Kobe Williams, 27, tragically lost her father after making a serious vow to shield her newborn twins, Khyzier and Khazmir, from Hurricane Helene’s fury. Kobe, who was hoping to protect her one-month-old sons from the storm’s destructive force, sought shelter in her home in Thomson, Georgia, but fate had other ideas.
Kobe and her twins were the youngest known victims of Hurricane Helene, which ripped through Georgia, killing 33 people and leaving a path of destruction in its wake. Their family was devastated by the storm, which had already wreaked havoc over the Southeast of the United States.
She had a conversation with Obie Williams, Kobe’s father, mere moments prior to the unfortunate event. Kobe told him that she would heed his instructions and take cover in the toilet with her babies when the storm grew stronger. However, Obie received no response when he attempted to reach her again after a short while.
Later, after navigating over broken power lines and fallen trees, Kobe’s brother arrived at her house. When he got there, he discovered an unbelievable sight of destruction—a big tree had fallen through the roof, right where Kobe and her pups had taken refuge. Not one of them made it.
Kobe, a devoted and resilient mother, had postponed her aspirations to become a nurse assistant in order to focus on raising her sons. Her family is now forced to mourn the premature deaths of a mother and two innocent people due to one of the deadliest storms in American history.
He built an 89-square-foot house—wait until you see the inside!
At just 13 years old, Luke Thill from Iowa stands out from his peers—not because of his love for video games or gadgets, but because he built his very own tiny house. Unlike most kids his age, Luke turned his boredom into an ambitious project: a fully functional, 89-square-foot house in his parents’ backyard.
A Dream Built on Determination
Luke’s dream of building a house began with a simple desire to do something meaningful. His project, which cost about $1,500, took a year of hard work to complete.
To fund it, Luke mowed lawns, organized online fundraisers, took on odd jobs, and even bartered for services. For instance, a family friend helped him install electrical wiring in exchange for Luke clearing out his garage.
Luke also incorporated sustainability into his project. About 75% of the materials he used were recycled, including items from his grandmother’s house and a front door gifted by his uncle’s friend.
A Minimalist Sanctuary
The tiny house, measuring just 10 feet long and 5.5 feet wide, has electricity but no plumbing yet. Inside, it’s a cozy retreat complete with a loft bed, a microwave, a TV, and even a barbecue setup outside. It’s a space where Luke can unwind, do his homework, and occasionally spend the night.
“I liked the minimalism,” Luke explained. “And I wanted to have a house without a huge mortgage.”
Lessons in Responsibility
Luke’s parents were supportive of his venture but ensured he took ownership of the project. His father, Greg, made sure Luke covered most of the expenses himself.
“It was a chance for a kid to do something more than play video games or sports,” Greg said. “It teaches life lessons.”
Inspiring a Generation
Luke’s story has captured the attention of many, especially through his YouTube channel, where he shares videos documenting his journey. He hopes to inspire other kids to take on big projects and realize their potential.
“I want to show kids it’s possible to build at this age,” Luke said.
Have a look at this project below:
Looking ahead, Luke dreams of building a slightly larger house when he’s older—perhaps one he can use during college.
A Young Visionary
Luke Thill’s tiny house is more than just a personal achievement; it’s a testament to hard work, resourcefulness, and the power of dreaming big. His story is an inspiring example of what young people can accomplish with determination and a little support from their family.
If you’re inspired by Luke’s incredible project, share his story to encourage others to think big and act boldly!
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