Twenty-one-month-old Joseph and women’s soccer star Carson Pickett, who is 25, both have at least two things in common: they love soccer, and both of them were born without a left forearm.
The two were introduced to each other in April during a U.S. National Women’s Soccer League game, and they have shared a special connection ever since. Carson Pickett plays defense for the Orlando Pride in the women’s league. They both call Florida home and have met several times already.
Joseph’s dad, Miles, says that he will never forget their first introduction—his son’s reaction when Carson came over and showed him her arm. They bonded instantly.
The precious moment was immortalized in a photo taken by Joseph’s mom, Colleen Tidd, which shows toddler and soccer player “fist bumping” with their arm stumps after a game.
The lively photo went viral after it was posted on Twitter by Picket’s mentor, coach, and former soccer player, Becky Burleigh. Along with the photo, she captioned, “we need more of this in our world.” Burleigh encouraged people to share and spread the joy, and that’s just what they’ve done.
The viral photo has received more than 37,000 likes and was retweeted more than 8,000 times. It has garnered many comments with people expressing joy, appreciation, and love. Many were touched and shared it on their social media pages and websites.
The families Tidd and Pickett have formed a friendship from all of this. The soccer star’s own parents, Treasure and Mike Pickett, have become somewhat of mentors to the Tidd family.
Miles admires the Picketts in how they raised their daughter to go beyond the limit and never use the words “I can’t.”
The family want the same for their son Joseph and have confirmed that they have a great deal to learn from the Pickett family on how to deal with things like bullies, etc.
Meanwhile, Pickett is happy to be an inspiration to anyone she meets as someone who has learned to believe in herself; Miles and Colleen want the same mindset for Joseph, who they believe can benefit from following in Carson’s footsteps.
Photo courtesy of @tiddbit_outta_hand
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