Amidst a constant news cycle of negativity and visceral hatred, every once in a while, people need to be reminded of each other’s humanity. That we’re, regardless of our disagreements, are fellow countrymen who, for the most part, want to see each other thrive.
These aspects are personified in the story of Finn Daly. Daly, a child with Down Syndrome and Autism, loves the American flag so much, that one of his favorite pastimes is sitting down and watching it wave in the wind.
While his neighborhood is filled with American flags, his favorite is that of neighbor Todd Disque. "The boy would just sit there, transfixed by the flag," Todd said. "I was like, God bless America. This kid wants to look at my flag, then I'm all for it,” Disque told CBS.
And with that, Disque did something beautiful and pure. Something the Daly family would have never expected in a million years. According to CBS Evening News:
…[N]ot long after [Disque] saw Finn, he sawed some boards and made a little perch for that little patriot. He just left it out by the tree for Finn's family to discover.
"I'm crying and my daughter Rose is saying, 'Don't cry mom, it's OK, this is exciting.' Just a little overwhelming, but in a good way," Brooke said. "It's such a small gesture, but things like this really restore your faith in humanity. Like, there's still good people out there that want to do kind things for no other reason than just to be kind.”
In an America quickly dividing along lines of partisan hatred, one thing is evident: This nation needs more Todd Disques and Finn Dalys.