The bond between a big brother and his little sister is tough to beat. Even though they can be at each other's throats from time to time, they will always have each other's backs. It can be a beautiful relationship to watch develop, particularly as they grow into adolescents. Sometimes, those young boys are making a significant impact and don't even know it.
Patrice Thompson is a divorced mom from California, doing her best to instill strong family values in her children Micah, 14, and Harper, 6. She posted a video on her Instagram, @patrice_thomps, of her son stepping up when his dad couldn't be there for a father/daughter dance for Harper. It's been viewed more than 17 million times, and people can't get enough of the wholesome crew.
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The dance studio's performance is a big deal.
Harper's dance studio holds an annual summer showcase, and there is typically a father/daughter dance, Newsweek noted. This year's theme was "Barbie and Ken," and Harper wanted to be a part of the big day. Her dad couldn't attend because of a work commitment, which left her without a partner – that is until her big brother stepped up to take on the job.
Micah never thought twice about it.
Thompson told Newsweek that when Micah found out his dad wouldn't be able to attend, he couldn't let his sister down.
"Honestly, I am so proud but at the same time not super surprised because that's the young man he is!" she said. "Most 14-year-old boys would rather do anything else than perform a routine in front of their peers and during summer when he could be off with friends, but he chose to give up time to support her so she didn't feel left out."
The family is very close.
"We call our family a team, and when he stepped in for her, it definitely showed me that he truly understands the meaning of being selfless." Thompson told Newsweek.
She added the day was not easy for Harper but having Micah with her changed everything.
"I'm really proud of him and his heart, and I'm proud of her for getting up there with her brother," she shared. "I know being the only one without a dad up there was tough, but the studio and her brother were so sweet in encouraging her through it!"
Harper and Micah are viral sensations.
Thompson posted the video, having no idea the effect it would have. She captioned it, "Core memory for the team today. I don't know if he knows what an impact he's making as her big brother, but she'll never forget this."
Their video brought a lot of tears to people's eyes, such as this person who wrote, "Crying for strangers again this is sweet."
And this: "Oh well now I'm crying this is the sweetest thing I've ever seen ."
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Micah made a big impression.
He stepped up for his sister, which brought out many emotions for people whose fathers weren't there for them.
One man made a beautiful comment that was liked 43,000 times.
"As a man whose dad walked away from me, this makes me so emotional. You are raising your son to be the cycle breaker," he wrote. "He won't end up repeating cycles of toxic masculinity like so many of the men we see today. he will be a better man. And his little sister will grow up knowing what a real man should be like, because she has her big brother to show her. You're doing a great job raising them both."
Micah, we think you are incredible, and Harper is so lucky to have you. Keep it up, friend. Big things are coming your way.
