Video Of A Young Boy's Sweet Words To A Fish He Released Is Melting Hearts
A now-viral video of a young boy saying “I hope you go back and be better” to a fish he had caught and set free is capturing hearts everywhere.
The video, shared by News 4 Jax in Jacksonville, Florida, shows a young fisherman holding a bass, which he proclaimed was his “personal best” catch.
The young boy’s father, Velt Cooper of Quincy, Florida, recorded the video. He’s heard behind the camera, encouraging his son.
“Let’s put this beauty back in the water, my personal best,” the child says, gently placing the fish back in the water.
“I hope you go back and be better... One day we gonna meet back again,” he adds, petting the fish.
As the big bass swims away, the young fisherman cheers, “Show me what you working with!”
KINDNESS & CUTENESS😍: Great job, buddy! This adorable video of a Florida boy releasing his biggest catch yet will make your soul smile. #StayHumble
Velt Cooper: "He wanted to let his trophy fish go back home. https://t.co/On5Ktreuj2 pic.twitter.com/3GDEwq5rch— News4JAX (@wjxt4) October 16, 2019
The child’s sweet words and kindness to the fish left Twitter users filled with joy.
Director Ava DuVernay tweeted the video, sharing a bit of the boy’s loving message.
“The Hate U Give” author Angie Thomas also shared the clip. “This is a book waiting to happen,” she tweeted.
"I hope you go back and be better. One day, we gonna meet back again.” https://t.co/wbalbZosUX
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) October 17, 2019
This is a book waiting to happen https://t.co/vX7pUJwV7S
— Angie Thomas (@angiecthomas) October 17, 2019
“Had to fix my mascara. What a beautiful soul,” journalist Michele Norris tweeted.
“The lovely innocence and sweetness in his voice is really something to savor,” wrote another. “A beautiful child.”
Other Twitter users chimed in to celebrate the video:
This little boy is going to change the world! What an incredible soul!
— Linsey Godfrey (@linseygodfrey) October 17, 2019
I love this young man so much. What a heart. What a spirit. And mega- blessings on that dad, too. ❤️
— Rebecca Gummere (@rgummere) October 18, 2019
Precious. I needed this pure goodness & joy today!
— Midwin Charles (@MidwinCharles) October 17, 2019
I love him 😭💗😭💗😭
— Chrissie Fit (@chrissiefit) October 18, 2019
I hope you go back and be better. pic.twitter.com/KmVoBxOgi3
— Hannah Drake (@HannahDrake628) October 17, 2019
Related coverage
Lenny Kravitz Surprises 5-Year-Old Fan Who Plays The Drums And It's So Much Joy
Woman Discovers Heartwarming Link To Dog Who Wouldn’t Leave Her Yard
Identical Twin Nurses Deliver Identical Twin Babies
Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today.
This article originally appeared on HuffPost.