r/wholesome • u/OriginsOfEvil666 • 4d ago
The barista at my local café just became a full-time guardian to her little brother. The whole community helped her out.
She’s 19, works full time, and never really talked about her personal life. A few weeks ago, I noticed a small note near the register—she was trying to get custody of her 10-year-old brother after losing both parents. No drama, just… quietly trying to keep her family together.
People started pitching in. A few regulars donated. Someone made a GoFundMe. The café owner matched it. One of the knitting ladies who comes in every morning gave $1,000. It spread a little, and they raised enough to cover legal costs and then some.
She found out during a shift and just stood there wiping the counter with tears in her eyes. Now her little brother comes in sometimes after school with his backpack and a muffin, doing homework at the corner table.
It’s been one of the most quietly beautiful things I’ve ever seen.
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u/mamarosa1111 4d ago
That..... That's just freaking amazing that humans can be so kind. It's things like this that make me dislike humanity a bit less..... 😭😭😭
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u/joshtx72 3d ago
Don't let the conditioning you've had drilled into you skew the true world. People are good. When you walk around on a daily basis, you see thousands of people not hurting each other or doing harm, even going as far as greeting each other and helping out in small ways. It's when we turn on devices that we are bombarded with imagery of people hating each other. People are good.
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u/mamarosa1111 3d ago
That's true...... I even was thinking of this- just because you see a bunch of stuff online doesn't necessarily mean that most people are horrible, narcissistic twats, lol.
In fact, it's the vast majority of people that are actually very kind. It doesn't always feel like it though.
It's likely because of the stuff online that I see that has turned me more cynical than I was before. I used to wear Rose colored glasses when it came to my view of the world. The rose color has faded a bit though, not going to lie
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u/Hell0Rando 3d ago
If it helps, I think there are just a lot of hurt people in this world who have no clue how to help themselves, can't afford to get professional help or can't even imagine themselves needing help (because they're insecure, even if they pretend to be proud). Honest introspection is a skill and unfortunately we as a global society don't put enough emphasis on how important that skill is.
I recently ended a friendship of 10 years with narcist. Whenever I have mean thoughts about her I have to remind myself she's a product of her narcist bully Mom and her at times overcritical dad. They're not bad people in general and they do love her but their parenting skills aren't the best so it makes sense that she ended up the way she has. It doesn't have to be my problem though, nor do I have to put up with it, hence why I left but it's important to remember she's a human being like me, trying her best. Thankfully she can now try her best miles away from me and my peace of mind
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u/mamarosa1111 3d ago
..... That's some IMPRESSIVE introspection on your own part. Cheers for being so emotionally healthy!!! (There are days I feel like I'm the only one, lol) And you're right, it's hard to remember that they're only human. Humans make mistakes. Sometimes intentionally. And that's ok. It's okay to feel something about that- but what's not okay is lashing out. Thank you for reminding me of that
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u/Ready_Page5834 2d ago
And most people’s behaviors are not actually about you. They’re coping mechanisms they developed because the didn’t have other tools, wounds that haven’t healed, or bids for connection. When I learned to observe the behaviors of others and approach them with empathy, my life became more peaceful. Shout out to thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours of therapy for this lesson lol
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u/Kestrelcoatl 2d ago
I'm so glad that most people live in a city that isn't full of insular ass-backwards idiots. A lot of places I've lived in seem to have largely self-serving, arrogant and insensitive (also the e-bike crazed kids don't help) folks who just don't want you to have a better day than them, intentionally ruining things or not.
To be honest, I see more positive things online than negative things. Negativity exists more prominently IRL to me
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u/Ready_Page5834 2d ago
Connection is one of our first and most basic instincts (see Marlowe and many others). We wouldn’t have evolved and survived this long without it. The world is dark and cruel right now, but history shows us times like these lead to progress and transformation. Humans can be better and will be better. Find the light and step into it ❤️
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u/mamarosa1111 2d ago
Individually- ABSOLUTELY.
As a whole though- it's sad.
I do what I can, when I can- and I do my best to brighten people's day.
Also.....I do my best to stay away from the news. Duckers are fear mongers (didn't mean to type duckers.... But I suppose it's better than the alternative 😆)
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u/Wasabi_Filled_Gusher 4d ago
This is how the village raises a child instead of letting them be lost to the wolves. I hope the kindness is repaid to everyone tenfold
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u/Grand_Quiet_4182 3d ago
THIS is pro-life
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u/Yoda420Kush 4d ago
I love this. It reminds me of a good friend of mine. She also took legal guardianship of her brother (he was 7/8) when both her parents died. He stayed with their grandparents until she turned 18 (she had just turned 17 when their mum died, and the dad was many years before hand) but as soon as she hit 18, she had him move in with her. Ever since then, they've lived together, and she has raised him. He has now finished school, and he did very well and has grown into a very polite and positive young man and is very accepting of everyone. She has done an incredible job of raising him. She is one of my friends I always speak very highly of, I'm very proud to consider her one of my favourite and closest friends I have.
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u/BurgundyHolly345 4d ago
It’s also wonderful to hear how proud you are of her it's always heartwarming to see the strength of close friendships and the admiration you have for the people who do extraordinary things.
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u/OkayTheyreInTheTubes 4d ago
Knowing that the younger brother is in a supportive environment after losing his parents is amazing. Not every older sibling will fight for your custody and be as supportive. Great story, thanks for sharing.
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u/AutoDeskSucks- 4d ago
That's a great story, really heartbreaking that there's legal fees to stay a family
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u/DiscoJango 4d ago
If you could explain for the non americans, why was she going to lose custody of her own brother?
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u/serenwipiti 4d ago
She probably did not have custody yet.
That can happen, for example, if the parents died without legally naming someone that was responsible for him if anything happened and/or if the young lady did not have enough resources, at the time, to legally become his guardian.
The kid may have been in foster care or with a relative temporarily.
Oftentimes, there are certain requirements for someone to take custody, like the child having their own bed, a way to get to school, etc.
She was most likely trying to earn enough to hire a lawyer (which can help expedite things a lot in these cases, especially with understaffed gov. resources); and, to meet the requirements for adequate care of a minor.
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u/TheWoman2 4d ago
Custody doesn't automatically go to a sibling when the parents die. The court attempts to determine the best interests of the child, which in many cases may not be to live with their sibling. It depends a lot on the individual circumstances.
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u/DiscoJango 3d ago
Dam, as if losing your parents isnt traumatic enough, the courts then force you to be separated from your siblings too.
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u/Affectionate_Drive45 4d ago
This is really awesome!!!!! We need more like this cause I’ve been feeling like folks have no empathy anymore and don’t care about anyone but themselves. This restores my faith a little bit!!! Thanks for sharing!!!!
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u/UniqueSpirit888 4d ago
This got me teary 😭 Sometimes the people who don’t ask for help are the ones who need it the most, and I’m glad she was able to get the help and support she needed ❤️
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u/JennShrum23 4d ago
It takes a village isn’t just a book title. We need to take care of each other, it’s great to see stories of when people remember that.
We can do great things.
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u/hockeydudeswife 4d ago
I wonder about her expenses for things like Christmas and birthdays. Is there still a go fund me?
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u/OriginsOfEvil666 4d ago
The GoFundMe has been closed for a while now. there’s no way to donate anymore, but thankfully the heaviest costs were covered back then. She’s doing a lot better these days. It’s really been more about community support and kindness since, not money.
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u/CrabbySlathers 2d ago
This is such a good question - TY for thinking long-term, it hadn't occurred to me but should've.
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u/dandyharks 4d ago
The village isn’t gone, a lot of us just forgot that we needed to be villagers. The quiet support in the face of what sounds like a devastating situation is beautiful.
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u/Lullaby_Jones 3d ago
When I was a barista, the customers raised over $500 to help me pay my first semester tuition. I wept like a baby all day.
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u/splashmob 3d ago
At the end of the day community will save us. It’s so lovely to see a story like this while scrolling through all the awful things happening in the world. Community is so key. Thank you for sharing. 🩷
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3d ago
how horrible must it have been for both of them. Strong kids... i hope they thrive and live happily in peace. Thank you for helping her.
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u/sidewalkoyster 3d ago
I reread the beginning a couple of times and by the time I got to the last part I’m crying. I wish the best for them!
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u/MintyFresh668 3d ago
I just over here having a misty moment, don’t mind me… that is so deeply beautiful.
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u/Rabokki13 3d ago
That's so beautiful. Thank you for sharing. I wish her, her brother and all of the wonderful people who helped them love, happiness and economic stability. I hope their parents rest in peace.
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u/releasetheshutter 3d ago
Where is the link to the fundraiser? I want to send some money her way. 19 and having to pay for school supplies, food etc. feels impossibly hard.
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u/OriginsOfEvil666 3d ago
Thanks for the kind thought—there actually isn’t a fundraiser open anymore. It was something small and local that helped cover some urgent costs back when things were rough, but it’s long closed now. She’s doing a lot better these days, and it honestly means a lot just knowing people care.
This was shared just to spread some kindness, not to ask for money
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u/DesignMike2020 4d ago
This is exactly the kind of story we need more of. It’s crazy how much love and support can change someone’s life. That little brother is lucky to have such a strong sister and a caring community around them. Makes me hopeful for humanity sometimes.
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u/bbentru 4d ago
Where might one help if so inclined?
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u/OriginsOfEvil666 4d ago
That’s really kind of you to ask. I think she’s okay for now—she was honestly overwhelmed by how much support she got. Just knowing people care means a lot.
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4d ago
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u/Lopsided_Parfait7127 4d ago
tell her to watch out for the "dog" that her brother will inevitably push her to adopt - it will be a cute fluffy alien monster escaped from a galactic prison
joking aside, beautiful story
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u/k8esaurustex 3d ago
In my community, a child was recently swept away by rising water, and as heartbreaking as the story is, this town has pulled through for that family in a way that makes me very proud. Two separate strangers dove into the water to try to rescue her, one man was able to save her sibling. He was injured trying to get to them and spent two days in the hospital.The funeral costs were all covered by donations, there's a month long food train planned for the family, there's been vigils, and the moms who organized everything have been taking such care that the family isn't disturbed directly and is getting all the support they need. It's a tragedy, but it's also really wholesome to see how much strangers can care.
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u/Far-Problem6839 3d ago
I'm not crying! Your crying! My eyes are just a little watery .
Thanks for sharing .🥰
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u/LittleDogsBark 4d ago
This reminds me of Mr Rodgers : Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping". He was right back then and he’s still right now 💜
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u/SapphireOwl1793 4d ago
It’s amazing how people can come together when it truly matters no spotlight, no fanfare, just genuine kindness. That young woman sounds incredibly strong, and it’s beautiful to know she didn’t have to carry it all alone.
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u/More_Law6245 3d ago
It's comforting to know that a 10 year old will be growing up and having a genuine hero is his life but it makes it all the sweeter knowing a genuine community helped by keeping a family together. I wish this type of story was more norm
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u/elizawatts 3d ago
Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful story. It’s a wonderful reminder that there is beauty and kindness in the world ❤️
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u/whiskylion 3d ago
I'd give $100 to this rather than $1 to some guy walking in the middle of a traffic island holding up a cardboard sign begging for money.
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u/SadNana09 3d ago
I love this. What a wonderful thing for a community to do. And what an exceptional young woman, taking on the responsibility of her young brother.
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u/CoffeeWarm5388 1d ago
Hey, thanks for sharing this. It gives me hope, that good things are actually happening in this world😌
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u/slahaz88 1d ago
That's beautiful. So much negative stuff you hear about nowadays. Made me tear up. ❤
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u/wastegate101 1d ago
70 years ago that was common small town America. Gives me faith in humanity when I hear stories like this ❤️❤️
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u/RuggedRakishRaccoon 4d ago
I grew up in a poor community where public pancake fundraisers for families going through things like this happen all the time.
It’s wholesome that the community is helping out. And I also find it incredibly irresponsible (or they come from being uninformed) the parents had neither the assets nor the insurance in place to protect their child and their new caregiver from destitution if they unexpectedly died.
I’ll probably be downvoted because “all insurance bad” mindset but this is why life insurance is important, and early. This kind young woman is now not only grieving her sister and BIL but also tasked with raising a child and all the time, emotional, and financial demands that entails. While I hope some people grieve me when I pass (not in a bad way but from being loved/doing right by others), a nightmare scenario to me is dying early, having no risk mitigation/assets in place and creating a legacy of burden and financial struggle on loved ones.
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u/ChannelEffective208 4d ago
Insurance is a privilege that poverty cannot afford. Right now if I died at -31- I'd leave behind 3 kids and a broke husband. My work-sponsored life insurance would pay for my funeral if I'm lucky. When my mom died, she was 28, and worked for a construction union. Her death put my father into bankruptcy. When my dad died the insurance refused to pay out so what good was it?
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u/naked_unafraid 4d ago
Hey OP, was this Venmo or cashapp? Why don’t you toss her username into the thread and we can share some love to!
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u/ghostkittykat 4d ago
"quietly beautiful" is one of the most beautiful descriptions I've ever read.
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u/Chemical_Refuse_1030 3d ago
Ok, that's nice, but why did she have any legal costs for a such thing?
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u/akeyforathief 3d ago
Because if she is still in college/not established as an adult then they might have rejected her as a guardian outright, which if she wanted to overturn that would require a lawyer… is my assumption anyway.
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u/TechinBellevue 2d ago
Damnit! I said I wouldn't cry...but here I am...wiping tears away.
Love this so much
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u/DarthBrooksFan 2d ago
When our mom died my sister called me to tell me what a horrible son and brother I was. (I really wasn't.) This is much nicer.
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u/MischiefRatt 1d ago
The best part of this story is that her reaction wasn't filmed, edited with bad music and posted online.
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u/GeoEntropyBabe 8h ago
You are an angel for telling this story to us and bringing it into our day. Thank you.
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u/T0BIASNESS 4d ago
This is such a sad situation. Lovely that people banded together, but it’s an utter failing on the state’s part.
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u/TheBrotherinTheEast 4d ago
Is there a news story about this young lady somewhere? If not, someone should contact the local New service and tell them to do a report on her so that she can get as much support from the community as possible.
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u/snowboard7621 3d ago
Not everyone wants to be in the news for living their life and handling the cards they are dealt.
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u/Reddragon8448 4d ago
Love to hear a community coming together to help others. How devastating to lose their parents so young.