Being a single mom is no small feat—especially when navigating mental health challenges. But for Samantha Holman, her father’s unwavering support has made all the difference. Samantha recently shared a touching glimpse into her dad’s role in her life, leaving thousands inspired by his quiet heroism.
“Raising a child as a single mom who struggles with mental health would be near impossible if I didn’t have my parents and a close network of friends all chipping in to support me,” Samantha told Newsweek. Her dad, Jonathan, plays a central role in that support system.
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At 65, Jonathan describes himself as “Peter Pan” because, as Samantha lovingly says, “he doesn’t grow up.” And that youthful spirit shines in moments like the one Samantha recently captured on video: Jonathan skipping hand-in-hand with his granddaughter, Aniyah, on the way to school.
In the TikTok video Samantha shared on her account, @samanthabrookex, she explains how her dad steps in on the days her mental health makes leaving the house difficult. “My dad skips to school with my daughter every day,” she wrote in the caption.
The sweet video quickly went viral, amassing over 400,000 views and countless supportive comments, including these heartfelt responses from TikTok users:
- @kiki_khan_ said: “What a beautiful soul 🥰.”
- @thisisme_rl commented: “You’ve got the best daddy in the world! 🌟.”
- @shaniqua_xo added: “This made me tear up 🥹 Your dad is a real superhero!”
- @mummy.life.uk wrote: “Such a special bond—your dad is incredible ❤️.”
Samantha, who describes her dad as “a superhero,” says she was deeply moved by the reaction to her video. “I didn’t expect it to blow up the way that it did, but the comments were honestly so lovely and put a smile on my face during a difficult time,” she told Newsweek.
For Samantha, the video is more than just a heartwarming moment—it’s a reminder of the power of asking for help and the importance of a strong support system. “It’s OK to not be OK and to ask for help,” she said.
Related:This viral TikTok captures what it’s like to parent through exhaustion and mental health struggles
Jonathan’s simple yet meaningful act of skipping to school has not only brought joy to his granddaughter but also created a ripple effect of hope and positivity for Samantha—and now, for everyone who has seen their story.
