Compassionate Teen Gives Up His Prize to Comfort Crying Toddler

Michael Bartlett, a 16-year-old attending a local festival in Evansville, Indiana, didn’t expect that his spontaneous act of kindness toward a distressed toddler would lead to such an overwhelming response, and even a heartwarming reunion.

teen comforts crying toddler michael bartlett

During a bustling evening at the West Side Nut Club Fall Festival, Ashley Wargel and her young son Maddox found themselves in a challenging situation. Amidst the crowd and shimmering lights, Maddox began to feel overwhelmed, resulting in a noticeable tantrum. It was at this moment that Michael, having won a stuffed red panda from a carnival game, felt compelled to offer it to the young boy.

“He walked over and said, ‘I think this might make him feel better. Do you mind if I give him this stuffed animal?’” Ashley recalled, deeply moved by the unexpected gesture.

Unbeknownst to Ashley, she had met Michael’s sister Mileigh just moments prior. A post-event search on Facebook to find and thank Michael led to the discovery of their mutual connection, culminating in a touching reunion via Facetime.

Michael, surprised by the attention, humbly stated, “I’m speechless. I didn’t think it would blow up like this.”

Verse of the Day

“[Jesus Predicts His Death a Third Time] Now Jesus was going up to Jerusalem. On the way, he took the Twelve aside and said to them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!””

Matthew 20: 17-19