In the world of parenting, there are moments that just hit you right in the feels. Take, for instance, the story of a 10-year-old named Leo Carter, who couldn’t wait for Father’s Day to surprise his stepdad, Mike Thompson, with the most touching request. Instead, he decided to pop the big question at his own birthday party! Spoiler alert: you might shed a tear or two.
Leo has known Mike since he started dating Leo’s mom, Sarah Carter, back in 2012. Sarah caught the emotional moment on video, capturing Leo as he reads a heartfelt letter to Mike. “Dad, I know today is supposed to be all about me, but let’s be honest, it’s really about us,” Leo starts off. “I met you as ‘Mike’ seven years ago, but I’m so thankful that’s changed to ‘Dad.’“
As Leo continues, he expresses gratitude for all the support Mike has given him—at school events, sports games, and even during his sick days. “You’ve always been there, and I sometimes wonder what the difference is between a stepdad and a real dad.”
With a few deep breaths, Leo asks Mike the big questions: “Do you love me? Do you love Mom? Can you live without us?” Mike can hardly hold back his emotions as he shakes his head no while opening a gift Leo had handed him earlier.
“So let’s cut to the chase and make it official,” Leo declares, with all the seriousness of a kid who knows what he wants. “Mike Thompson, will you do me the biggest favor ever? Will you adopt me?”
The video quickly went viral, racking up millions of views, and it’s no wonder why. It’s a moment that leaves you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. Sarah shared that they had been planning this adoption proposal for over two months, originally aiming for Father’s Day, but Leo just couldn’t wait!
“We all cried,” she said, recounting the family’s emotional reaction. “I knew this would hit Mike hard. Leo has so much love for him.” Mike added that he has always considered himself Leo’s “official” dad, but hearing it straight from Leo made it all the more special. “I had to earn this,” he said. “It was a huge honor and one of the best moments of my life.”
The family was surprised by the overwhelming response to their video, and Mike reflected on its impact. “It’s nice to see a positive light on fatherhood, especially in our community. Raising Leo into a young man is an awesome feeling,” he said.
For more heartwarming stories and insights on parenting, check out our other posts like this one, or explore more about family and pregnancy at this excellent resource.
In summary, Leo’s emotional proposal to his stepdad captures the essence of love and family in a way that truly resonates. It’s a beautiful reminder of the bonds that can form through dedication and care, proving that family can be defined by love, not just biology.