Last week, a heart-touching story unfolded in Amarillo, Texas, reminding us of the kindness that lives in people’s hearts. It all started when Shayden Walker, a young boy longing for friends, decided to ask his neighbor for help.
Shayden gathered his courage and said, “Hello, I was wondering if you knew any kids my age, like 11 or 12. I need some friends.”
Brennan Ray, the neighbor, suggested a nearby house where some kids lived. But Shayden shared that those kids were not friendly to him anymore because they bullied him. Ray sympathetically replied, “I’m sorry to hear that.”
Neighbors have helped raise more than $37,000 on GoFundMe for a bullied Texas boy who went viral after a heart-wrenching video showed him knocking on their door and asking if they knew any kids his age because he “needs some friends really bad.” pic.twitter.com/83YIWWZzmo
— Wezz oF West (Wasiu)💹📉📈 (@only1wezz) July 8, 2023
Then, Shayden asked Ray if he had any kids of his own. Ray mentioned his two-year-old, to which Shayden brightened up and confessed his love for two-year-olds. He even mentioned that he used to have a two-year-old sister whom he enjoyed being around.
Ray was touched by this exchange and promised to greet Shayden whenever they crossed paths.
Ray shared this heartfelt interaction on his TikTok, writing, “It only takes a moment to make someone’s day. This boy is well-mannered, kind, and courageous.”
Moved by Shayden’s quest for companionship, Ray and his wife, Angel, started a GoFundMe page to help Shayden find the friendship he deeply desired. The community’s reaction was astonishing – they raised over $37,000!
Ray and Angel plan to use the funds to help Shayden and his family, buying things like a new gaming system, school clothes, and other items to enrich Shayden’s life. They hope their initiative will also shed light on the tough issue of bullying, something too many kids face, and advocate for suicide prevention. This story is a beacon of hope that unity, empathy, and a helping hand can bring about change.
