In a world that can often seem cold and indifferent to the struggles of others, sometimes the simple act of knocking on someone’s door can change your life.
For one Texas child, it took two attempts to muster up the courage to go to his neighbor’s house and knock on their door.
It took even more courage to ask for help. But he did.
Shayden Walker rang the doorbell of Brennan Ray, a neighbor. The man and his wife, Angel, weren’t home. But after seeing Shayden on the video doorbell app, Brennan answered, “What’s up, man?”
The heartbreaking clip, which Brennan uploaded to TikTok, shows the young boy in a “Jaws” T-shirt. He asked Brennan one simple question: “Do you know any kids around like 11 or 12? I need some friends really bad.”
From left, Angel and Brennan Ray, and Shayden Walker. Photo from YouTube
Brennan told the young boy that there was a house down the street where some other kids lived.
Well, umm, they’re not my friends anymore because they’re bullies to me,” Shayden tells him.
He then asks Brayden if he has any kids. The immediate smile when he hears that Brayden has a 2-year-old son is priceless.
“That’s great. I actually … I love two-year-olds, to be honest. They’re just the most cutest things I’ve ever known,” he said. Then he added that he “used to have” a two-year-old sister.
Brennan promises the boy that he will say hi when they see each other in the neighborhood.
“You have a good day,” Shayden is heard saying before he walks away.
@brennanray Its takes 2 seconds to make someones day, you never know what people are going through until you get a chance to talk to them. This young man is well mannered, kind, and brave. So tiktok can we help shayden make some friends???#fyp #bekind #nobullying #love #kindness #letschangetheworld ♬ original sound – Brennan Ray
After the encounter, Brennan and Angel wanted to help the child. So they created a GoFundMe and posted about it on TikTok. They set a small goal of $7,000, telling their viewers they wanted to raise money to help Shayden make new friends and to help him feel loved.
“We are raising money to help buy him a gaming system, school clothes, and hopefully some amusement park tickets and anything else he may want or need,” Angel said.
From left, Brennan and Angel Ray, Ms. Walker and her son Shayden Walker.
“It’s amazing to see the power of kindness in action,” Brennan said.
Shayden’s plea for friendship really struck a chord with everyone.”
They shattered their initial goal.
In just three days, the video garnered over 61 million views on TikTok, touching the hearts of countless individuals. The outpouring of empathy and support was overwhelming, and they had raised more than $37,000 for Shayden before stopping the donations after the family requested it.
“We decided to turn off donations while we coordinate with his family, but all funds will stay in the GoFundMe account until then. We’ll keep you updated along the way. Thank you! #kindnessmatters”
For TikTok viewers it was all about making sure that Shayden found the joy in life he deserves.
“This breaks my heart. I was bullied all through school, and I was miserable all the time. Poor kid. I hope life gets better for him,” said one user.
“He is like my younger brother. I hope he finds some true friends and that he doesn’t continue to get bullied, no one should get bullied,” said another.
@brennanray We finally got to meet Shayden! He had the same energy in person as he did over the doorbell camera. A pure bundle of joy. We have exciting news for yall coming soon, stay tuned! 💪🏽💪🏽 #fyp #shaydenstrong #kind #happy #sweetkid ♬ Stand By Me – Ben E. King
“Thank you all for your generosity and kindness! We expected to see support from this community, but we’re shocked and amazed by how everyone’s shown up for Shayden,” the couple posted on the GoFundMe page.
Not only did the money go to help Shayden, but it also helped him and his family gain new friends.
“We finally got to meet Shayden! He had the same energy in person as he did over the doorbell camera. A pure bundle of joy,” shared the Ray family on TikTok after meeting Shayden and his family.
While bullying is heartbreaking and it is painful to see how hurt a child can be when this happens, it is amazing to witness the kindness and love so many strangers showed Shayden. Sometimes we forget that the world can be a kind place, if only everyone took the time to help one another.
Watch below for a look at this amazing boy!
