 […]

READ: Robert Irwin Recreates Childhood Photo of Him and His Late Father Steve Irwin

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Robert Irwin Recreates Childhood Photo of Him and His Late Father Steve Irwin

Looking back at old photos can remind us of fond memories as well as stir up many emotions. Robert Irwin recently shared a carousel of pictures on his Instagram, one of which shows him as a toddler sitting on his late father Steve Irwin’s lap in an old utility vehicle. Although it has been 17 years since Steve's passing, the nostalgic car was never sold, as Robert recreates the precious photo as a grown young man without his father in the next slide.

The 19-year-old conservationist has a deep attachment to Steve's old car, fondly called “ute” as an abbreviation for a utility vehicle. “My dad's ute…it's a special car. From early memories when Dad would park and let me pretend to drive, to more recently when I took my driver's test in it (and somehow managed not to stall it),” he says. “I remember my first solo drive in this car after I got my license—it was to the hospital to meet my niece for the first time, right after she was born. And now, the ute still comes on road trips to this day…”

When viewed side by side, these photos are deeply emotional. In one, Robert is just 2 years old—the same age he was when Irwin died—and happily joined by his father. However, the more recent picture has a more stoic quality, because it highlights just how much Robert has grown up without Steve's presence. Irwin's wife Terri says, “I know Steve would be incredibly proud, now that Robert has his L plates, and is driving Steve's old ute.” The beloved vehicle has special significance not only to him but also to his sister Bindi as both siblings used the car for their driver's tests. Apparently, it was even used at Steve’s memorial service.

It is heartwarming to see how the Irwin family continues to keep Steve's memory alive. You can follow along with Robert’s adventures, with or without his ute, by following him on Instagram.

Robert Irwin recreated a childhood photo taken of him with his late father Steve Irwin. He is captured driving Steve's old utility vehicle, also called “ute.”

Robert Irwin: Website | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok
h/t: [Today]

All images via Instagram.

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READ: Robert Irwin Recreates Childhood Photo of Him and His Late Father Steve Irwin

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Mattel Releases Anna May Wong Barbie Doll To Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month https://mymodernmet.com/barbie-anna-may-wong-doll/ Thu, 04 May 2023 13:50:18 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=597461 Mattel Releases Anna May Wong Barbie Doll To Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month

Just in time to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Mattel has announced a new Barbie doll honoring Anna May Wong. A trailblazing movie star from the first half of the 20th century, Wong is widely considered to be the first Chinese American female actor in Hollywood. The Anna May Wong doll is […]

READ: Mattel Releases Anna May Wong Barbie Doll To Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month

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Mattel Releases Anna May Wong Barbie Doll To Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month
Anna May Wong Barbie Doll in a red dress

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, My Modern Met may earn an affiliate commission. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Just in time to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Mattel has announced a new Barbie doll honoring Anna May Wong. A trailblazing movie star from the first half of the 20th century, Wong is widely considered to be the first Chinese American female actor in Hollywood.

The Anna May Wong doll is part of the Barbie Inspiring Women series, which has immortalized other cultural icons such as Maya Angelou, Rosa Parks, and Sally Ride. “As the first Asian American actor to lead a U.S. television show, whose perseverance broke down barriers for her gender and AAPI community in film and TV, Anna May Wong is the perfect fit for our Barbie Inspiring Women Series,” said Mattel's ​​executive vice president, Lisa McKnight.

Mattel worked closely with Anna Wong, the actor's niece, to develop the doll's look. “I did not hesitate at all. It was such an honor and so exciting,” she told AP News. “I wanted to make sure they got her facial features and clothing correct. And they did!” Wong’s niece added that she had a Barbie growing up, so she loves the idea of Asian children having a doll who looks like them.

Designed by Carlyle Nuera, the new Barbie doll features Wong’s signature blunt bangs and pencil-thin eyebrows, as well as red lipstick and dramatic eye makeup. She is dressed in a red evening gown with a golden dragon design and a long sheer shawl, along with golden earrings and heels. Her elegant outfit is inspired by her appearance in Limehouse Blues (1934).

Born in Los Angeles in 1905, Wong grew up seeing movie crews around her neighborhood. She landed her first leading role in The Toll of the Sea (1922) at age 17, before making a swift transition to the sound film era. Her filmography includes The Gallery of Madame Liu-Tsong, the first-ever U.S. television show starring an Asian American as a series lead. She was also the first Asian American woman to get a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for acting.

On top of her screen work, Wong was considered one of the best dressed women of her time. She was known for mixing flapper style with traditional Chinese garments and bold accessories. Despite reaching international success, Wong struggled with stereotypes in the film industry, which led her to advocate for greater representation of Asian American actors in Hollywood.

Before getting her own Barbie, Wong also made history a few months ago when she became the first Asian American to appear on U.S. currency as part of the American Women Quarters program.

If you'd like to get your own Anna May Wong doll, this limited-edition Barbie is now available for pre-order via Target and Mattel.

Just in time to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Mattel has announced a new Barbie doll honoring Anna May Wong.

Close up of Anna May Wong doll

A trailblazing movie star from the first half of the 20th century, Wong is widely considered to be the first Chinese American female actor in Hollywood.

Anna May Wong Barbie Doll in a red dress

The Anna May Wong doll features her signature blunt bangs and pencil-thin eyebrows, as well as red lipstick and dramatic eye makeup.

Anna May Wong Barbie Doll in a red dress

She is dressed in a red evening gown with a golden dragon design and a long sheer shawl, along with golden earrings and heels.

Close up of Anna May Wong doll

The Anna May Wong doll is part of the Barbie Inspiring Women series, which has immortalized other cultural icons such as Maya Angelou, Rosa Parks, and Sally Ride.

Anna May Wong Barbie Doll in a red dress in its packageBarbie: Website | Instagram
h/t: [AP News]

All images via Mattel.

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READ: Mattel Releases Anna May Wong Barbie Doll To Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month

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13-Year-Old Heroically Stops School Bus After Driver Passes Out, Saves Classmates’ Lives https://mymodernmet.com/dillon-reeves-boy-saves-school-bus/ Tue, 02 May 2023 20:15:52 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=597293 13-Year-Old Heroically Stops School Bus After Driver Passes Out, Saves Classmates’ Lives

At a moment's notice, quick thinking can save lives. Nothing illustrates this better than the story of 13-year-old hero named Dillon Reeves. The teen was riding a school bus full of students in Michigan when he noticed something was off. The driver felt lightheaded and said on the intercom that she was going to pull […]

READ: 13-Year-Old Heroically Stops School Bus After Driver Passes Out, Saves Classmates’ Lives

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13-Year-Old Heroically Stops School Bus After Driver Passes Out, Saves Classmates’ Lives

At a moment's notice, quick thinking can save lives. Nothing illustrates this better than the story of 13-year-old hero named Dillon Reeves. The teen was riding a school bus full of students in Michigan when he noticed something was off. The driver felt lightheaded and said on the intercom that she was going to pull over for a moment. However, the bus never made it to the pull-off area, and began to drift onto oncoming traffic.

Security camera footage shows the driver losing consciousness and going limp. Noticing the danger of the situation, Reeves sprang from five rows back. Without hesitation, the 7th grader grabbed the steering wheel and slammed on the brakes carefully and slowly to prevent any injuries among his classmates. Immediately after, Reeves shouted at his fellow students for someone to call 911.

No students were hurt, and emergency services arrived at the scene in no time. “The Warren Police and Fire Departments responded very quickly, tended to the driver, and the students were safely loaded onto a different bus to make their way home,” Superintendent Robert D. Livernois wrote on Facebook.

Once everyone was accounted for, people praised Reeves' quick thinking, which averted a catastrophe. “The actions of the student who helped stop the bus made all the difference today, and I could not be prouder of his efforts,” said Livernois, who described this as an extraordinary act of courage and maturity. “He had the wherewithal to push it [the brake] slowly, likely in anticipation that the bus was full of passengers.”

Reeves' parents expressed their pride at his actions. “It’s an honor,” exclaimed his dad Steve. “We’ve got a little hero. He could probably drive one of the cars out of here and be OK. I promise you that.” The proud dad added that the boy has also practiced pulling cars into driveways and is a proficient and careful driver of golf carts. His stepmom, Ireta, also wrote a post on Facebook in which she called Reeves a “local hero.”

The story has made waves across the community. Not only did the Mayor of Warren Jim Fouts honor him with a proclamation for his heroism, but councilman Jonathan Lafferty also praised the boy. “The City of Warren is very proud of our 7th Grade Hero Dillon Reeves! This young man jumped into action when his school bus driver experienced a medical emergency, bringing the bus to a stop and avoiding what could have been a very tragic accident. We are very proud of you for your heroic actions!”

As for the bus driver, a GoFundMe has been set up to help her and her family through this time. Under Michigan law, the unnamed mother of three will now be unable to operate a vehicle for a minimum of six months due to the incident. While she is receiving 60% of her pay, this will stop after June 15, when her income will be reduced to zero all while dealing with unexpected medical bills, a mortgage, and living expenses. If you'd like to help support her, you can donate to her GoFundMe campaign.

A 13-year-old boy named Dillon Reeves saved a school bus full of students. He sprang into action and hit the brakes when the driver lost consciousness.

His stepmom, Ireta, shared the story on Facebook, calling Reeves a “local hero.”

h/t: [Good News Network]

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READ: 13-Year-Old Heroically Stops School Bus After Driver Passes Out, Saves Classmates’ Lives

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TikTok Star Finds $5,000 Designer Dress for $50, Offers To Give It Away to a Bride in Need https://mymodernmet.com/ophelia-nichols-mama-tot-wedding-dress/ Tue, 02 May 2023 14:45:26 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=596898 TikTok Star Finds $5,000 Designer Dress for $50, Offers To Give It Away to a Bride in Need

You never know what you’ll find in an antique store. For many, it’s the thrill of the hunt that entices them; perhaps, in a magical moment, you'll find something that’s worth much more than its price tag. This exact thing happened to TikTok star Ophelia Nichols. The 41-year-old influencer shared that she found a wedding […]

READ: TikTok Star Finds $5,000 Designer Dress for $50, Offers To Give It Away to a Bride in Need

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TikTok Star Finds $5,000 Designer Dress for $50, Offers To Give It Away to a Bride in Need
Ophelia Nichols Thrifted Wedding Dress

Photo: Screenshots from Instagram

You never know what you’ll find in an antique store. For many, it’s the thrill of the hunt that entices them; perhaps, in a magical moment, you'll find something that’s worth much more than its price tag. This exact thing happened to TikTok star Ophelia Nichols. The 41-year-old influencer shared that she found a wedding dress for $50 when its original tag read $4,819.

In a video posted on TikTok and Instagram, Nichols—who also goes by the name Mama Tot—held up a wedding dress and explained its significance. The gown is by designer Romona Keveža, whose current bridal collection starts at over $3,000 per gown. Nichols was incredulous that the designer’s dress was selling for only $50 and let the store clerk know. Still, the employee let the $50 steal stay and Nichols purchased it.

Nichols is already married, however, and stated that she’d like to give the dress to one of her 12 million social media followers who needs it.

“I cried when I put this dress in my truck because I would have given anything to have this years ago when I got married,” she explained in the video, “and I know that it would mean something to one of you. Sure, I could get it cleaned and sell it on eBay for whatever, but no, I want somebody else to have this experience that I didn't get a chance to have.”

Nichols then tried on the dress, which is a strapless mermaid-style gown sans any embellishments like beading or lace. Instead, its focus is on high-quality fabric and silhouette. “This is stunning. This would have been the dress I would have gotten married in. I'm speechless,” she declared.

Rather than vying to get the gorgeous gown, Nichol’s followers—whom she calls her Tater Tots—encouraged her to keep the dress for herself. Many suggested that she could wear it to eventually renew her vows with her husband Derick, also known as Papa Tot. “No, no, I want someone else to enjoy this beautiful gown that maybe wouldn't have the opportunity to,” she wrote in response to one commenter.

Nichols has the name Mama Tot because she acts as a motherly figure towards her social media fans, discussing difficult life experiences and offering comforting words. With this dress and eventual giveaway—although there is no more news on it, at the time of writing—she is living up to her moniker.

TikTok star Ophelia Nichols found a wedding dress for $50 when its original tag read $4,819.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Shoelover99🦋 (@ophelianichols)

The gown is by designer Romona Keveža, and Nichols doesn't intend to keep it for herself—she's going to give it away to one of her millions of followers who needs it.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Shoelover99🦋 (@ophelianichols)

“Sure, I could get it cleaned and sell it on eBay for whatever, but no, I want somebody else to have this experience that I didn't get a chance to have.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Shoelover99🦋 (@ophelianichols)

Ophelia Nichols: Instagram | TikTok

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READ: TikTok Star Finds $5,000 Designer Dress for $50, Offers To Give It Away to a Bride in Need

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High School Senior Graduates Early and Receives Admission to 180 Colleges and Over $9M in Scholarships https://mymodernmet.com/dennis-maliq-barnes-180-college-acceptances/ Mon, 01 May 2023 20:15:49 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=596869 High School Senior Graduates Early and Receives Admission to 180 Colleges and Over $9M in Scholarships

Applying to college is an important occasion for most teens. And while the average student will look at a handful of universities, one teenager in Louisiana named Dennis Maliq Barnes applied to 200 schools across the country and received acceptances to 180 of them. On top of that, he is being offered over $9 million […]

READ: High School Senior Graduates Early and Receives Admission to 180 Colleges and Over $9M in Scholarships

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High School Senior Graduates Early and Receives Admission to 180 Colleges and Over $9M in Scholarships Dennis Mariq Barnes is Accepted Into Over 170 Colleges

Applying to college is an important occasion for most teens. And while the average student will look at a handful of universities, one teenager in Louisiana named Dennis Maliq Barnes applied to 200 schools across the country and received acceptances to 180 of them. On top of that, he is being offered over $9 million in scholarships, breaking the Guinness World Record previously held by a Lafayette high school senior.

Barnes is also graduating two years early from the International High School of New Orleans at the age of 16 with a 4.98 GPA. He began applying to schools in August 2022 with no intention of trying to set a record. “As I applied to more schools, as my numbers went up, with the financial aid and acceptances into universities, I became intrigued,” he said. After a certain point, he made it a goal to see how many acceptances he could receive.

Barnes has an undeniably impressive high school résumé. He held leadership positions in the National Honor Society, received an official qualification of his Spanish fluency from the Institute Cervantes, and was even enrolled at the Southern University of New Orleans for two years, earning college credits. “One thing about me, I know my dreams, I know my aspirations and I know where I want to be long-term,” Barnes said. “I know that the work that I'm putting in now, it's going to make it easier for me down the line. I'm thinking long-term.”

As of right now, Barnes has not made a decision as to where he will be attending college in the fall, but he plans to announce his choice on May 2, 2023. He hopes to major in computer science and later go on to law school.

16-year-old Dennis Maliq Barnes graduated two years early from the International High School of New Orleans and received admission to 180 colleges across the country as well as over $9 million in scholarships.

Dennis Mariq Barnes is Accepted Into Over 170 Colleges

h/t: [CNN]

All images via International High School of New Orleans.

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READ: High School Senior Graduates Early and Receives Admission to 180 Colleges and Over $9M in Scholarships

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100-Year-Old WWII Veteran Is Invited to Ride in a Fire Truck for His Milestone Birthday https://mymodernmet.com/wwii-veteran-rides-in-fire-truck-for-100th-birthday/ Fri, 28 Apr 2023 19:20:29 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=596845 100-Year-Old WWII Veteran Is Invited to Ride in a Fire Truck for His Milestone Birthday

A World War II veteran in North Carolina enjoyed a very special birthday. On April 25, the Winston-Salem Fire Department invited Jim Lynch for a ride in one of their fire trucks to celebrate turning 100 years old the day before. The centenarian was seen strapped into the back seat of the vehicle and chatting […]

READ: 100-Year-Old WWII Veteran Is Invited to Ride in a Fire Truck for His Milestone Birthday

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100-Year-Old WWII Veteran Is Invited to Ride in a Fire Truck for His Milestone Birthday WWII Veteran Takes Ride in Fire Truck for 100th Birthday

A World War II veteran in North Carolina enjoyed a very special birthday. On April 25, the Winston-Salem Fire Department invited Jim Lynch for a ride in one of their fire trucks to celebrate turning 100 years old the day before. The centenarian was seen strapped into the back seat of the vehicle and chatting with firefighters in a short video clip.

Lynch moved to Winston-Salem in 1939 and has been a resident ever since. He enlisted in World War II two weeks after getting married, serving in the heavy artillery unit in the South Pacific. After returning to the States, he worked at Salem Electric until retiring in 1985.

The veteran received 80 birthday cards and a visit from the city fire department to mark his landmark birthday. “We got him up and took a picture with him. Then we asked him if he wanted to go on a ride in the fire truck since he was admiring it so much,” a Winston-Salem firefighter said. “At first he was sort of hesitant, and then he said, ‘Yep, I changed my mind. I think I'll go.' So, we helped him into the truck and took him around the block, and he said it was his first ride in a fire truck in 100 years.”

WWII Veteran received a ride in a fire truck for his 100th birthday.

h/t: [WFMY News 2]

All images via Winston-Salem FD.

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READ: 100-Year-Old WWII Veteran Is Invited to Ride in a Fire Truck for His Milestone Birthday

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