In a touching display of sibling love, a teenage boy joined his little sister's dance in replacement of their absent father, creating a moment that has captured the hearts of millions
The Instagram clip shared by their mother, Patrice Thompson, 36, has racked up an impressive16.7 million views. Thompson, a global beauty representative and lifestyle content creator based in Carlsbad, California, spoke to Newsweek about the clip on her Instagram account, @patrice_thomps.
The video features 14-year-old Micah dancing with his 6-year-old sister, Harper, during their dance studio's annual summer showcase. This year's theme was "Barbie and Ken," and the event traditionally includes a father-daughter dance.
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"Core memory for the team today," read the caption. "I don't know if he knows what an impact he's making as her big brother but she'll never forget this."
Divorced Thompson told Newsweek that the dad couldn't attend due to work commitments.
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Last month, she was blown away by Micah's willingness to step in for his father showcases his maturity and love for his sister.
"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 U.S. Census Bureau reported there were 10.9 million single-parent families with children under 18 in 2022, 80 percent of which were headed by mothers.
The bond between Micah and Harper is a testament to their tight-knit family.
She told Newsweek: "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.
"I'm really proud of him and his heart, and I'm proud of her for getting up there with her brother. 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!"
Micah's heartfelt gesture not only brightened his sister's day but also touched the hearts of thousands, reminding us all of the power of family and the importance of supporting one another through life's challenges. So far, the June 10 clip has received 1.9 million likes and almost 2,800 comments, many of which are praising both the teenager and his mom's parenting.
"You raised a good man," said one user and another wrote, "That is a stand up brother, who will grow up to be a great man and husband."
"Watching him lift her up at the end got me I can't lie, I teared up," said another comment with over 20,000 likes.
Speaking from experience, another user wrote: "This made me sob... my older brother by 9 years did this for me when I was a senior in high school and had a daddy/daughter dance for my debutante debut... I invited my dad to do it, but he didn't show & all the other girls had their dads at practice while I danced alone. My brother found out and came to every practice with me after that and practiced extra with me at home and at the debutante ball I cried because he showed up for me when I really needed him... he's my hero, these are moments she will remember, big brother coming to her rescue."
Newsweek reached out to @patrice_thomps for comment. We could not verify the details of the case.
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