A tragic story, for sure. Jayden Hayes lost both of his parents — years apart from each other. This young orphan is just six years old. First lost his dad when he was four. Then years later, his mom passed away suddenly in her sleep.
“I tried, and I tried to get her awake,” Jayden recalls that terrible, life-changing morning.”But, I couldn’t.” While heartbroken, Jayden normalizes death by stating, “Anybody can die. Anybody.”
Jayden is making the world a better place — despite his grief
Produced by CBS Sunday morning, the video description reads, “Jaden Hayes, who lost both parents at a young age, was sick and tired of seeing everyone else sad all the time, so the six-year-old devised a plan to change that. Steve Hartman profiles the young Georgia boy who believes a smile is the best medicine for people who feel sad.”
This kid is not letting it define him — but not in a way you’d ever expect. Little Jaden is now living with his aunt who is helping him on his new mission — making the world a better place.
Jayden shared with his aunt, now guardian, that he was sick and tired of seeing everybody sad all of the time. And, he had a plan to fix it. “And, that’s where the adventure began,” recalls Jayden’s aunt. Jayden wanted to buy a bunch of little toys to give away to people.
“I’m trying to make people smile,” exclaims Jayden. He targets people who aren’t already smiling and hands them a rubber duckie or a dinosaur to brighten their day. Some smile. Some shed tears of joy. Almost everyone cannot believe that this young boy spreads joy despite his own tragic story.
“It’s like sheer joy came out of this child,” his aunt shares. “And, the more people he can make smile — the more his light shines.”
“But, I’m still sad that my mom died,” admits Jayden. Understandably, this young boy is grieving the loss of both parents.
His goal was to make 33,000 people smile. As Jayden shared toys, flashed his own contagious smile, and gave away countless hugs, he has well surpassed his goal.
Nearly 400K viewers loved Jayden’s story
People around the world have watched Jayden’s story and are touched by his outpouring of joy. Many commented on the video with prayers and encouragement — counting themselves among the thousands of smiles toward Jaden’s goal.
“My wife and I just saw this story on CBS Sunday morning and were both in tears…tears of joy and happiness. This story is just one more reminder why we should all take the time to “STOP” and share a smile, it’s such a simple thing and this story is proof that “YOU too” can brighten a persons day in just a matter of seconds, if you STOP, look up, and take the time to share a smile:)”
“What an absolute star that little Jaden is. How wonderful that he thinks of others and helps many, many people to smile. May God bless him and his aunt for ever. Amen.”
“My mom passed today. She had been sick for sometime. Thank you, Jaden for today’s smile. Hang in there kid, youre making a lot more people smile than you can imagine”
“Thank you for my smile Jaden! Keep spreading the love, this world needs more special people like you.”
“I am +1 smile today! And another dozen smiles tomorrow, because I’m going to show this to my family. The little kid must know he’s waaAaay beyond his goal :)”
