+
“A balm for the soul”
  review on Goodreads
GOOD PEOPLE Book
upworthy

wholesome tiktok

Joy

Grown woman and 10-year-old girl share a flight and become BFFs in the most adorable way

After watching "The Parent Trap" and "playing Sephora" these two were inseparable.

@sammypurr/TikTok

A grown woman and a 10-year-old girl become unlikely friends after sharing a two hour flight together.

We’ve heard plenty of airplane horror stories as of late, with a good chunk of those having to do with screaming babies and kids acting out. It’s enough to make anyone finding out they’re traveling next to a kid tense up a bit.

Luckily, this “kid on a plane” story is nothing like that.

Back in June, realtor Samantha Purnell found herself on a flight sitting next to Jazzy, a 10 year old girl flying alone. What could have been two awkward hours of silence (or worse) instead became the most wholesome friendship ever, and it was all caught on video.


In a now-viral TikTok clip, we see that the pair watched “The Parent Trap,” “played Sephora” (meaning Purnell let Jazzy peruse her makeup stash), and shared a snack of hard boiled eggs—that last part because Jazzy "wouldn't take 'no' for an answer."

There was even a sweet moment when Jazzy called herself “ugly” and Purnell stepped into giving sisterly advice without missing a beat.

“Don’t you ever say that! You’re stunning. Don’t ever, ever, ever, ever say that to yourself,” she told her new bestie.

Watch below and tell me this doesn't have major sleepover vibes.


@sammypur A seat buddy match made in heaven 🥹
♬ Funny - Gold-Tiger

Viewers were quick to note how this flight would probably be a positive core memory for Jazzy.

“She will remember this forever!!! You gave her a massive confidence boost at a really important stage in her life!!” said one person.

“This is every little girl’s dream,” added another.

The clip even made its way to Jazzy’s aunt, who wrote, “This is my niece and HER mom and I are very grateful for you! Jazzy was nervous to fly and you truly helped her so much!! Thanks for being there and being such an angel!! 😘😘😘🥰🥰”

But wait, there’s more!

Purnell conspired with Jazzy’s mom to make a surprise reunion happen. Jazzy was told she’d be going on a fishing trip with her day, when in reality Purnell was going to scoop her up to spend the entire day together. How sweet is that?!?!?

In that video, Jazzy screams with delight, saying “I’m so happy!” while tears flow.

The girl’s day then consisted of a Starbucks trip, more Sephora makeup (obviously), dancing, and fashionista fit check.

At one point, Jazzy even got to share her side of how they became BFFs.


“I felt really nervous. I started crying. I thought the plane was going to crash or something because the plane started shaking so much, and I said ‘Okay, I’m going to tell you my whole life story.’ And then we just started talking and then we became best friends,” she said.

Sometimes sisters are born into the same family, and other times they simply appear in each other’s lives…or in this case, on their flights. And we are so so here for this unexpected sisterhood.

Screenshots taken from @francis.bourgeois on TikTok

There is truly no end to the bizarre and delightful pockets of TikTok. Whether you’re watching someone put literally anything under a microscope, discovering how to make oreo mug cake or enjoying the simple pleasures of witnessing amazing cleaning transformations, the possibilities for entertainment are endless.

This 20-year-old trainspotter and TikTok star, Luke Nicolson (better known as Francis Bourgeois), is certainly no exception to this.

Even if you could care less about trains, the unbridled, child-like enthusiasm that Francis has for them is so contagious that you might find yourself looking longingly at a railroad. Or at the very least, in better spirits after hearing his infectious laugh.


@francis.bourgeois Here is a Southern class 377 running Littlehampton to Southampton Central #trains #trending #fyp ♬ original sound - Francis Bourgeois

Often with a go-pro strapped onto his head, Francis waits in heightened anticipation, raves over tones and chats up the drivers, who seem equally happy to see him.

Most of the time, he simply can’t contain himself once the train arrives, as indicated by the bursts of pure glee that come from him as a new train approaches. And that’s just the way his millions of followers like it.

@francis.bourgeois Class 59 (59103) Merehead Quarry - Wootton Bassett driven by the legend called Gordon! #trains #trending #fyp ♬ original sound - Francis Bourgeois

“It’s the sound of the engines, the honks, the wheels on the tracks, they’re therapeutic noises, “ he tells The Face. “As for the railways, there’s a satisfaction in the way they line up, the way something so huge is on a direct path. On a deeper level, there’s something [special] about how the direction of a train is predefined – you know where it’s come from and where it’s going to go.”

@francis.bourgeois Fantastic Mr. Fox nearly ended up in a disasterous situation but luckily I saved him!🦊 #trains #fox #trending #fyp ♬ Time - Hans Zimmer

Luke spent his childhood in North West London immersed in his passion, even drawing pictures from memory of the trains he had seen passing by at the station (The Tab).

Often as we approach adulthood, that certain zest for our childhood hobbies begins to fade. Or rather, it gets suppressed. Luke too felt the pressure to conceal his interests in order to blend in once he got older.

However, once he began his engineering degree at Nottingham University, things changed.

@francis.bourgeois Class 158s are amazing, if you’ve been on one, you will know they’re good! 😊 #trains #trending #fyp ♬ original sound - Francis Bourgeois

“Coming to university, I’ve turned a new page and allowed my passions to [flourish] and not be held down. It’s made me a lot happier,” he told The Face.

@francis.bourgeois I found an awesome new train spotting location where you can wave at the commuters coming back from London! #trains #trending #fyp ♬ original sound - Francis Bourgeois

Coming more into his own, along with a dose of lockdown boredom, helped Luke come up with the idea. And thus Francis Bourgeois (presumably named after a court painter for George III) was born.

@francis.bourgeois Saying goodbye to @ryan.windridge after a great day train spotting! #trains #trending #fyp ♬ Peace Piece - Bill Evans Trio

Many thought Francis’ larger-than-life person was too good to be true, and accused him of being a fake, particularly after photos of his younger self emerged. Francis posted a response video. And it is not only a masterclass in authenticity, it also sheds light on just how powerful the urge to fit in can be, and how we are so routinely compelled to silence that inner child.

@francis.bourgeois I wanted to make this video to show that train spotters can come in different shapes and sizes! #trains #trending #fyp ♬ original sound - Francis Bourgeois

And sadly, many of us can struggle to bring that light back, once it’s squelched. However, seeing people like Francis rekindle that innocent spirit makes things seem so much more hopeful, and I think that’s a major aspect of his appeal.

@francis.bourgeois BILLIE EYLISH WENT ON IG LIVESTREAM WITH ME!!! #billieeilish #dreamcometrue #uk #trending #fyp ♬ original sound - Francis Bourgeois

His fame might have taken off as a result of a few fake Insta lives with celebrities like Billie Eilish, but the true lasting power of Francis’ account is thanks to the endearing charm, wholesome devotion and genuinely loveable demeanor of his personality.

@francis.bourgeois Here’s when I saw the Midland Pullman and met some lovely staff #trains #trending #fyp ♬ original sound - Francis Bourgeois

It’s a certain lust for life that makes Francis’ videos so profound. It’s hard to not find yourself wanting to discover your own passion after witnessing his.

@francis.bourgeois Class 66’s top and tailing a rake of engineering carriages to Fairwater Yard! A very rare occurance happens here😂 #trains #trending #fyp ♬ original sound - Francis Bourgeois

Francis might be a mostly local celebrity now, but as is the magic of TikTok, his local celebrity status has transcended after being discovered by a talent agency. So who knows, maybe we’ll spot this trainspotter on his very own television show. I’d certainly watch it.

In the meantime, his TikToks continue to be amusing, uplifting and inspiring.