Some people regard Disney World and all of its incarnations as a magical place because of its whimsical look, its fairy tales come to life, and the jubilant characters that fill the pathways. However, one little girl is experiencing the magic for an entirely different reason. The video, a part of Disney Parks’ “Unforgettable Stories” series, introduces us to Shaylee Mansfield. Both her mother and father are deaf, and Shaylee is deaf, too. Her parents have had an entirely different experience than Shaylee’s growing up. When they were kids, things weren’t so easy. Her mom never expected anyone to know sign language or how to communicate with her. Yet, Shaylee goes to a school where everyone can sign. Where she is always understood. It’s like a safe space for the little girl. Outside the school’s walls is a very different story. The average person doesn’t know sign language, so Shaylee often feels left out. Then one day, her parents took her to Disney Parks. She and her little sister pose for a photo with Minnie Mouse. When the photo opt is done, Minnie leaves them stunned. She is learning sign language to communicate with little kids just like Shaylee. While it may seem like such a small gesture, it can truly mean the world to feel included. Imagine being her age and never feeling heard or seen. Not just feeling that way, but expecting to be treated that way. Then suddenly the unexpected happens, someone sees and hears you. I am sure the world felt a lot more hopeful that day! Please SHARE this touching story with your family and friends on Facebook!

I think we can all agree: nothing turns a bad day around faster than kindness from a stranger. It can be as simple as someone holding the door as you juggle your boss’ complicated coffee order, or as involved as someone reaching out and changing your whole life, as we saw with this single dad and his unexpected savior. Those simple acts of kindness have a ripple effect, spreading love and hope and heartwarming human goodness from person to person. It’s something we cherish here at LittleThings, and it’s something that lots of individuals have had the opportunity to experience firsthand. But few have seen the balance of human kindness ebb and flow quite like Amanda Sullivan. She survived not one but two catastrophic car accidents, became an athlete, and met the love of her life, Cpl. Todd Love, all through the ups and downs of this unpredictable world and the people in it. In October 2015, life dealt her another card when her mother was diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer, and began undergoing chemo treatments. Amanda, a devoted daughter, stopped by the local Whole Foods to pick up her mom’s favorite smoothie as a pick-me-up surprise. When she got there, she met someone who would “restore [her] faith in humanity.” In her own words on Love What Matters, here is what Amanda experienced that day…

There’s no question that this little girl loves her new glasses. After all, when Mom puts them on her for the first time, she right away expresses her gratitude and amazement. Watch to see this adorable reaction, which is heartwarming to say the least! She’s only 16-months-old, but had vision that was so poor that she needed glasses. Fortunately, her Mom took her to the doctor to have her fitted for some. In the video, the little toddler is sitting on the floor when her Mom slides them over her head. So, what does she say first? “Thank you,” of course (good job Mom!). Then, she follows it up with a…”Wow!” It certainly seems as if she is happy about being able to see clearly. The little girl then looks around at her surroundings through her “new eyes.” She seems excited about what she sees. Her Mom too is happy and emotional during the experience. It is definitely something that the two will remember forever (and they always have the video as a reminder).