There’s something uniquely moving about weddings that often brings tears of joy to everyone involved. Four-year-old Gage learned this lesson in a profound way during his father, US Marine Corps Sergeant Joshua Newville’s wedding to Senior Airman Emily Leehan in Ripley, New York, a few years back.
Little Gage was doing a great job of holding it together until the moment his father’s bride began reciting vows she had personally written for him. That’s when the emotions hit him hard.
As Gage stood proudly by his father’s side during the ceremony, he had no idea that Leehan had prepared a special set of vows just for him. When she began to share them in front of a teary-eyed audience, it quickly became overwhelming for the little boy.
As Leehan started: “I want you to be safe, and to try your hardest and to be a good person”, Gage could no longer contain himself and burst into tears, throwing his arms around her.
The audience collectively gasped, responding with a heartfelt “awww” as Leehan tried to comfort him, saying: “Don’t cry, baby”. At that moment, it was clear that Gage’s emotional outpouring was entirely understandable.
Leehan continued: “The last thing I hope you learn is that you are a special boy. You are so extremely smart, handsome, and kind to others. You have helped shape me into the woman that I am today, and while I may not have given you the gift of life, life certainly gave me the gift of you”.
It wasn’t just Gage who was overcome; both Leehan and Newville shed tears as they continued with their vows. Gage certainly captured the spotlight, not just with his adorable suit and innocent gaze, but also with a reaction that is sure to resonate with viewers everywhere.
According to ABC7, the newlyweds, Leehan and Newville, returned to active duty immediately after their wedding and couldn’t head off for a honeymoon right away. Instead, they went back to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst to begin their married life.
Despite the busy schedule, their ceremony was unforgettable. You can watch the heartwarming video of Gage’s reaction to Leehan’s vows below, be sure to have some tissues handy! It was a truly beautiful ceremony and a poignant reminder of love’s incredible power. We wish Joshua and Emily all the best in their journey together.
I Incurred a $500 Fine When My Neighbor Falsely Accused My Son of Her Toddler’s Hallway Scribbles — I Couldn’t Let It Go
Caitlin often found herself informally supervising her neighbor Stacy’s young son, Nate, providing him some stability while his mom sought time for herself. However, when Nate decorated the hallway walls with doodles during Caitlin’s absence, she was unjustly slapped with a $500 fine. Determined to set things right, Caitlin devised a plan for retribution.
Stacy had become accustomed to letting her young son, Nate, roam the hallway as a play area.
“It’s safe, Caitlin,” she’d assure me. “Plus, it’s their version of outdoor play.”
She would then retreat behind her door, leaving Nate to his devices, often while she entertained guests.
“I just need some downtime,” she confessed to me once in the laundry room. “I’m a grown woman with needs, you know. Being a single mom, you must get it.”
I understood her need for personal space, but I could never imagine letting my own son, Jackson, wander the hallways alone. Despite our general familiarity with the neighbors, the corridors didn’t feel completely secure.
Jackson, slightly older than Nate, seemed concerned about the younger boy, who often loitered alone, clutching his tattered teddy bear.
“Mom,” Jackson would say during his playtime, “maybe we should invite him over.”
Grateful for my son’s compassion, I agreed. It was better to keep both children within sight, ensuring their safety.
Thus, we began having Nate over for snacks, toys, and movies—a simple arrangement that brought him noticeable joy.
“He mentioned he likes playing with others,” Jackson noted one day. “I don’t think his mom spends much time with him.”
And interestingly, Stacy hardly acknowledged this setup. Once she realized Nate was safe with us, she seemed to extend her leisure time even more.
Eventually, it became routine for Nate to knock on our door whenever his mother let him out.
“Hello,” he’d say, teddy in hand. “I’m here to play.”
However, one day, we were away at my parents’ house for my mom’s birthday.
“I hope Nate will be okay,” Jackson expressed concern as we drove.
“Oh, honey,” I responded. “His mom is there. She’s responsible for his safety too.”
Upon our return, we were greeted by hallway walls covered in childish drawings—a colorful chaos of stick figures and squiggles.
“Nate must have had fun,” I remarked, searching for my keys.
“Isn’t he going to be in trouble?” Jackson asked, eyeing the artwork.
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