If you’ve been hooked on the song “10,000 Hours” by Dan + Shay and Justin Bieber, get ready for a heartwarming viral video that will make it even more unforgettable. Nicole Powell, a parent from Arkansas, shared a video on December 30 featuring her 6-year-old son, Rayce, tenderly singing the song to his baby brother, Tripp, who has Down syndrome. The internet has been captivated by this touching moment ever since.
Tripp, who faced a challenging birth, spent his early weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit. However, Rayce never missed a day visiting his baby brother, sharing stories about his day and showering him with love.
Whenever “10,000 Hours” played, Rayce would tell Tripp, “This song’s for you.” The poignant footage was captured by Nicole and shared on Facebook, quickly gaining momentum. By the next morning, the video had amassed a staggering one million views.
Rayce frequently serenades his little brother, even claiming that he wrote the song specifically about him. The lyrics Rayce sings in the video truly strike a chord: “I’d spend 10,000 hours, and 10,000 more if that’s what it takes to learn that sweet heart of yours. I might never get there but I’m going to try, if it’s 10,000 hours or the rest of my life, I’m going to love you.”
This family’s story holds a special significance. Powell concluded her piece by expressing that love transcends chromosomes, as Rayce wisely points out, “Aren’t we all different?”
The heartfelt video touched the hearts of many viewers, who flooded the family with love and support. Powell, a mother of five, shared more about her journey on Facebook. She revealed that when she was pregnant and received Tripp’s Down syndrome diagnosis, she informed her oldest sons, Jayce and Rayce. To her delight, they showed immediate readiness to be responsible and loving older brothers.
Jayce’s gesture melted Powell’s heart. He independently researched Down syndrome, created a ribbon symbol, and kept it in his desk until Tripp’s birth. The sweet video became a source of inspiration and comfort, especially for parents of children with special needs.
Powell was amazed by the impact of the video and the messages she received from expectant mothers who had received a positive Down syndrome diagnosis. They sought words of support and encouragement, seeking reassurance that their babies could lead happy and “normal” lives. Powell, who had experienced fear and anxiety during her own pregnancy, became a source of hope for these mothers.
While Powell acknowledges that receiving such a diagnosis can be frightening for any parent, she emphasizes the incredible love she and her sons have for Tripp. She assures others that although their child may not fit society’s idea of perfection, they will experience a love that is beyond words. The concerns and fears melted away when she heard Tripp cry for the first time, realizing that his well-being was all that mattered, regardless of his Down syndrome diagnosis.