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  • Jessica Winters

    Jessica Winters is a writer and editor based in Alberta, Canada. She is an avid traveler who enjoys exploring obscure locales and cultures. When she’s not writing, she spends her time antiquing, reading, playing Scrabble, and winning film trivia.
"I Wanna Go Fast": Hilarious Talladega Nights Quotes That Never Get Old
Movies

"I Wanna Go Fast": Hilarious Talladega Nights Quotes That Never Get Old

Every few years, a comedy movie comes along that stands the test of time. It's already been 17 years since Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby hit the big screen. The gut-busting comedy, starring Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly, follows Ricky Bobby, a slow-witted but skilled NASCAR driver who stays at number one thanks to help from his best friend and teammate, Cal Naughton, Jr. But when a French Formula One driver makes his way up the ranks, Ricky Bobby's talent is put to the test.The 2006 film is full of hysterical one-liners that are sure to make you laugh out loud. So buckle up and enjoy this collection of hilarious Talladega Nights quotes that never gets old!Talladega Nights quotes from Ricky Bobby“Help me, Jesus! Help me, Jewish God! Help me, Allah! Help me, Tom Cruise! Tom Cruise use your witchcraft on me to get the fire off me! Help me, Oprah Winfrey!” — Ricky Bobby“Hey, Guys! No tires! We’re not a pit crew anymore, we are a car wash team.” — Lucius Washington“Dear Lord baby Jesus, lyin’ there in your ghost manger, just lookin’ at your Baby Einstein developmental videos, learnin’ ’bout shapes and colors. I would like to thank you for bringin’ me and my mama together, and also that my kids no longer sound like retarded gang-bangers.” — Ricky Bobby“Don’t you put that evil on me, Ricky Bobby!” — Lucius Washington“Here is the deal - I am the best that there is. Plain and simple. I wake up in the morning and I piss excellence.” Ricky Bobby“I hope that both of you have sons … handsome, beautiful, articulate sons, who are talented and star athletes and they have their legs taken away. I mean I pray for you to know that pain and that hurt.” — Ricky Bobby“I’m all jacked up on mountain dew!” — Texas Ranger“Like the frightened baby chipmunk, you are scared by anything that is different.” — Jean Girard“No one lives forever, no one. But with advances in modern science and my high-level income, it's not crazy to think I can live to be 245, maybe 300.” — Ricky Bobby“Old man, I’m gonna come at you like a spider monkey!”Texas Ranger“Well, let me give you a saying from Colonel Sanders: I am too drunk to taste this chicken.” — Ricky Bobby“Wow! I feel like I’m in Highlander!” — Ricky Bobby“Aaaaah, Ricky Bobby! Now we shall dance and yes, it will be a slow jam.” — Jean Girard“Are we about to get it on? Because I’m as hard as a diamond in an ice storm right now.” — Ricky Bobby“My husband Gregory and I want what any couple wants: to retire to Stockholm and develop a currency for dogs and cats to use.”Jean Girard“Dear eight pound, six ounce, newborn baby Jesus, don't even know a word yet, just a little infant, so cuddly, but still omnipotent. We'd just like to thank you for all the races I've won and the money that I have accrued over this past season Also, due to a binding endorsement contract that stipulates I mention Powerade at each grace, I just wanna say that PowerAde is delicious and it cools you off on a hot summer day and we look forward to PowerAde's release of mystic mountain blueberry. Thank you, for all your power and your grace, dear baby God, Amen.” — Ricky Bobby“Did that blow your mind? Because that just happened!” — Ricky Bobby“From now on, it’s Magic Man and El Diablo.” — Ricky Bobby“Girard is sitting on the pole, which is a statement of fact and in no way a comment on his sexual orientation.” — PA Announcer“Hang on Baby Jesus, this is gonna get bumpy!” Ricky Bobby“Hey, shut up you little pot-licker, I’ll stick you in a microwave!” — Reese Bobby“I don’t know what to do with my hands.” — Ricky Bobby“I like to picture Jesus in a tuxedo t-shirt, cause it says, like, I want to be formal but I want to party, too, cause I like to party, so I like my Jesus to party.” — Cal Naughton Jr.“I like to think of Jesus as a mischievous badger.” — Cal Naughton Jr.“I’m just a big hairy American winning machine, you know?”Ricky Bobby“I sent in my application to The Real World, so I’m hoping to hear back from that. I’m putting a lot of my eggs into that basket, the MTV basket. I’m also thinking about getting a gun, and dealing crack. Being a crack dealer. Not, like, a mean crack dealer, but like … like a nice one. Kinda friendly, like, 'Hey, what’s up guys? You want some crack?' I’m just waiting on those two things to just kinda flesh themselves out.” — Ricky Bobby“I threw a bunch of grandpa Chip’s old war medals off the bridge.” — Walker“If you ain’t first, you’re last.” — Ricky Bobby“Look, I like the Christmas Jesus best, and I’m sayin’ grace, when you say grace, you can say it to grownup Jesus or teenage Jesus or bearded Jesus or whoever you want.” — Ricky Bobby“I like to think of Jesus as an Ice Dancer, dressed in an all-white jumpsuit, and doing an interpretive dance of my life.”Cal Naughton Jr.“One of you turds is gonna get smacked in the mouth!” — Texas Ranger“Ricky, remember: The field mouse is fast, but the owl sees at night.” — Chip“Shake and bake.” — Ricky Bobby“Ricky Bobby appears to be unhurt, but that Wonder Bread car is toast.”Race Announcer“Susan, I’ve never heard you talk like that. Are we about to get it on? Because I’m as hard as a diamond in an ice storm right now.” — Ricky Bobby“We keep it on there for profiling purposes! We’ve also got The Pet Shop Boys and Seal.” — Bartender“Why do you want me to break your arm so badly?” — Jean Girard“You gotta learn to drive with the fear, and there ain’t nothing more God darn frightening than driving with a live cougar in the car.”Reese Bobby

5-Year-Old Girl Officially Adopted After Spending Nearly 2,000 Days in Foster Care
Motivation

5-Year-Old Girl Officially Adopted After Spending Nearly 2,000 Days in Foster Care

Dreams really do come true! Especially in the case of a little girl in New York celebrating being officially adopted by her foster family — after a whopping 1,954 days!Now five years old, little Cece first arrived at Cindy and Jeffrey Moore’s home in the village of Depew, east of Buffalo, New York, when she was just two months old."We were just supposed to be an overnight stay until they found [her] a long-term place," Cindy Moore told Good Morning America."Once we saw her cute little face, we jokingly told them, 'If you need a place long term, let us know,'" Cindy Moore recollected. "The next day they said, 'You know, if you're serious about it, we could really use a long-term placement for her.' And here we are over five years later, and that long-term placement has now become a forever home for her."Photograph courtesy of Jeffrey and Cindy Moore (via: Good Morning America)Cindy Moore explained to WKBW-TV what a rollercoaster the adoption process can be.“In the five years she has been with us, we’ve always known there is the potential of her to be going home,” she said. “So, there are ups and downs cause you do get emotionally attached to kids, especially little cute ones like this.”Cindy and Jeff Moore officially adopted five-year-old Cece on May 11th, 2023.The Moores began fostering in 2015 after exploring the foster parent process following a battle with infertility."Friends of ours had some children that they had fostered and then they were in the process of adopting some of them. So, we picked their brain a little bit, got a little bit of information about how the foster system worked and what their experiences were, and then they sent us information to the agency that we work through - Child and Family Services," Cindy Moore described. "That's how we ended up getting certified through them."Photograph courtesy of Jeffrey and Cindy Moore (via: Good Morning America)The Chief Development Officer of the agency, Mary Czopp, says there are currently 60 certified foster parents in Erie County, where the Moore’s are located, but there are 300 children on the waitlist for a foster, or a forever, home.“Children need safety and that’s what we hope to provide through foster care,” says Czopp. “Through adoption, or unification through a biological parent where we work with the home, foster home, and biological parents.”The couple has welcomed over 30 foster children into their home over the past eight years and were absolutely delighted that the adoption of Cece was ultimately possible after such a long foster period.Photograph courtesy of Jeffrey and Cindy Moore (via: Good Morning America)"It's really, really gratifying for us. We're very excited about it. Every time we take a child in our house, you never really know how it's going to pan out long term by the time you start," Jeffrey Moore explained. "We had very high hopes in the beginning that we would get to keep Cece long term and be able to adopt her into our family, and we're ecstatic that it finally, finally got to that point."In addition to Cece, the Moores have adopted two other children through foster care and are in the process of adopting another."The same day that Cece was actually adopted, we found out that her half-brother that we've been fostering has been freed for adoption. So, we'll be starting the adoption process with him as well," Cindy Moore exclaimed.The couple strongly encourages others to consider becoming foster parents and having the opportunity to change children’s lives for the better.“I always tell people you take a chance you’d be surprised you know how rewarding it is for both of you and the children in the house,” Jeffrey Moore stated."People's first response is always, 'I could never give them back.' And my response to them is always, 'Well, they're not yours. You're assisting and you're just helping take care of them while they're in a time of need,'" Cindy Moore explained. "Something that I think that people need to go into foster care knowing is that the primary goal is always reunification with the family. And if that doesn't happen, then you can go down the adoption route."Photograph courtesy of Jeffrey and Cindy Moore"For us, we're very blessed and we're very happy that for us, it ended that way. But we have had children that have gone back home, and we feel very good about that as well because we have seen the growth in their family and we have seen that they're going to a nice, safe, good place," she added.If you would like to find out more about fostering a child in need, click here for the United States and here for Canada.MORE INSPIRING STORIES FROM GOALCAST:Employee Blocks Teen From Riding Ferris Wheel Because of Her “Disability” – So Her Stunned Friends Take ActionFormer Nurse on Her Way Home From Vacation Does THIS to Save a Man Whose Hart Stopped — While on an AirplaneFirefighter Meets the Son of a Man He Rescued From a Fire 23 Years Ago in an Emotional Reunion

Wedding of the Century: Grandparents Say I Do After 40 Years of Living Together
Motivation

Wedding of the Century: Grandparents Say I Do After 40 Years of Living Together

It's never too late to spend the rest of your life with the person you love.In January 2023, the town of San Pedro de la Cueva in Sonora, Mexico, hosted one of the most anticipated weddings of the year. After nearly half a century of living together, octogenarian couple Genoveva Romero Encinas, 86, and Francisco Maldonado Valenzuela, 88, decided to formalize their union and be married in their local Church.Witnessed by their friends and family, the couple celebrated their big day with the entire town!Credit: Yo ♥ San Pedro de la Cueva/FacebookThe happy couple’s nuptials (and the party of the century) were held in the parish of San Pedro de la Cueva, where hundreds of locals gathered to celebrate the couple’s wedding. The bride, Doña Beba, arrived in a white dress, her face covered with a veil and trailed by a two-meter train. Groom Don Francisco wore a cowboy-cut black suit. The bride was all smiles as she was walked down the aisle by her brother José Jesús Romero Encinas.The entire day was documented on the Facebook page I love San Pedro de la Cueva:Party central was in the town's Municipal Plaza, where hundreds of supporters turned up to witness the big event, arriving from across Mexico, as well the United States. Local travel agencies even organized travel packages for out-of-towners to attend the couple’s big day. Stalls were set up across the town square, selling churros, fresh drinks, roasted meat, and a variety of other goodies.After the ceremony, the couple took a breather and then headed to the celebration to take photos with the partygoers at what was dubbed “the wedding of the century.”Credit: Yo ♥ San Pedro de la Cueva/FacebookThe affectionate comments were flowing:The whole community attended this unforgettable wedding!My cool lady looks beautiful. Congratulations, my grandparents. I am crying with emotion to see them!A thousand thanks to all those who supported us from a distance and the residents of the municipality and all the attendees who came from other places!Credit: Yo ♥ San Pedro de la Cueva/FacebookThis heartwarming story is a reminder that true love at any age is always possible. And we appreciate the reminder from these octogenarian lovebirds.MORE FROM GOALCAST:Bride Bows Head During Wedding Ceremony – The Voice She Hears Next Leaves Everyone in TearsDaughter Stages a Fake Wedding So Her Dying Dad Can Have The “First Dance”Bride Knows Her Twin Sister Will Never Get Married – So the Groom Carries Her Down the Aisle in a Wedding Dress

The Rock Films Custom Selfie for Girl Superfan Who Waited Two Hours to Meet Him
Celebrities

The Rock Films Custom Selfie for Girl Superfan Who Waited Two Hours to Meet Him

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is one of the busiest public figures in showbiz but he's never too busy to give back to his fans. In addition to being a globally popular movie star, The Rock also seems to be one of the truly nice guys out there. We often see The Rock making time for his fans, but one particular instance really warms the heart.The Rock posted a video to his Instagram which shows him greeting tenth grader Carol — a fan from Tennessee — who waited patiently for hours for a glimpse of her favorite star.She was clearly nervous at the thought of meeting him and she went into absolute shock when she finally saw him!"I’m sorry, I just don’t believe it," she gushed. Johnson thanked the girl for waiting for so long and took the time to take a variety of photos and videos together.Throughout the entire interaction, it’s apparent that Carol is a huge fan, thrilled to be interacting with a star she’s only ever seen on the big screen. The Rock was as nice as could be, patiently trying to help Carol regain her composure and spending loads of time taking pictures together.To top things off, The Rock gave Carol and her friends tickets to the opening of Black Adam, a film in the DC Extended Universe.He later stated on his Instagram page:"May sound silly but this kinda stuff (meeting and taking care of fans) will always be the best part of fame.Thanks for being awesome, Carol! Make sure you tell all your friends how mean, cold, and unkind #BlackAdam really is in person. Great to meet you."Credit: John Carroll/WREG MemphisThe Rock has been living in Memphis, Tennessee while he films the third season of his show Young Rock.Dwayne Johnson has spoken previously about an experience he had early in his career, where he explained that he “acted like a real jerk” toward his fans and that it taught him that he had the power to make people feel good. It was at that moment he made the decision to be kind to his fans, leaving them with nothing but positive experiences.And this kindness reminds us of another example of The Rock being exceptionally kind to three of his young fans a few years back, pulling over to take pictures with them. Credit: @TheRock/InstagramCarol’s experience with Johnson has clearly made her a superfan for life who will never forget these emotional moments.The Rock continues to shine after starting his career playing football, then into a legendary WWE wrestling career, and later into movie superstardom.The Rock, who has an astounding following of over 380 million people on Instagram, is clearly a man of the people. What type of move could you pull off for a The Rock selfie? Or better yet, your own customized video to flash off to friends, family members, fellow students, or co-workers...

81 Timeless Walt Disney Quotes That Will Inspire You to Dream Big
Movies

81 Timeless Walt Disney Quotes That Will Inspire You to Dream Big

"Some people are worth melting for."Olaf, FrozenQuotes from Disney movies and the creator himself might take you further than you realize. For a lot of us, the wonderful world of Disney has a mix of emotion and nostalgia. Mufasa telling us to "remember who you are" is a powerful moment in a classic film but also a relatable quote to live by. Whether it’s in the classic Disney films or the more modern cinematic sensations, their messages continue to resonate with audiences of all ages and all places. They encourage us with their hidden wisdom and serve as an inspiration to work towards making our own dreams come true.KEEP READING: Inspirational Quotes from Walt Disney About Life and Following Your DreamsIn a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, there's something truly magical about the stories and characters created by the extraordinary Walt Disney. His creative genius has given birth to some of the most beloved and inspiring tales ever told, capturing the hearts of generations and imparting valuable life lessons along the way. From timeless classics to modern cinematic sensations, Disney films continue to inspire audiences worldwide, reminding us of the power of dreams and the importance of embracing our true hero within.Disney quotes have a special place in our hearts. They contain nuggets of wisdom and timeless messages that have the ability to touch our souls and uplift our spirits. They remind us that even in the face of adversity, we can find the strength to overcome challenges and pursue our passions.In the words of Walt Disney himself, "All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them." His sentiment encapsulates the essence of Disney's storytelling, where dreams take flight and impossibilities become possibilities. Through the power of animation and storytelling, Disney has transported us to extraordinary worlds where talking animals, enchanted princesses, and lovable sidekicks teach us valuable life lessons. Disney quotes have the remarkable ability to spark our imagination and awaken our sense of wonder. They remind us that life is about more than just existing; it's about embracing the joy and adventure that each day brings. As we delve into the collection of Disney quotes, let us be reminded of the profound impact these stories have had on our lives. They encourage us to embrace our uniqueness, celebrate our strengths, and discover the magic within ourselves.In the words of Peter Pan, "All it takes is faith and trust... and a little bit of pixie dust." Disney quotes are like a sprinkle of pixie dust, igniting our imagination and reminding us that anything is possible. They encourage us to believe in ourselves and have the courage to chase our dreams, no matter how big or small. These quotes serve as guiding lights, illuminating our path and encouraging us to take bold steps forward.So, let's embark on this enchanting journey through the world of Disney quotes. Let their words inspire us to embrace the magic within, to find joy in the simplest of moments, and to live our lives in a way that truly makes all the difference. As we immerse ourselves in the wisdom of Disney, let us remember the words of Timon from The Lion King, "You got to put your past behind you. Look kid, bad things happen, and you can't do anything about it, right? Wrong! When the world turns its back on you, you turn your back on the world."In the end, it's not about waiting for our dreams to come true; it's about making them come true. Life is too short to wait for tomorrow; it's about embracing the magic of today. So, let's dive into the world of Disney quotes and let them inspire us to dream, believe, and create our own happily ever after.81 Magical Walt Disney Quotes That Will Inspire You "If you dream a thing more than once, it's sure to come true." — Aurora, Sleeping Beauty"The very things that hold you down are going to lift you up." — Timothy Mouse, Dumbo"Happiness is the richest thing we will ever own" — Donald Duck“Success doesn’t come for free. You have to do whatever it takes to seize your moment." — Ernesto De La Cruz, Coco“If you do your best each and every day, good things are sure to come your way." — Tiana, The Princess and the Frog"Remember, you're the one who can fill the world with sunshine." Snow White, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs"The only way to get what you want in this world is through hard work." — Tiana, The Princess and the Frog"A true hero isn't measured by the size of his strength, but by the strength of his heart." — Zeus, Hercules“You must not let anyone define your limits because of where you come from. Your only limit is your soul." — Ratatouille"Even miracles take a little time." — Fairy Godmother, Cinderella"Venture outside your comfort zone. The rewards are worth it." — Rapunzel, Tangled"You control your destiny — you don't need magic to do it. And there are no magical shortcuts to solving your problems." — Merida, Brave“Oh yes, the past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it."Rafiki, The Lion King"I'm only brave when I have to be. Being brave doesn't mean you go looking for trouble." — Mufasa, The Lion King"No matter how your heart is grieving, if you keep on believing, the dream that you wish will come true." — Cinderella"I give myself very good advice, but I very seldom follow it." — Alice, Alice in Wonderland"You must not let anyone define your limits because of where you come from. Your only limit is your soul." — Gusteau, Ratatouille"The problem is not the problem. The problem is your attitude about the problem." — Jack Sparrow, Pirates of the Caribbean"Now, think of the happiest things. It's the same as having wings." Peter Pan“Just keep swimming!" — Dory, Finding Nemo"I never look back, darling! It distracts me from the now." — Edna Mode, The Incredibles"In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun." — Mary Poppins "Change is good." — Rafiki, The Lion King“They need a hero to tell them that sometimes the impossible can become possible." — Rhino, Bolt"It's better to use your head than break your back." — Ernst Robinson, Swiss Family Robinson"The things that make me different are the things that make me, ME." Piglet, Winnie the Pooh"Do not be followed by its commonplace appearance. Like so many things, it is not what is outside, but what is inside that counts." — Merchant, Aladdin"Life is a journey to be experienced, not a problem to be solved." — Pooh, Winnie the Pooh"Oh yes, the past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it." — Rafiki, The Lion King“Father, for many nights now I’ve been having a very strange dream. I think it’s telling me something’s about to happen. Something exciting." — Pocahontas"You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." — Christopher Robin, Winnie the Pooh"Your identity is your most valuable possession. Protect it." — Elastigirl, The Incredibles"The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all."The Emperor, Mulan"Life's not a spectator sport. If watchin' is all you're gonna do, then you're gonna watch your life go by without ya." — Laverne, The Hunchback of Notre Dame“Our fate lives within us. You only have to be brave enough to see it." — Merida, Brave“Life’s a little bit messy. We all make mistakes. No matter what type of animal you are, change starts with you." — Judy Hopps, Zootopia“Sometimes you gotta get through your fear to get to the beauty on the other side." — Poppa, The Good Dinosaur"Listen with your heart, you will understand." — Grandmother Willow, Pocahontas"The only thing predictable about life is its unpredictability."Remy, Ratatouille"If you don't know where you want to go, then it doesn't matter which path you take." — The Cheshire Cat, Alice in Wonderland“You don’t lose hope, love. If you do, you lose everything." — Mrs. Potts, Beauty and the Beast“Around here, however, we don’t look backward for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things … and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths." — Wilbur, Meet the Robinsons“If you don't think, then you shouldn't talk." — March Hare, Alice in Wonderland"Giving up is for rookies." — Philoctetes, Hercules“Just because I cannot see it, doesn’t mean I can’t believe it!"Jack Skellington, The Nightmare Before Christmas"Believe you can, then you will." — Mulan, Princess Stories"If watching is all you're gonna do, then you're gonna watch your life go by without ya." — Laverne, The Hunchback of Notre Dame“They say if you dream a thing more than once, it’s sure to come true." — Princess Aurora, Sleeping Beauty"Look inside yourself. You are more than what you have become." — Mufasa, The Lion King"You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." — Winnie the Pooh, Pooh's Most Grand Adventure"I remember daddy told me ‘fairytales can come true'. But you've got to make them happen, it all depends on you!" — Tiana, The Princess and The Frog"Today is a good day to try." Quasimodo, The Hunchback of Notre Dame“It’s called wayfinding, princess. It’s not just sails and knots, it’s seeing where you’re going in your mind. Knowing where you are by knowing where you’ve been." — Maui, Moana"All it takes is faith and trust." — Peter Pan "Always let your conscience be your guide." — The Blue Fairy, Pinocchio"Our fate lives within us; you only have to be brave enough to see it." — Merida, Brave"If you focus on what you left behind, you will never be able to see what lies ahead." — Gusteau, Ratatouille"Sometimes the right path is not the easiest one." — Grandmother Willow, Pocahontas"I don't want to survive. I want to live."The Captain, Wall-E"Just because it's what's done, doesn't mean it's what should be done." — Cinderella "Don't just fly, soar." — Dumbo “Always let your conscience be your guide." — The Blue Fairy, Pinocchio“You must be imaginative, strong-hearted. You must try things that may not work, and you must not let anyone define your limits because of where you come from. Your only limit is your soul. What I say is true—anyone can cook … but only the fearless can be great." — Chef Gusteau, Ratatouille"Everything that made that giant tree is already contained inside this tiny little seed. All it needs is some time, a little bit of sunshine and rain, and voilá! Now, y-you might not feel like you can do much now, but that's just because, well, you're not a tree yet. You just have to give yourself some time. You're still a seed." — Flik, A Bug's LifeWalt Disney was one of the most successful people of all time, and he showed the world that dreams really can come true. Enjoy these wise words from the creative genius himself — Mr. Walt Disney!"If you can dream it, you can do it." — Walt Disney"It’s kind of fun to do the impossible." — Walt Disney"When you're curious, you find lots of interesting things to do." — Walt Disney"Why worry? If you’ve done the very best you can, then worrying won’t make it any better." — Walt Disney"First, think. Second, dream. Third, believe. And finally, dare." — Walt Disney"The more you are in a state of gratitude, the more you will attract things to be grateful for."Walt Disney"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them." — Walt Disney"When you believe in a thing, believe in it all the way, implicitly and unquestionable." — Walt Disney“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." — Walt Disney“Don’t let your fears take the place of your dreams.” — Walt Disney"Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age, and dreams are forever." — Walt Disney"The difference in winning and losing is most often not quitting." — Walt Disney“I like the impossible because there’s less competition.” — Walt Disney“Growing old is mandatory but growing up is optional." Walt Disney "Happiness is a state of mind. It’s just according to the way you look at things." — Walt Disney"We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths." — Walt Disney"People often ask me if I know the secret of success and if I could tell others how to make their dreams come true. My answer is - you do it by working." — Walt Disney

Elderly Man Heartbroken Every Christmas After the Passing of His Wife Then, He Receives Something Shocking in the Mail
Uplifting News

Elderly Man Heartbroken Every Christmas After the Passing of His Wife Then, He Receives Something Shocking in the Mail

Christmas is a joyous time for many but for those grieving the loss of a loved one, the season can be quite the opposite.For one Rhode Island man, Christmas is particularly difficult, and the entire month of December reminds him of his late wife who adored the holiday season. Her passing caused Dowling to dread December, which was once his favorite month.“She was Christmas,” 95-year-old George Dowling told the Washington Post. After struggling with Alzheimer’s disease, Dowling’s wife of 70 years passed away in 2013. “She did everything big; all the cooking and baking.”Sadness Leads George’s Daughter to an IdeaSuzan Brito/FacebookLucille Dowling, who had Alzheimer’s disease, loved everything about Christmas. She decorated their Christmas tree, and their entire Pawtucket, Rhode Island home, the day after Thanksgiving, and had Christmas baking going constantly.“He’s only been with one woman in his whole life, and she’s gone. When December 1st hits, my dad gets really sad.” explained Dowling’s daughter, Suzan Brito.To help lift Dowling’s spirit during the jovial season, Brito came up with a creative idea - asking strangers to send Christmas cards to her dad. The nonagenarian loves receiving mail and looks forward to the mail carrier’s arrival each day.It was 2014 when Brito, a retired nurse, first put out the social media request to send holiday cards to her father. But in 2022, the response they received was beyond her wildest dreams – over 15,000 cards!“Grandpa George”, as he is often called, excitedly reads every card and tapes them proudly to his walls.The cards arrive from around the globe and are from people of all ages and ethnicities.“It’s just amazing. These people - I can’t even thank them enough! He gets so sad, and this just perks him up,” Suzan told WJAR.Extra Effort Required for the World to KnowSuzan Brito/FacebookDuring the first year, 2014, Dowling, a Second World War Navy veteran, received 30 cards.“It carried him through the whole month of December,” said Brito.But in 2021, he received only 14 cards.“It did not carry him,” said Brito sadly. “He’s suffering because he misses my mom.”“This year (2022), I was like, I’m not going to let that happen again,” Brito said. “My dad is my best friend.”To help “Grandpa George” get more Christmas cards in 2022, his children shared their message earlier and more widely on their social media accounts. The call quickly went viral on TikTok and Facebook and made the local news.Dowling received a whopping 11,500 cards in only ten days!“I’ve never seen so many cards,” exclaimed Dowling to the Washington Post. “It feels really good.”Dowling’s family were astonished. “This is the biggest, best thing that could ever happen to him,” Brito said. “It’s just going on and on. We’re averaging 2,000 cards a day!”The Whole Globe Took PartSuzan Brito/FacebookCards have arrived from across North American, Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, South America, and Asia.Many senders found themselves relating to the grief felt my many at Christmas.“My father’s name was George, he passed six years ago, and he loved Christmas,” one woman from Alabama wrote the family. “It hasn’t been the same until this year when I happened upon ‘your George.’”“I wanted to say thank you. It has been such a blessing to me and brought back a lot of my Christmas spirit to try and help you with this,” she explained. “You and ‘your George’ have helped me enjoy this Christmas more than any of the last six.”Dowling excitedly waits on his front porch each day for the mail carrier’s delivery. Reading the cards helps “keep my mind busy” and reminds him that “people are good.”Dowling, who has four children, three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, told the Washington Post that he still misses his wife dearly, but that the kind messages in every Christmas card made his December “a happy one.”Dowling has received more than Christmas cards. He has been sent presents, an ornament from the White House Historical Association, and letters from local officials. His hometown police force even arranged a drive-by parade outside his home!Grandpa George Is a Local Celebrity“It’s been crazy,” said Brito, who said her dad has been stopped on the streets and at stores by people who have heard about his story.“He’s very quiet and shy, but everywhere we go, people say ‘Grandpa George!’” said Brito, who cares for her father full-time. “People ask him for his autograph. People are taking pictures with him. It’s making him so happy.”Dowling’s favorite card arrived from a four-year-old girl named Nina, who wrote “I love you, George. You’re my best friend. Merry Christmas!”“It’s unbelievable,” said Dowling, adding that there are too many cards to respond to by hand, but he is sincerely grateful for each one.While he still misses his wife, he said, the overwhelming and heartwarming show of support from people near and far made his holiday season a joyful one.

Woman Who Had First Child at 58 Years Old Says It Has "Made Her a Better Mum"
Uplifting News

Woman Who Had First Child at 58 Years Old Says It Has "Made Her a Better Mum"

An Australian woman welcomed her first child at age 58 and says she’s glad that she waited until she was older to begin her family.Carolyne Ness, now 64, had longed for a child through her entire adult life. She had dreamt of having a child but it never seemed to be in the cards for her.No Babies Were in Sight for Carolyne(Daily Mail)“I had been married when I was younger, but I struggled getting pregnant,” she told The Sun. “In my 30s I discovered that I had fertility issues but by the time we got round to thinking about doing in vitro fertilization (IVF), our relationship had really broken down and we just didn’t want to bring a child into that.”“After I divorced my husband, Mr. Right never came along. I had a few relationships, but none that I felt were suitable to be a father.”Ness, who was born in Australia but grew up in Scotland, said that she was desperate to have a family and had considered adoption but gave up when she realized how many years even the possibility of adoption could take.Carolyn explored all of her IVF options, but even private clinics would not offer it to women over 50.The Option of Embryo Adoption Shortly before her 58th birthday, Carolyne came across the concept of embryo adoption. This is a process where a frozen embryo is “adopted” rather than waiting to adopt the baby once it’s born.The embryo is selected by the adopter and is then implanted into her own womb using the same technique as IVF. This process gives the adoptive parent the opportunity to experience both pregnancy and childbirth themselves.“I wanted my baby to grow inside me. If I did have any eggs left, they would not be good quality at my age, but I knew that if my womb was healthy, there wasn’t any reason why I could not sustain a pregnancy,” explained Carolyn.Ness did her research and decided to move forward with embryo adoption. The age limit for the procedure is 55 in Australia, so Ness instead focused on India, where the age limit is higher at 58.A Journey That Let Her to India(Carolyne Ness / The Mirror)Ness made the journey to New Delhi, India with the hope of successfully using the egg of a 21-year-old Indian woman and sperm from an American donor.She paid £4,500 (US$5,700) to adopt an embryo.She knew the odds were not in her favor, so Ness looked at the trip to India as a vacation, so as not to get her hopes up.“I’d always wanted to go to India because I wanted to see the Taj Mahal,” Ness explained. “I got the treatment done just before my 58th birthday, so I was at the very upper limit.”“They transferred three embryos, something that tends to be avoided in Australia to prevent multiple births, which gave me that extra chance to get pregnant.”“I just thought, well, I've tried my best and if it's meant to be, it will happen.”“Having a baby just shy of my 60th [birthday] would never have been my first choice when I was younger. I never wanted to be a single mother, that was l my worst nightmare, but it got to the stage where it was now or never and I knew I would regret it if I didn’t try,” Ness clarified to The Sun.Ness enjoyed her vacation in India but couldn’t resist the urge to take a pregnancy test before she left.“They were all coming back positive and when I got back to Australia I was overjoyed when my blood tests confirmed my pregnancy!” Ness said proudly.The Happy Day Arrives(Moments Captured by Jaclyn / Metro UK)In November 2017, Ness went in for a planned caesarean section as her pregnancy was considered high risk. Her son Javed arrived happy and healthy at 5lb 20z.Ness beams about how Javed, now age five, has brought so much happiness to her life and that waiting until a later age made her a better mom to her son. She explained that she now has a level of patience and a maturity she didn’t have when she was younger.“Friends warned it would be exhausting, I’d miss my freedom and resent the sleepless nights, but they were all mothers already, they had no idea how much I wanted to give up my freedom to love a child like they had,” she told The Mirror. in her 50s is too old to have children and says that Javed has completely changed her life for the better.Ness told The Mirror that she has a solid plan in place for Javed. She has made arrangements with her younger sister, Rhona, and her best friend, Silvana, who is ten years younger, to care for Javed should anything happen to her.“Ultimately, no-one knows what is around the corner. Younger women than me become moms and then sadly, their circumstances change too. I couldn’t let ‘what ifs’ stop me.”“I can’t imagine missing out on this incredible life I have to share, and I have at least a good 20 years left in me to do so. It was the best decision I ever made.”

Major League Baseball Team Re-signs Player FIVE YEARS After He Last Played So He Could Receive Health Insurance After Being Diagnosed With Schizophrenia
Uplifting News

Major League Baseball Team Re-signs Player FIVE YEARS After He Last Played So He Could Receive Health Insurance After Being Diagnosed With Schizophrenia

Imagine how you'd feel if your former employer went out of their way to do something kind to you. Or better still, that they continue to do good towards you, long after you stopped working for them. The Los Angeles Dodgers have displayed an extraordinary arm of kindness towards an ex-player. Former Major League outfielder Andrew Toles last played for the Dodgers in September of 2018. Toles' MLB career was relatively short, spanning just 96 games — all with Los Angeles. He hit .364 in the 2016 postseason and had begun the 2017 campaign on a strong note, before tearing his anterior cruciate ligament while trying to make a catch, missing the remainder of the 2017 season. He returned in 2018 playing 17 games before his off-field troubles forced him to call it a career. Andrew Toles and the Los Angeles Dodgers: What the MLB Team is Doing to Help Him Off-FieldDespite last suiting up for a Major League game in 2018, the Dodgers have re-signed Toles to a contract every year since then to guarantee him to access to the team's health insurance. In early 2019, the Georgia native didn’t show up for spring training, citing he was dealing with a “personal issue”. The team later discovered that in addition to suffering from depression and anxiety, he had also been diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.By the following year, the diseases had taken its toll on Toles who found himself homeless and sleeping behind a FedEx building at the Key West International Airport in Florida. He was arrested and charged with trespassing and was taken to a mental health facility after the incident.Alvin Toles — Andrew’s father — spoke to USA Today in 2021 and explained that Andrew was living in a “zombie-like” condition.“We are having challenges,” Alvin said, “but nothing that God and I can’t handle. Schizophrenia, it’s just so tough. I mean, he can’t even watch TV. He hears voices and the TV at the same time, so it’s kind of confusing." Mr. Toles admits, "I’ve seen him looking at some baseball games on his laptop, but I don’t think he really understands what’s going on. I just want him to have a chance in life. That’s all. Just to be healthy and live a normal life.”As of the start of the 2023 season — although he’s not being paid — he is still a member of the organization. This will be the fifth consecutive season that the franchise has kept Toles on the books as he battles his significant mental health issues.Toles has been in more than 20 mental health facilities since 2019.Gary A. Vasquez/USA Today SportsThis ongoing act of kindness did not go unnoticed by former Dodgers pitcher Tom Koehler, who signed with the team in 2017, but injured his shoulder in spring training and was never able to pitch an inning for the team.“I love this,” Koehler said on Twitter. “Saw it firsthand how they treated me when I could provide nothing for them. I am not surprised they are helping Andrew. It’s bigger than sports.”Although Koehler never officially suited up for Los Angeles, the team still awarded him with a National League Championship ring. “A very classy gesture by a very classy group of people. I will be forever grateful,” wrote an appreciative Koehler on Instagram.No act of kindness, no matter how big or how small, is ever wasted.

Grandson Travels 800 Miles to Surprise His Grandfather His Incredible Emotional Reaction Makes It All Worth It
Uplifting News

Grandson Travels 800 Miles to Surprise His Grandfather His Incredible Emotional Reaction Makes It All Worth It

There’s nothing like a grandparent seeing one of their beloved grandkids that they haven’t visited with in a long time. The time spent with one another is like no other – an unbreakable bond.The COVID-19 pandemic was difficult for everyone, particularly for families that were unable to see each other due to geographic travel constraints.That was the case for devoted mom, Erica Lusher.Heartwarming SurpriseLusher lives in Owensboro, Kentucky and her parents in Port Orange, Florida. The pandemic meant that it had been over a year since Lusher and her son, Ayden, had been able to visit his grandparents. But instead of letting her parents know they were planning a visit, they prepared a heartwarming surprise!Although the grandparents had been video chatting through the pandemic, nothing compares to spending time in person.As soon as Lusher and her parents were fully vaccinated, they had the all-clear to travel freely. And that was when Lusher and her son secretly made the 800-mile trip to Florida from Kentucky.The Emotional Bonds of FamilyLusher knew where her parents would be dining that evening and with her camera in hand, she recorded the tearful moment that will remain a wonderful memory for the rest of their lives.It was Lusher's mom who first noticed the surprise duo coming over to their table, her eyes filling with happy tears, and a look of shock!When Ayden’s grandpa noticed her expression, he also saw his grandson beaming and coming his way! His eyes also filled with tears, and he held out his arms for the excited little boy to join him in a loving hug. Amidst the embrace, the emotional grandpa cried, "Hey buddy!"Lusher's dad looked his grandson over to see how much he had grown and take the moment in. And of course, more hugs ensued!Lusher captured the heartwarming moment and shared it on TikTok. It quickly went viral and amassed over 135,000 likes and thousands of thoughtful comments. And needless to say, a lot of happy tears from all of us also taking in their surprise!Now that was a hug worth waiting for!