The wonderful and magical power that parents possess, lies in their selfless love and their acceptance of us, the way we are. A good parent is not someone who just splurges on you, but is someone who lets you believe that they are not judgemental of the primitive choices you make in your life. 

Howie Dittman, a 44-year-old man living in Pittsburgh is also a parent, but last week, he ended up being the internet's favourite dad.

When Howie found out about a pride parade in Pittsburgh and saw his friend volunteering to give 'mom hugs', he decided to do something similar and participated in the parade, offering 'dad hugs' to the kids who were rejected by their own families.

He shared his experience and how impactful a small gesture can be. "Imagine that, parents. Imagine that your child feels SO LOST FROM YOU that they sink into the arms of a complete stranger and sob endlessly just because that stranger is wearing a shirt offering hugs from a dad," he wrote.  

These pictures of Mr Dittman went viral and its been touching and melting very heart on the internet since then.

would be remiss if i did not give a shout out to the huge pflag dad marching in the denver pride parade wearing a FREE DAD HUGS shirt, who joyfully gave me my first big, encompassing, father's day dad hug in five entire years

Howie Dittman. Everyday hero. â¤https://t.co/lV8hZA9lqk

So many people reached out to Howie, thanking him and expressing their love and gratitude, as these pictures spark pure joy!

Kindness and love cost you nothing because the best things in the world are not actually bought! Love comes in every shade and as humans, judging anyone, especially the people we love, for who they decide to love is unfair. This dad is 'dad goals' in the truest sense.