It started with a hug.
Two toddlers, Maxwell and Finnegan, are both 2-years-old and are best friends.
A video of the two running towards each other on a sidewalk in New York captivated the hearts of many.
They became a viral sensation and the faces of hope, change, and acceptance.
The video has been shared on both Instagram and Facebook.
On Facebook, the video has amassed over 1 million views!
Maxwell’s father, Michael Cisneros, shared it with hopes of changing people’s perceptions in addition to it being a precious and joyous moment between two, innocent, children.
He told PIX:
“With all the racism and hate going on, I just think it’s a really beautiful video,” he continued, “…if it can change someone’s mind, you know, or just change their view on things, then it’s totally worth it.”
Their video grabbed the attention of some pretty influential people. One of those people happens to be someone who has built a reputation for giving back and being kind to others.
Ellen DeGeneres of course!
Ellen invited the toddlers and their parents onto The Ellen DeGeneres Show to get more background on the two adorable best friends.
Ellen attempts to recreate the moment that captured the hearts of millions but Maxwell seems to have gotten stage fright. He can’t take his eyes off the huge audience before him.
Finnegan, however, runs to his best friend as if nobody is watching.
The two boys sit next to each other on a couch with their parents squeezed on the other end. The boy’s personalities are on full display during the interview.
Finnegan is full of energy and not afraid of the spotlight. Maxwell, however, is more quiet and shy.
Clearly, they balance each other out quite well.
The background of how the two families met also began with kindness.
Finnegan’s parents were dining at their favorite local restaurant at a communal table. Maxwell’s parents asked to sit at the other end. Of course, Finnegan’s parents obliged and the rest is history.
Even though the boys are the same age and live in the same neighborhood, they don’t attend the same daycare.
But don’t fret. After Maxwell changed schools they now ride the same bus together every morning!
When detailing their relationship, Maxwell’s father said:
“They’re definitely huggers. They hold hands all (of) the time. They love to dance together. They have this secret language amongst themselves. They’re like little dolphins. They squeal and chat. “
It’s quite apparent just how close the two are. When Ellen shows a photo of them together on her big screen, Finnegan runs up to it and touches it.
Ellen sees the importance of the video and the significance it can have:
“This is what the world needs right now, is to see people treat each other like this.”
The audience claps in support of the statement.
As the segment draws to a close, Ellen does what she does best, she reveals that she has some gifts for her guests.
She gives Maxwell and Finnegan matching toy cars that they can drive themselves. Soon after, she reveals a ten thousand dollar check for each of them intended to go towards their college tuition.
You can watch their interview with Ellen below!
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