Each and every one of us is unique. We all have different traits, personalities, and preferences that make us who we are. And in the grand scheme of life, these differences are what make us special. Unfortunately, not everyone sees the beauty in these things.
Madden Humphreys, 7, from Oklahoma, was all too familiar with the difficulties of being different. The young boy had been born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate, as well as a (gorgeous) case of heterochromia iridum.
“Heterochromia iridum is when a part of the iris has at least two colors,” Christina Humphreys, Madden’s mother explained.
“Complete heterochromia iridum, where the eyes are complete different colors all together, is quite rare, existing in less than 1% of the population. That, plus the cleft lips, is exceptionally rare.”
Sadly, kids can be cruel, and Madden found himself being bullied for the way he looked.
“There were a few kids saying really ugly, mean things to him,” Christina Humphreys, Madden’s mother, told Love What Matters.
“It really broke his spirit and he had a rough year.”
According to government statistics, 7 out of 10 kids in the United States report seeing bullying in their schools. Another 4 out of 10 reports seeing one instance of bullying every week.
These numbers, along with Madden’s experiences, were the inspiration for the 7-year-old to create an adorable anti-bullying video, which went viral 10 months ago.
Most recently, Madden has once again gone viral for celebrating his differences— but this time he’s doing it alongside a new, furry best friend. Meet Moon!
See any similarities?
Madden’s mom Christina came across a photo of Moon on a Facebook group for mothers of children with cleft lips. As soon as she spotted Moon’s resemblance to little Madden, she knew they had to bring the cat home.
Christina enlisted the help of a few friends who drove them all the way from Oklahoma to Minnesota to pick Moon up.
In a Facebook post dated March 26th, 2018, Christina wrote, “In case you missed it, these handsome boys were both born with cleft lips and complete heterochromia iridum (different colored eyes), and we knew they were destined to be best friends.”
“I’m stunned at how this all played out,” Christina told Love What Matters. “It sounds silly, but fate willed these two together. There’s no other explanation.”
“This kitty was so far away from us. I’m amazed that we found out about him [Moon], and even more amazed by the friends and strangers who helped us get to him and adopt him. “
“Moon helps Madden realize that being born unique is an incredible thing, that he is magic. These two handsome guys truly are a wonder.”
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