We teach our children not to judge others and to treat everyone with kindness, regardless of differences. For one set of parents from Arkansas, they got to see first-hand just how big of a heart their son really has.
In a video that’s gone viral, a young boy holds onto his baby brother (who has Down syndrome) and sings him the tune, “10,000 Hours.” It’s a touching scene with even more beauty behind it all.
Nicole Powell and her husband JJ Grieve were thrilled learning they were expecting another bundle of joy to add to their family.
However, it was during an appointment that the couple received heartbreaking news. Scans led doctors to believe their baby would have a poor quality of life because of health issues. In fact, it was even recommended that they end the pregnancy.
But the Cabot residents refused to give up hope. Grieve told THV11:
“They recommended we terminate the pregnancy, and I said absolutely not.”
Only weeks later their baby’s health improved. The couple eventually welcomed their son Tripp into the world, who was born with an extra chromosome.
Powell and Grieve had talked to their eldest children about Tripp having Down syndrome. During their interview with THV11 News, the mom of five explained:
“I didn’t want our boys to be ashamed of him because he’s still their little brother regardless of what he has.”
Right away their son Rayce jumped up with the most thoughtful response. According to Powell, he asked, “Aren’t we all different?” The parents’ minds were quickly put at ease knowing their youngest would be accepted.
Since Tripp was born he’s been a beautiful addition to their family. Yet, there’s one activity in particular that Rayce likes to do with his brother that’s won the internet’s heart. He likes to sing to him.
The viral video shows Rayce snuggling Tripp in his arms as he sings “10,000 Hours,” a song by Dan + Shay and Justin Bieber. It’s lucky for us that Powell decided to share the adorable footage on Facebook.
“This is how Rayce bonds with Tripp. He sings to him all the time. He swear this song is about him and his brother. He’s singing, “I’d spend 10,000 hours, and 10,000 more if that’s what it takes to learn that sweet heart of yours. I might never get there but I’m going to try if it’s 10,000 hours or the rest of my life, I’m going to love you.”
Powell closed her post in a powerful way, writing:
“Love doesn’t count chromosomes, or as Rayce says, “Aren’t we all different?”🥰💙💛#DownSyndrome #NothingDownAboutIt #Brotherlylove #ProudMomma”
By no surprise, the video’s been shared more than 44,000 times in a week on Facebook, and it’s made headlines as well.
Viewers have been moved by the scene and have left their own loving comments. Powell responded with her own, saying:
“I wish I could like and respond to all the comments, Rayce and Tripp have been cuddle buddies even in the nicu! Thank y’all for loving my sweet boys🥰”
Sometimes it’s the little stories of love and kindness that can lift your spirits most. This is certainly one of those stories.