School staff, students, and seniors enjoyed a fun and spirited meeting when Virginia second graders connected with their senior pen pals after writing to them throughout the school year! Several decades ago, finding and writing to a pen pal was a regular thing. Magazines helped teens locate pen pals in other states, and it was an exciting way to make friends in different parts of the country. Over time, our world became "smaller," and the practice became unnecessary and uncool. It's so easy to communicate with people across the globe through the internet and social media platforms. RELATED: High Schoolers Find a Simple Way to Bond with Seniors – They Play Board Games A New Spin On Pen Pals However, as Peter Allen's 1974 song reminds us, "Everything Old is New Again." Teachers at Pearson's Corner Elementary School (PCES) in Mechanicsville, Virginia, introduced their students to the old tradition and added a fabulous new spin on it in the process. PCES staff paired students with residents at Hermitage Richmond Senior Living, and the students and their senior buddies have exchanged letters since September. Hermitage resident Daylon McCarty and eight-year-old Yosha Sreeraj met for the first time during the school's unique field trip. Daylon, who is seven decades older than her pen pal, is a former kindergarten teacher. She expressed her excitement for the project, saying, "I used to teach kindergarten. So I love to see them writing. It just helps them build their writing skills. And they asked me questions, and I asked them what they’ve been doing." RELATED: Retirement Community Treats Residents To Prom For Seniors And The Joy Is Contagious When they met face-to-face, Yosha-clearly an energetic and curious little lady-learned, among other fun facts, that Daylon once lived on the beach. There is so much that the young and old can teach one another! Meeting With Their Senior Pen Pals Teacher Dana Randolph is thrilled with the intergenerational connections her students have formed through this senior pen pal program. She shared, "It gives them a reason to write. A different reason to write. And something that’s not just school-related. They’re able to make connections with somebody and realize that they can make connections with somebody not their age." Wearing their PCES Panther t-shirts, students sang "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" before reading to the seniors, playing games, and visiting. This was the second year the school's second graders forged friendships with Hermitage residents. And it's been great for both young and old. Jennifer Norton, Hermitage's Director of Lifestyles and Wellness, said, "They have been writing each other back and forth since September. And so now they get to meet each other in person. And it’s just, it’s a special experience." YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Matthew McConaughey, Wife, And Kids Delight Seniors With Unexpected Virtual Game Of Bingo A SPECIAL EXPERIENCE! Last week we spotlighted how students in Dana Randolph’s second grade class at Pearson’s Corner Elementary School were pen pals this year with residents at the Hermitage Richmond Assisted Senior Living Community, and how the two groups got to meet in person. pic.twitter.com/f2W7GxVOBb - Hanover County Public Schools (@HanoverSchools) April 22, 2024 "Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children." Proverbs 17:6 WATCH: Chris Tomlin – Whom Shall I Fear (God Of Angel Armies) Chris Tomlin – Whom Shall I Fear (God Of Angel Armies) from chris-tomlin on GodTube. LISTEN: Jeff Bridges and Wife Still Going Strong After 40 Years | Groom Surprises Everyone, Recites Vows for Stepson h/t: CBS 6 News Richmond Featured Image Credit: Twitter/ Hanover County Public Schools The post 2nd Graders Wrote to Seniors All Year & When They Finally Met Their Pen Pals, It Was So Sweet appeared first on GodUpdates.

It’s prom season, which means it’s time to go prom dress shopping. Many teenagers nationwide are searching for that perfect outfit for that special high school event. Going out and finding a new dress with your mom is almost a rite of passage. However, not everyone can do so. Ava, a high school student, went to TikTok to talk about how she had lost her own mom. RELATED: Retirement Community Treats Residents To Prom For Seniors And The Joy Is Contagious She Posted An Emotional Video Ava posted an emotional video on her account, stewie.the.subie. The words said, “My mom died when I was 7, and my only friend from school told his mom I don’t have money for a dress for prom and she offered to take me dress shopping.” So many in the comments supported and encouraged her. They also praised the friend’s mom for stepping in when Ava’s mom couldn’t. Others shared their own similar stories. “that’s what being a mom is… we step in when other moms can’t… it would be an honor to buy you a prom dress… let her i would want someone to do it for my daughter… “my daughter passed away at 22yo. I was so thankful to take both my daughter in law’s wedding dress shopping” “My friends mom did this for my when I was a senior...I hope I can return the kindness somehow someday ” RELATED: Grandma Sees Granddaughter In Her Old Prom Dress An Amazing Act of Kindness What an amazing act of kindness to take Ava prom dress shopping when her own mom is no longer around to do so. And to buy her a dress to attend this fun high school tradition. In another video posted a few days later, we see Ava trying on prom dresses. “Core memories with my stand in mom,” it says with the caption, “She doesn’t need to know I’m all teary editing this. #prom2024.” Ava tries on a few dresses and decides on a beautiful blue dress. WATCH: Ava Goes Prom Dress Shopping @stewie.the.subie She doesnt need to know im all teary editing this #prom2024 ♬ another love – A few weeks later, we see another post of hers in her dress on prom night. “I did end up going to prom, even after legit everyone canceled on me.” YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Nurses Surprise Teen With Hospital Dance After Brain Surgery Forces Her To Miss Homecoming When a Child Loses a Mother We hope Ava had a wonderful time at prom, even if everything didn’t go as planned. It is always heartbreaking to hear about when a child loses their mother. As time passes, there are many things they miss out on, which can be pretty difficult for the child. People like Ava’s friend’s mom knew she was dealing with the loss and stepped in to help. She shared the love of Jesus with her and offered her something special. Ava will always remember this kindness. She found a pretty dress and made some special memories she will remember for the rest of her life. WATCH: Ava’s Emotional Video About a Prom Dress @stewie.the.subie Sobbing ♬ original sound – ︎ “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” – Ephesians 4:32 LISTEN: 5 Kids Are Alive Because Of This Incredible Dog | Folks Always Ask Why She Named Her Son After Her Stepdad h/t: Your Tango Featured Image Credit: TikTok/stewie.the.subie The post Teen Who Lost Her Mom Sobs When Friend’s Mom Steps in to take Her Prom Dress Shopping appeared first on GodUpdates.

A son’s military academy graduation moved his father to tears in this proud moment. All parents desperately want and hope for the best for their children. However, when children grow up and head out into the world, parents have less control over determining what is best for their children. At that point, children make their own decisions and choices. They are the person ultimately responsible for the direction of their life. But, even after children move out and leave the comfort and protection of their parents, Mom and Dad still want their children to be happy and prosperous. Isn't that what all parents want for their children? A parent cannot ask for more if the grown child is happy and safe. Most parents will be beside them with unconditional love and support, whatever the child does. RELATED: Moments Before 1 of the Clemson Football Home Games, Military Dad Steps Out to Surprise Son A video posted on YouTube displays this level of love and support from an obviously proud father. The clip shows a sweet and emotional interaction between a father and his son. The young man in the clip has just graduated from the Virginia Military Institute. The father and the son greet one another by placing a hand on the other's shoulder. Military Academy Graduation Moves Father to Tears The father is beaming with pride over his son's accomplishment. Seconds into the video, tears start flowing from the father's eyes. He removes his glasses and wipes his eyes. The two finally share a long and loving embrace. RELATED: Military Mom And Daughter Get A Huge Surprise The video's description states that this was a rare show of emotion for the father. The young man pointed out that this was only the second time in his life that he'd witnessed his father shedding tears. YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Dog's Reaction To Soldier Coming Home After Year Of Military Training Tugs On Every Heartstring What an absolutely beautiful moment between father and son. Both will remember and cherish it for the rest of their lives. Psalm 103:13 "As a father has pity on his children, so the Lord has pity on his worshippers." WATCH: Father Moved To Tears As Son Graduates From Military Academy LISTEN: God is the Secret to Their 75-Year Marriage | Parents Find Note From Son, But It’s the Video That Moves Them h/t: GodTube Featured Image Credit: YouTube/Today The post Dad Can’t Help but Cry at Son’s Military Academy Graduation and It’s Such an Emotional Moment appeared first on GodUpdates.

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