Thanks to Haley Hodge
Good things are frequently discovered where you least expect them to be.
Haley Hodge has gone beyond books and online in her quest for baby names as her due date approaches. This mother of three, who will soon become a mother of four, made the decision to search local cemeteries for names from earlier generations and former lives in order to find inspiration.
Hodge documented this extraordinary journey in a now-viral TikTok video that has elicited conflicting responses from its 2.5 million viewers. In the video, Hodge can be seen talking about names with her husband Rivers and their kids while touring the Old Smithville Burying Ground in Southport, North Carolina.
Thanks to Haley Hodge
Many viewers were moved by Hodge’s inventiveness and appreciated how she honored the memory of the deceased with her choice of names.
One individual remarked, “This is the first video I’ve ever seen like this; never would have thought about it.” But I adore this concept so much! particularly if you investigate the individual.
“This really is stunning. Another TikTok user said, “What a way to honor those that have passed away.”
Not everyone, though, had the same sentiments. The concept unnerved other viewers, who brought up beliefs about pregnant women not being allowed in cemeteries. Hodge tells PEOPLE that although she had always felt at ease in cemeteries, she had expected some criticism because of different cultural perspectives on death.
Thanks to Haley Hodge
“It seems to me like going to a site where people’s greatest friends, grandparents, and other loved ones are buried. It’s not an evil place, according to Hodge. “These are people who were good people who lived lives, hopefully good lives.”
Furthermore, Hodge finds it inconvenient to be close to the deceased.
She continues, “I don’t think spirits are restricted to cemeteries if they exist.” “We’re already surrounded by it; hospitals have morgues, and we have babies born above morgues.”
Hodge also remembers her own early years, when her mother would take the family on trips and visit graves to teach them about the local history.
Thanks to Haley Hodge
According to Hodge, “she realized we’d be more interested if it was a spooky story rather than just history.” “It just grabs your attention more, kind of like kids telling scary stories at a bonfire.”
Hodge had used more traditional means to find names for her first three children, Finley, 10, Banks, 1, and Crew, 3, frequently making notes of names she heard on television. When asked where her name came from, she wanted this fourth kid to be able to tell an intriguing backstory.
Thanks to Haley Hodge
In addition, Hodge made the decision to film their trip to the grave, hoping to show it to her daughter in the future. She had originally intended to keep the videos to herself, but she ultimately decided to share the naming process with everyone.
“At first, I wasn’t going to post them,” she acknowledges. However, I later decided that sharing this was sort of cool. I anticipated that because it was unique, it would draw attention.
Six New York boys endured relentless mockery from their classmates.
Teaching Sympathy: How Six Siblings Honored Their Late Friend
The best way to create a kinder, more compassionate world is by teaching our children the value of empathy. When we care for one another, everything else seems to fall into place.
This lesson was exemplified by six siblings from New York—two twins, triplets, and a 10-year-old—who turned their grief into a powerful act of kindness. After losing a close friend to cancer, the children were deeply affected. During his battle, their friend underwent chemotherapy, which caused him to lose his hair. Seeing his struggle left a lasting impact on the siblings.
When their friend passed away, they decided to honor his memory in a unique and meaningful way: by growing out their hair to donate to children fighting cancer, just like their late friend.
The siblings kept their plan a secret. Not even their mother knew why they insisted on skipping haircuts.
As their hair grew longer, however, they faced ridicule from classmates. The teasing became relentless, with peers calling them names and saying they looked like girls. But the siblings stayed strong. They didn’t let the hurtful comments deter them because they knew their mission was more important than what others thought.
After months of enduring mockery, the day finally arrived for their donation. Together, they cut and donated an astonishing 17 feet of hair to benefit those battling cancer.
Their story is a touching reminder of how small acts of love can leave a big impact. It’s inspiring to see such young children demonstrate such selflessness and care for others.
Watch their full story in the video below, and don’t forget to SHARE it with your friends and family to spread their inspiring message!
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