A viral TikTok video of a 100-year-old veteran enjoying a Disney-filled day of surprises showed that at any age, we're all still kids at heart.
The unnamed veteran who was strolling in a public park with a walker was approached by TikToker and fashion designer Isaiah Garza–a.k.a. @isaiahgarza–who had a random question.
“I’m sorry to bother you, but I’ve had a really rough day,” said Garza after approaching the unsuspecting veteran with a sentiment that usually prefaces eventual favors from solicitors.
But then, Garza asked:
“I just wanted to see if you’d be willing to go to Disneyland with me today?”
The gentleman looked delighted and responded affirmatively.
“Hey, that’s great!" he said, adding:
"You really want to take me? Oh my gosh!”
You can watch the magical adventure that followed in the touching clip, below.
"I took a 100 year old veteran to Disneyland & we became best friends," wrote Garza–who describes himself in his TikTok profile as, "Once homeless & now changing lives."
The clip showed the veteran spending a magical day at Walt Disney's original magic kingdom park in Anaheim, California in a wheelchair pushed by Garza, showing he followed through on his promise.
The two gentlemen became fast friends as they interacted with characters like Goofy and the Mad Hatter and rode such iconic attractions like the "Mad Tea Party" teacups and "it's a small world."
Garza even designated his new buddy as an honorary Mousketeer by giving him a pair of mouse ears to join the club "that's made for you and me."
In the text overlay, Garza said the veteran hadn't "been on a ride in over 50 years."
When asked how it felt to be at Disneyland for the day, the veteran said while in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle:
“This is one of the best days of my life. I feel like I might be dreaming or something."
He continued:
"I thought my life was over. I will remember this day for a long time.”
What he said next had the internet reaching for a box of tissues.
“You don’t know how much I appreciate this," he said through tears, adding:
"You really… you don’t know.”
TikTokers were moved by the heartwarming clip that received over 16.4M views, 3.3M likes, and 96.2K comments.
@isaiahgarza/TikTok
@isaiahgarza/TikTok
@isaiahgarza/TikTok
@isaiahgarza/TikTok
@isaiahgarza/TikTok
@isaiahgarza/TikTok
People praised Garza's gesture of goodwill and the clip inspired others to help the elderly in their community.
@isaiahgarza/TikTok
@isaiahgarza/TikTok
@isaiahgarza/TikTok
@isaiahgarza/TikTok
@isaiahgarza/TikTok
In the comments section, Garza teased:
“Guys!!! should I start a new series with him?!?!"
And based on the responses expressing TikTokers wishing to see more adventures with his new friend, Garza followed up with:
“i promise i will.”
The man enjoying his fun-filled day at Disneyland showed that dreams do come true.
But it also showed Garza's kindness towards someone he's never met as an example there is hope for humanity in our current world full of conflict and darkness.
Garza's TikTok page is full of feel-good videos in which he surprises strangers.
In one clip, the good samaritan approaches a woman at a grocery store and asks if she would buy him lunch.
When she agrees to do so, Garza surprises her by offering her $500 cash for her groceries as a token of his appreciation for her compassion and kindness towards others in need.
The woman, through tears, told him:
"There's so many people that aren't kind right now...Just how you made me feel about myself...I needed that, so thank you."
The clip ends with Garza joining her on the shopping spree and buying her flowers.
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@aubrey_huff
reply to San Francisco Chronicle/Facebook by Aubrey Huff
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