Little granddaughter got scared and froze during recital, so grandpa leaped out of his chair and stunned the crowd
Getting nervous or having stage fright is common among kids. However, it is how parents respond to it that decides whether the kids will overcome the same. 5-year-old McKinley Lester also got cold feet when she had to perform on stage at an event at Gap Creek Missionary Baptist Church, per Good Morning America. However, a video was shared where the girl is seen regaining all of her confidence all over again, thanks to one special person, per The Daily Mail. The girl reportedly felt nervous about going solo despite having done cheerleading in a group for a year. When she thought she couldn’t do it, her “paw-paw,” Jeff Harville, adorably stepped in to dance.
With 200 people in attendance, the girl froze and didn’t believe she could do her routine. Performing to the renowned “Chicken Dance,” she felt odd. The girl went up to her mum, Chelsea Lester, and asked whether her grandfather could join. With a bizarre dance that could possibly look cute only with toddlers, Harville didn’t hesitate. He picked up some pompoms and off he went to accompany his little grandkid on stage. Chelsea was shocked to see her macho yet soft-hearted dad step up in all admiration. "He thinks it's hilarious, he can't believe it's gone this far," she remarked.
The woman noted, "If you know my dad, he would never do anything like this. He is a big guy who's a teddy bear inside." Nevertheless, Harville left his personality aside for a minute and stepped in to support his granddaughter as the best, cutest and sweetest grandpa. In the over 2-minute long video, the duo are seen trying their best to stay in sync while having the performance of their lives. Though Harville didn’t know much of the routine apart from the good old steps, he ensured he accompanied McKinley throughout—the infectiously loving and encouraging energy made up for the imperfect steps, leaving the crowd in awe.
With movements ranging from head to toe, “paw-paw” wasn’t ashamed to give it all he had alongside his toddler grandkid. He was confused in between and even had to stop and look or even improvise to match the steps. However, he ensured she got the boost she needed to show up and give her best on the stage. It is undoubtedly a performance to remember. Chelsea is super proud of her dad and her daughter for having put together such a heartfelt performance. Their bond is just a glimpse of how special and enlightening a grandparent-grandchild relationship can be.
Speaking with News10, Chelsea noted that McKinley loves her paw-paw and wouldn’t want anyone else beside her for her performance. Her smiles, hopeful eyes and enjoyment throughout the video are evidence of the same. Chelsea mentioned that the toddler has Harville “wrapped around her finger.” "Her papaw means a lot to her. She is a papaw's girl!” the mom exclaimed. She added, “This is something she will never forget as a child. Her papaw dancing with her." Truly, he has assured her of a lifetime of support with this gesture. A heart-melting, core memory made.