We asked people to participate in Real American Stories and were astonished by the responses we received. From people we stopped on the sidewalk to household names eager to tell their unique and inspiring American stories.
Fast and furious, this American tradition features tiny tots riding woolly wonder beasts.
Jamie Poindexter’s drumline is bringing together a tough neighborhood with a joyful beat.
A barista gives a kidney to a complete stranger, giving her the ultimate pick-me-up.
Raised by migrant farm workers, Jose Hernandez used hard work and a big heart to reach the stars.
Monica Haslip’s afterschool program is creating artists and serious entrepreneurs.
Michael Reagan and his Fallen Heroes Project provides closure for the families left behind.
This shoe shine man is changing the world through his Clean Water Foundation.
Through hard work and perseverance, Mila Apostol created the little store that could.
A refugee survivor, Derreck Kayongo is saving the world, one bar of soap at a time.
Some call air guitar part perf. art, pro wrestling and rock’n’roll. Whatever it is, it sure is fun!
A DC inner city school teaches rugby to a school for the deaf and the results are loud and clear.
A DC inner city school teaches rugby to a school for the deaf and the results are loud and clear.
Aaron Dworkin brings classical music to the inner city, and opens up a world of possibilities.
An Iraq War veteran, James talks about surviving a suicide attack and serving our country.
She talks about coming over from Italy as a child and the chances America has given her.
She’s following in grandfather’s footsteps, paying it forward, and living up to her good name.
Her parents left Albania so she could grow up with the freedom to live out her “American Dream.”
A 1st grade teacher talks about teaching the Pledge of Allegiance to her students.
She raised nine children and talks about overcoming adversity and following your dreams.
As devoted parents, they provided a safe and loving environment for over 40 foster babies.
She shares her ancestors’ sacrifices and struggles for the freedoms we enjoy in America.
Inspired by wounded soldiers, he’s in med school training to become a doctor in the U.S. Army.
Julie Smith & Joyce Hogan have served our nation through their husbands’ military service.
They adopted two children from Russia and share how the experience changed their lives.
Vietnam Vet who talks about how service changed his life and his feeling for this country.
He compares football to unity and talks about the importance of America coming together.
She’s a 3rd generation American who talks of fulfilling the dreams of our founding fathers.
A Vietnam Vet, Anthony talks about surviving a vicious attack, and the costs of freedom.
The couple talks about raising their kids and the freedoms we cherish in this country.
A teacher who credits her ancestors for giving us the freedoms we share in this country.
A Cuban American who talks about how her father risked his life to bring his family here.
Married for 52 years, they talk about growing up and raising a family in a small town.
He came from India to become an engineer and is currently applying for U.S. citizenship.
The award winning country music group talks about performing for the troops in Iraq.
Miss, I am a lovingood too…and i am one of 11 aswell
Thank Everyone of You for your Comments You Guys have really Touched my heart My eyes are full of tears reading these comments. To God be the Glory I could not have done it with out him. The last child is 18yrs old now I have 10 1/2 grandkids I love them more then words can say. Me and my Husband just had our 20th wedding anniversary nov 18, 2009. We are Now raising 2 of our grandkids and the Lord is still giving us strength. May God bless you all.
Mrs. Lovingood
This is Lawrence Lovingood Jr. wife and i wanted to say that you are an inspiration to my life and future. Me coming up in 4 different homes, I wish that I had a role model like you and someone to take me in and keep me in one spot while my mom tried her best to do things for my family of 11 from a distance. I am in love with being apart of your family and hope I can be as great as a mother and guardian as you.
Gidgett, You are a great inspiration to all who see your story. We are Australians living in Sydney, we have seen your story several times and each time we turn up the volume and watch in awe at your demeanour, your obvious social ethic, family ethic , work ethic and positive determination for the future.
What you did in guiding your brood of nine on the path to education, self-reliance and inevitaly successfull lives will come back to you a thousand fold as you become the respected matriarch, surrounded by children, grand-children and great-grand-children who will ALL owe you what they had tthe opportunity to become.
We hope this meets your eyes personally – we salute you, Australia salutes you and the world salutes you….. don’t ever change!!
Gidgett,
You did what people use to do and what made america great! Not sitting around complaining, not waiting for handout, you took more kids then you all ready had, raised them together and showed them to believe in american dream and they can have what ever they want. God Bless ya, and i hope you have inspired more people to get off there butts and get to it!! Both of you are amazing, God bless you, and i hope all the hard work you did raising those kids, comes back to you 10 fold!!! Bob W
Gidgett,
What a blessing it is to hear of you and your husband. I know you must’ve been just a kid yourself when ya’ll began this journey of turning out nine great citizens. My admiration is boundless!
“You done good, girl!”
Thank You ! You are what makes this country great! What a wonderful family!
What a beautiful story. You and your husband deserve so many blessings and so much happiness. I don’t know if I could take on what you signed up for. You are inspiring people and I hope God bless you and your family!
god bless you all thank god there are people still believe in god and american
Gidgett you are a real inspiration. Your willingness to accept responsibility not only for your self but for others is what makes America great. With people like you America cannot fail God Bless
god bless you and your husband i live in canada and cannot say how much your story touched my heart we need more people like you and your family in this world god surely blessed you
It’s people like those shown here that keep my faith in the future of our great country going strong.
No matter how much damage our government does, these types of people will get us through.
Thank you all!
I thank God for your obedience, demonstrating that , we are our brothers keeper by taking responsibilty to care for one another . You and your family have shown Gods love in a great way . Your sisters children will be forever greatful to you and your family.
You are getting a big hug from me. Bless you and your wonderful family.
Congratulations. You are an inspiration. God sees your sacrifice and love.
To God be the Glory, words cant express how much you are apprieciated
Just wanted to say I saw your story on Fox News and think it is a great inspirational story. If this country had more people like you and your husband it would be a better country!
In an age when many kids are left to be raised by one parent, usually a single mom, to see a story of a couple sacrificing to make sure some kids are brought up in a loving home was a great thing to see!
May the Lord God bless and keep you all. Your story is a very heartfelt one. Your last name really says it all Loving good.