Smile
Dad Could Not Be Happier After Daughter With Down Syndrome Graduates From College

- Rachel Handlin has Down syndrome but that didn’t stop her from chasing her dreams.
- She finished her undergraduate degree this year at the California Institute of the Arts in Valencia, and her dad could not be more proud of her.
- Her dad posted about her graduation on social media to tell the world that he’s “the proudest father on the planet.”
The commencement ceremonies for the graduates this year are either canceled or postponed because of the coronavirus outbreak. This somehow takes away the happiness and pride this occasion brings. Jay Handlin is one of these parents who wanted to tell the world about their kids and what they had accomplished.
This is my daughter, Rachel Handlin. Tonight, she earned her full Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Photography & Media from the prestigious California Institute of the Arts, @CalArts. Rachel has #Downsyndrome.
I am officially the proudest father on the planet.
Fight me. pic.twitter.com/t39gY58Gqf— Jay Handlin (@jayhandlin) May 16, 2020
Rachel finished her undergraduate degree this year. She took up Bachelor of Fine Arts, majored in Photography and Media from the California Institute of the Arts in Valencia. She happens to have Down syndrome.
This is Rachel. As I said, she has #downsyndrome. She’s a college senior. In May she’ll earn her BFA in Photography from prestigious @CalArts. Her murals in the photos concern 2 other college grads w/DS.
This #WDSD2020 let’s protect everybody w/DS.
Let’s protect everybody. 5/5 pic.twitter.com/nDLwyoNcCW— Jay Handlin (@jayhandlin) March 21, 2020
“This is my daughter, Rachel Handlin,” her dad tweeted. “Tonight, she earned her full Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. … I am officially the proudest father on the planet. Fight me.”
There is a picture of the photography displays in Rachel’s art show attached to the tweet. The exhibit was entitled Jumping Off Le Pont Neuf, featuring pictures that are both fascinating and complex. Surely, she is on her way to becoming a professional photographer. No wonder Jay is so proud of his daughter!
To all who said #CongratulationsRachel:
*Thx for asking to see #RachelHandlin‘s art! Her Instagram is handlinrachel.
*When her website launches I’ll post about it.
*”Fight me”=a common, humorous Twitter expression meaning “I dare you to say I’m wrong.” I don’t wanna fight anyone. pic.twitter.com/EVlrOPBoRx— Jay Handlin (@jayhandlin) May 24, 2020
The tweet touched the hearts of many. Her story is an inspiration for everyone. This made people share just how much this story inspires them, how it gives them hope.
The Pediatric Therapy Network sent their congratulations to the fresh graduate. “In the global Down syndrome population, college degree recipients are one in a million,” the letter reads. “We couldn’t be more proud of her!” Rachel once received treatment from the institution.
Congratulations, Rachel, and thank you for sharing this, Jay! What an inspiration and proof that our kids have SO MUCH to offer this world. So happy for you both ???????? (shameless pic of my handsome boy – WNHS class of 2021????) pic.twitter.com/eckwDIVwMv— Holly Besaw (@holly_besaw) May 17, 2020
The online post inspired other people, mostly parents, to share stories that made them proud. Nobody could resist the opportunity to talk about the different ways their loved ones made them proud, especially parents. Who could blame them?
Congratulations are in order. This milestone calls for a celebration, just keep in mind safety guidelines. Rachel, we are rooting for you as you pursue your dreams!
Source: Inspire More

Heroes
“Hero” Cat Guides Owner to Missing Pet

Quick Smiles:
- Callie, the tabby cat, won hearts online by leading her owner to her missing and injured feline sibling, Mittens!
- Fans of the tear-jerking viral video express concern and support, with one praising, “Your cat is literally a hero.”
- Every cloud has a silver lining: Mittens received a “spa treatment” at the vet’s and is now the cleanest he has ever been!
When it comes to a cat’s independent nature, there’s more than meets the eye! A heartfelt instance has recently surfaced on TikTok, showcasing the underlying love and concern our feline friends harbor for their furry companions.
Callie, a lovable tabby cat, is stealing hearts across the internet, showcasing her heroic side by leading her owner to Mittens, her missing and injured cat sibling.
The video, shared to @rescuecatmittens, has since touched millions, accumulating over 4.7 million views and 822,200 likes.
It narrates a poignant tale of Mittens, who had been missing all day, and Callie’s silent guidance towards the distressed cat, leading to an emotional reunion.
The followers of the channel, numbering 150,400, were quick to send their thoughts, concerns, and praises, celebrating Callie’s quick thinking and devotion.
“Your cat is literally a hero,” commended one user.
A follow-up video provided a sigh of relief to the anxious viewers, updating them on Mittens’ condition. The once-stray Mittens, believed to have escaped and gotten into a fight, luckily suffered no grave injuries.
After a thorough checkup revealing no serious harm and a “spa treatment” at the vets, Mittens is back, cleaner than ever, although a bit on edge, needing time alone to mentally and physically heal from the ordeal.
The owner, while thankful for Mittens’ relatively mild condition, urges everyone to check their doors often to avoid such incidents, emphasizing the distressing experience for both the owners and the cat.
The heartwarming support continues to flow in the comments, with users expressing their relief and gratitude.
“Mama cat thank you for finding mittens, she loves her brother,” said another user.
This touching story stands as a beautiful testament to the unseen bonds and unspoken love between our feline companions.
Callie’s unwavering concern and Mittens’ safe return serve as gentle reminders of the endless compassion and resilient spirits our pets hold, enlightening our lives with their undying love and warmth.
The viral journey of Callie and Mittens indeed portrays a silver lining, echoing hope and love amid the difficult times.
Heroes
Neighborhood Raises $400 Through Lemonade Stand to Help with Dog’s Vet Bills

Quick Smiles:
- The compassionate kids of an Orlando community hosted a lemonade stand to help raise funds for Stevie, a golden retriever in need, bringing in $400!
- The joyous reaction of Stevie seeing the kids brought a glimmer of happiness and hope during her recovery process, her tail wagging in delight.
- Marisol Serrano, Stevie’s owner, was moved to tears by the overwhelming support and kindness showered by the neighbors, saying, “It was so special.”
In a heartwarming display of solidarity and kindness, an Orlando community came together to support their neighbor’s golden retriever, Stevie, who encountered an unfortunate accident.
The loveable five-year-old dog, named after Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks, was hit by a motorcycle one late night.
The caring neighbors, witnessing the distress, knew they had to step in to lend a helping hand to their cherished four-legged friend.
Marisol Serrano, Stevie’s owner, describes her intelligent and affectionate pet as “a human dog.”
Stevie’s accident left her with severe injuries, needing immediate medical attention. Marisol, overwhelmed with worry for her furry friend, rushed her to the nearest open animal hospital, where Stevie underwent surgery to remove a small part of her lung.
Despite the challenging times, the medical assurance of Stevie’s recovery brought a sigh of relief to Marisol, who was tormented with the thoughts of making any selfish decisions regarding Stevie’s life.
While Stevie bravely recuperated in the ICU, a group of nine compassionate kids from the neighborhood sprang into action, organizing a lemonade stand to support Stevie’s recovery.
Their thoughtful initiative included selling cookies, brownies, lemonade, and water, with posters of Stevie and a QR code for donations, managing to raise $400.
The loving gesture profoundly moved Marisol, leaving her in tears, “I literally just cried. It was so special,” she said.
The neighborhood’s kindness did not stop there. Stevie received get-well cards and toys from the children, and the continued inquiries and support led to the creation of a GoFundMe page for additional assistance.
Marisol feels the visits and the unwavering support from the community play a crucial role in more than just settling the veterinary bills. The presence of the caring neighbors brought noticeable joy to Stevie, who, despite her pain, found the strength to get up and wag her tail in happiness upon seeing the kids.
This uplifting tale of unity and compassion signifies the boundless love and enduring spirit of both the Orlando community and their beloved golden retriever, Stevie.
The shared joy, heartfelt tears, and the warm, wagging tail are beautiful reminders of the extraordinary bonds that exist between humans and their furry companions, and how, in times of need, communities can come together to spread love, joy, and hope.
Happy Tears
Airline Employee’s Heartfelt In-Flight Tribute to Her Former Teacher Warms Hearts

Quick Smiles:
- A delightful reunion unfolds as airline employee Lora recognizes her “favorite teacher ever,” Miss O’Connor, among the passengers, leading to an impromptu appreciation speech.
- Overflowing with emotion, Lora thanks Miss O’Connor for igniting her passion for Shakespeare and piano, attributing her master’s in piano to her former teacher’s inspiration.
- The heartwarming tribute culminates in a loving embrace, adding a touch of warmth and nostalgia to the flight for both the giver and receiver of this unexpected acknowledgment.
We’ve all had that one teacher who left an indelible mark on our lives, becoming a beacon of inspiration and guidance. For Lora, an airline employee, this beacon was her “favorite teacher ever,” Miss O’Connor.
In a beautiful twist of fate, Teacher Appreciation Day presented Lora with the extraordinary opportunity to celebrate Miss O’Connor as she found herself onboard Lora’s flight!
As Lora recognized her former educator among the passengers, she couldn’t hold back her emotions and took the opportunity to give her a special shoutout.
“I’m going to get emotional,” Lora forewarned, as her voice radiated warmth and nostalgia. It had been decades since their paths last crossed, but the profound impact Miss O’Connor had on her was palpable.
With teary eyes, Lora recounted the myriad ways Miss O’Connor had enriched her life, kindling her love for Shakespeare and fostering her musical pursuits.
“I haven’t seen her since 1990. This lady made me love Shakespeare, got me to play piano. I have my master’s in piano,” shared an emotional Lora, expressing her deep gratitude and love.
The cabin was enveloped in a profound sense of warmth as Lora concluded her heartfelt tribute, rushing over to envelop her former teacher in a tight, loving hug. “Thank you, Miss O’Connor! I love you!” Lora exclaimed, her words echoing the sentiments of countless students who’ve been profoundly touched by their teachers.
This poignant in-flight reunion and unexpected tribute are a beautiful reminder of the lasting impact educators have on their students.
The genuine affection and deep appreciation Lora showered upon Miss O’Connor have not only made that particular flight memorable but have also reminded everyone present of the boundless influence and inspiration a dedicated teacher brings to the lives of their students.
The entire experience was a beautiful testament to the enduring bonds and heartfelt gratitude that linger long after the school bells have rung their last.
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