'Cute Little Old Man' Stands on Corner by School Giving Kids Fist Bumps & Kind Words Each Day
With all the horrible things that happen and get blasted on social media and news outlets, it’s only natural that we harbor distrust, fear, and resentment when it comes to strangers.
When you see someone standing around, especially near a school, and they’re not a teacher and don’t have kids attending, some pretty dark thoughts can start swirling through your head.
But, thankfully, there are still some good people in the world, and everything is not as horrible as we might think.
Meet Wally: A 94-year-old gentleman who was in WW2 and the Korean War as a fighter pilot, later became a commercial pilot, and now passes the time stationed outside a local school.
His mission? To spread encouragement and kindness.
Mom Gina Michelle, from California, submitted her story to Love What Matters, and it’s taken off since. It all started when she tried to drop her daughter off in a different spot than usual.
“Oh no!” her daughter said. “I forgot I like you dropping me off at the corner, so I can talk to the cute, little old man. And today I would have had more time!”
“Who’s the cute little old man?” the mother asked.
“He stands at the steps where you drop me off and encourages all the students as they walk in. He talks about kindness, gives us advice and fist bumps! It’s the best part of the day.”
The mom of four was intrigued and had to see it for herself. What she witnessed touched her heart.
“This is exactly the kind of love and support our middle schoolers need,” she wrote. “This man stands outside the school every day and gives the gift of encouragement to every student that comes near him. Come to find out, his name is Wally, he is 94 and he has been doing this for years!”
“As a parent I am constantly trying to encourage my kids. In our house our motto is, ‘If it isn’t motivating, encouraging or inspiring, don’t say it.’ My hope is that the words I use to inspire them stick with them when the world isn’t so nice.”
Everyone who’s come into contact with Wally has been thrilled by his positivity and enthusiasm. He’s certainly doing something right, and is having an impact on the young lives around him in a wonderful way!
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