9-Year-Old Stood Alone Crying When Other Cheerleaders Performed with Their Dads, Then a Stranger Saved Her Day

A high school student’s act of kindness towards a young cheerleader missing her military dad touched hearts of many.

In Texas, at a Central Catholic High School football game, nine-year-old Addie Rodriguez faced a challenging moment. It was “Parents’ Day,” and a special cheer routine required cheerleaders to be lifted onto their fathers’ shoulders. But Addie’s father, an airman, couldn’t attend because he was training in California.

Seeing Addie alone and in tears, Matthew Garcia, a senior at the school, didn’t hesitate. He ran from the stands, jumped a fence, and offered to lift Addie for her routine. This gesture meant the world to Addie, who felt deeply supported in her father’s absence.

“I just felt like somebody saved my life” Addie said.

Matthew, who was at the game to watch his younger brother, didn’t think twice about helping. He mentioned that he didn’t consider his action special but would do it again. “I would consider doing that every time,” Matthew said.

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

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