Lakenya Wilbourn, Donald Wilson’s wife, died of a stroke in August, leaving the father of three distraught. The heartbroken father was left to raise their three children, Donald Jr., Poetry, and Honesty, on his own.
Wilson told The Washington Post, “I’m going through a lot, and it’s hard being a strong person all the time. Depression sets in because it feels like you’re incapable. It’s like always being in survival mode.”
The 33-year-old motivated himself to “face it in order to move forward” so he could support his children, but it was clear to everyone, including his neighbor Colin McConnell, that he was struggling.
McConnell, 48, began talking to Wilson on a regular basis after seeing how difficult it was for him. Wilson, after some trepidation, finally opened up to his neighbor about his emotional and financial issues. “It was hard to tell people because I didn’t want to make people think I was weak or not capable,” he said.
After learning of his situation, McConnell went out of his way to make Wilson’s kids happy by sketching chalk drawings outside their house, bringing them sweet treats, and mingling with Wilson’s kids as much as he could; but, it never felt like enough.
According to The Washington Post, the concerned neighbor published Wilson’s tale on TikTok last month and attached an Amazon wish list with supplies, toys, food, and clothing for the Wilson children. The video has since acquired over 200,000 views. McConnell awoke to a surprise outside his home a day after uploading the footage. “When I awoke, my front door was completely covered in boxes.” I was both surprised and overjoyed. McConnell stated this.
Following that day, further shipments were sent; more than 100 arrived; and every item on Amazon’s wish list was purchased. Dolls, arts & crafts, diapers, cereal, snacks, macaroni, clothing, and coats were also donated.
Wilson and his daughters also received gift cards and tickets to see Frozen the Musical. Locals also presented them with furniture. Wilson’s emotional reaction to seeing all the gifts was captured on film by McConnell. “This is insane. I’m completely overwhelmed. “I’m at a loss for words,” Wilson admitted.
According to the Washington Post, the single father found it pleasant to see strangers go out of their way to help his family.
“This is a blessing,” he said. “There’s love out there. This is what happiness feels like.”
McConnell, on the other hand, is overjoyed that he was able to show Wilson that there are individuals who care about him and his family. “He has now accepted that he is not alone, and he has a community that loves him and the kids.”