The internet has been buzzing after an elderly woman’s touching recollection of a long-lost love note from 70 years ago went viral.
Meet Bryan Shutts, 40, who maintains a heartwarming TikTok account, @betty.barb, featuring his grandmother Betty and her sister Barb. Their lighthearted antics—filled with laughs, life stories, and playful sisterly bickering—have captured the hearts of many.
The latest video that has taken off shows Betty, now 85, recalling a schoolboy named Don who sent her a note when she was just 14. The moment Bryan revealed the rediscovered love letter was priceless.
“I always thought he was the only man for her,” Bryan reflected, after watching Betty’s joy as she recognized Don’s photo. “She had kept it for a reason.”
TikTok @betty.barb
When Bryan read the note aloud—“Dear Betty. I would like to go out with you sometime if you don’t mind. I don’t know where we would go because I don’t have a car. That is why I haven’t asked you sooner. Love, Don”—fond memories flooded back. Betty noted with a chuckle that she did go out with him but added, “My mother said no red-headed grandchildren for her!”
Since its posting on August 14, the video has garnered over 19,000 likes, prompting comments like “She remembered what he said,” and “That’s a beautiful memory.”
Shutts stumbled upon the photo while searching through a box of old memorabilia, motivated by requests from their TikTok fans. He referred to the positive feedback as “absolutely amazing,” with viewers eager to find Don after all these years.
In a twist of fate, Betty did end up with red-haired grandkids through her great-grandson, Haidin. Bryan joked, “Looks like Don got the last laugh!”
The family’s bond has only deepened in the wake of tragedy—the loss of Betty’s youngest son, a police officer named Steve. While Bryan shifted careers to honor him in a meaningful way, Betty struggled but found companionship with her sister Barb.
Bryan Shutts
Things began to change when Bryan visited and caught the sisters playfully bickering, sparking the idea to create their TikTok account after friends encouraged him to share the joy he saw.
Despite the internet being less utilized by seniors—44% of people over 80 use it—the sisters went viral quickly. With Bryan sharing the love from their followers, Betty has regained her spark, becoming more active and lively, “dancing in the kitchen with her great-grandchildren.”
Bryan expressed his gratitude for the community’s overwhelming support, noting, “This has truly brought her back to life!”