Growing up really sucks, people can be mean and feelings can be well and truly destroyed, but sometimes there’s light in the darkness and this little boy’s story is going to hit you right in the feels.
Seven-year-old Madden from Oklahoma has been bullied at school for things completely out of his control. He was born with a cleft lip and unique two-toned eyes.
Madden’s complete heterochromia iridum is a rare occurrence where each eye is a completely different colour, a condition he shares with the late David Bowie, Mila Kunis and Kiefer Sutherland.
It’s so rare it exists in less than 1 per cent of the population, add his lip and he truly is unique. Unfortunately this also makes him a target for d*ckhead bullies.
But things are on the up, as Madden’s found a friend that shares his awesome characteristics.
Madden’s mum told Love What Matters:
Last week, a friend posted an image of the cat in our cleft moms group. This kitty was taken in by a rescue group in Minnesota.
We knew immediately that this kitty was meant to be part of our family. Not only does he have a cleft lip like our 7-year-old son Madden, he also has complete heterochromia iridum, like Madden.
They were destined to be best friends. Funny how a pet can make you feel less alone.
Friends clubbed together to help pay for the road trip so they could collect the cat from Minnesota.
Madden’s mum describes her family as ‘usually not normally spontaneous’ but ‘we knew we were meant to love this kitty’, saying they’re perfect companions for each other.
She said:
In a word full of bullies and hateful words, we will choose to chase love. I think it’s safe to say that this kitty is love, and was certainly meant to be part of our journey and Madden’s journey.
Being at the brunt of mean behaviour can really take its toll on kids growing up, and the meeting of Madden and Moon is one truly like no other.
Madden’s no stranger though to standing up for himself, giving hope to kids in inspirational videos which have gone viral with over 250,000 views on Facebook alone.
Madden’s mum shows her gratitude to how this has all played out:
I’m stunned at how this all played out. 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, and even more amazed by the friends and strangers that helped us get to him, and adopt him. Everyone needs a friend, and everyone needs to feel understood.
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She added:
I’m so thankful Madden has Moon. Not only so that both he and the kitty have a relatable and sweet companion, but also, I hope Moon helps Madden realize that being born unique in an incredible thing; that he is magic. These two handsome guys truly are a wonder.
I had no intention of our family getting attention from this at all, but if anything does get attention, I truly hope it benefits kids with cleft lips, if only to raise awareness.
What an incredibly inspirational little lad!
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Tim Horner is a sub-editor at UNILAD. He graduated with a BA Journalism from University College Falmouth before most his colleagues were born. A previous editor of adult mags, he now enjoys bringing the tone down in the viral news sector.