Unwanted Opinions
It wasn’t just a simple criticism of his actions.
It was a full-on, unnecessarily cruel attack on what should have been a joyful moment. All he wanted to do was marry this girl. Why did the world have to throw in opinions? But he had no idea that there were even more comments coming.
Love At First Sight
The moment Hector Mkansi and Nonhlanhla Soldaat laid eyes on each other, the attraction was instant.
The sparks were intense and only got strong the more time they spent together. So, when the couple started talking about tying the knot, no one was surprised. But there was just one problem.
Dreams Vs. Reality
More than anything, Mkansi wanted to be able to give his future wife the kind of wedding her beautiful heart deserved.
She was so selfless, and every time she smiled it melted his soul. But he was just a local pastor and neither of them had much money. In his eyes, even his proposal plan wasn’t what he wished for.
Moving Forward
Still, if they waited to have enough money, the wedding might never come.
So, he scrimped and saved enough to get a modest ring and then took her to her favorite restaurant – KFC. To some people, it might have seemed like an odd location choice, but it he would do any to make her smile. He even enlisted the help of the staff.
Getting Help
The workers grinned as they wrapped the ring in a frilly piece of paper and hid it under the lid of her chicken burger.
As soon as she opened it and saw the ring, she gasped and burst into happy tears. It would have been a perfect moment, but Mkansi had no idea that someone had snapped a photo and uploaded it with a horrible comment.
“Journalist”
The journalist “Anele” tweeted that men in his country were so poor they couldn’t propose anywhere nice and had no class.
It was like a punch to the gut. He had chosen the place because his girl loved it there. Every part of him wanted to crawl under a rock and never come out. But the tweets were only starting.
Everyone’s Thoughts
Mkansi braced himself for whatever comments would follow.
With millions of people new aware of the situation, how was he going to keep this from hurting his beautiful Nonhlanhla? Thankfully, there was plenty of backlash against the poster. However, it was the regional KFC comment that utterly shocked him.
Wedding Offer
The fast-food restaurant desperately wanted to get in contact with him for a “finger licking good surprise.”
As soon as he picked up the phone and heard their offer, he had to sit down. Not only did they want them to have a perfect wedding, but the franchise also wanted to pay for it all! But things didn’t end there.
More Coming
The proposal and wave of kindness set off a domino effect around the world.
Their story went viral and business after business put up their hand, wanting to donate something to the coming nuptials. The list of gifts grew to insane levels. Neither of them could believe it! What else were they offered?
Big Brands Reach Out
You name it, there was an offer for it.
Puma wanted to get them new clothes. A ring company wanted to give them a matching diamond set. Audi offered to provide luxury chauffeuring services. Koo donated thousands in grocery vouchers. And if you think this is huge, McDonald’s decided to one-up their competitor KFC.
McD’s Steps In
They went as far as to offer a luxury honeymoon to Cape Town – all expenses paid.
Uber chimed in to give them a ride to the airport. A bank company offered to clear up R300k worth of debt. And a renovation company offered to redo their kitchen. The couple stood in the middle of it all, crying their eyes out.
Bursting with Joy
It was magical.
But more than anything it was a reflection of Mkansi’s core beliefs – that good, kindness, and love will always conquer. So, when the floor of offers swirled into action, and he stood at the alter waiting for his beloved to come down the aisle, he felt nothing but pure gratitude.
The Big Day
She was a stunning vision in white.
Her smile lit up the room. Every part of him felt like it was going to explode with happiness. It was more than they could have ever hoped for. The day was perfect. But what about the person who originally tweeted the insult that had started it all?
The Original Tweet
The account has been made private – not even a picture.
Whatever back and forth arguments, or defense of their opinion, the poster had been engaged in had now gone silent. The avalanche of support towards the South African couple was clear. But the pastor did have his own thought on the matter.
Good From Bad
Something good can come out of something bad.
Even on the first day she had probably learned her lesson. It did no good to keep coming down on the girl – just leave her be. These times should be ones of love, acceptance, joy.