[Watch] This 11-Year-Old's Reaction to Life-changing, Great News Will Warm Your Heart

Aimee Herd : Oct 11, 2017
KUTV.com

"...a sweet reminder today that life can be, and still is, beautiful in spite of it all." –Jackie Alexander

(South Jordan, Utah)—In case you've been like me of late—scanning the headlines, looking for SOME good news—you'll appreciate the following story, which a co-worker sent me today (thank you Peter). It's positively heart-warming! (Screengrab: Instagram/via KUTV.com)

It seems last Monday, a sixth-grader at American Heritage School in South Jordan, Utah, received some fantastic news, and her reaction, which was caught on the school's security camera, will make your day.

According to the KUTV report, Tannah Butterfield learned that a judge had approved her foster parents' request to adopt her, and her younger brother and sister—Tannah was elated!

Privileged to share with Tannah the good news was school office manager—and family friend—Jackie Alexander. That's when the overjoyed little girl jumped into Jackie's arms in a 'wild embrace.'

Jackie posted the video online to share the joy, saying later, "I had to let people know there's a lot going on in the world, a lot of sadness but you know what? There's joy that happens every day."

That video has since gone viral. You can watch it by clicking here.  

Along with the video, Jackie wrote:

"Some Mondays are better than others. 

"I share this with permission from the parent of this student. 

"This is pure testament that in a world full of turmoil and strife, there is still light and joy to be found in little everyday moments. 

"A dear family I know has been fighting for as long as I can remember to adopt 3 of their foster children that attend our school. It's been hard to watch them fight this emotional battle. My love has grown for this family and I have learned so much from them as they have tried to remain positive despite many setbacks. Today my phone rang at my desk and it was my friend Jen telling me things FINALLY had come to an end and the courts were going to let them ADOPT the children!! She asked me if I would be sure to tell her sweet girl when she came to my desk for her daily visit. She knew she would want to know right away because she had been so worried. I don't think even I could understand myself what that moment would feel like. Our security cameras caught the moment perfectly. I cry as I type this. In 12 years at this job, this is by far my best moment ever!! To tell a little girl that she gets her family forever takes the cake. I can't even describe that hug...and thank heavens her mom doesn't mind that I kissed her a million times, and a million more after the film cuts off. A moment needed after waking up to another morning of devastating news on t.v....but a sweet reminder today that life can be and still is beautiful in spite of it all." 

As my co-worker pointed out, this beautifully illustrates the great joy we can have when we realize that—through Jesus—God has adopted us into His forever family.

"So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God's Spirit when He adopted you as His own children. Now we call Him, 'Abba, Father.'" –Rom. 8:15.