RedditEarlier this week, a father became an internet sensation when a photograph of him using an umbrella to shelter his young son from the rain went mega-viral.
The image of the soaking wet dad shielding his son has since been seen by millions of people since it appeared online last Friday, accompanied by the caption, “Hope the son just grows up to realize how lucky he is… Pay it forward.”
The picture resonated with a lot of people, summing up parenthood for many, but the beautiful shot looked so good it almost seemed fake, like an advertisement.
But now the man who took and posted the photo to Reddit, 25-year-old Eumine Choi of Queens, New York, has confirmed that the image was not staged.
RedditHe said:
I was leaving work and it was pouring rain and I opened my umbrella and looked up and there was the dad and the son walking. I was about to cross the street and I just wanted to take a picture to show my friends later that night. I wanted them to see what I witnessed.
The dad was carrying a leather briefcase and some food, and instead of worrying about himself, he gave the umbrella to his son. Actually, his son wasn’t even holding it; the dad was holding it for him, and only certain people would think to do that.
It was sweet. It reminded me of my dad and all the times he did these kinds of things but I didn’t even realize. I think the kid was eating a snack or something. I don’t think he realized what his dad was going through at the time.
I think everyone can relate somewhat and can recognize how much of a selfless act this is. It struck a sweet spot. Dads, they don’t get as much credit as they deserve.
