Boy Goes Viral for ‘Coop on a Stoop’ TikToks. Now, Family Shares Unexpected Way Videos Helped Them Process Grief (Exclusive)

A heartwarming story of a father-son duo from Southern California has taken the internet by storm, spreading love and comfort in these uncertain times. Chris O’Brien, a father of a 1½-year-old son named Cooper, started a daily ritual of sitting on the curb in front of their home with his son each morning. Little did he know, this simple act would capture the hearts of millions worldwide and earn them the endearing nickname ‘Coop on a Stoop’. The incredible journey of this viral sensation has not just brought joy but has also helped the family in dealing with a recent loss behind the scenes.

The daily routine of Chris and Cooper, where they sit together on the curb watching passing vehicles, was shared on TikTok in July. What started as a spontaneous decision to document this precious father-son moment swiftly gained popularity, with millions tuning in regularly to witness the adorable ‘Coop on a Stoop’. The simplicity and authenticity of the videos resonated with viewers globally, with many finding comfort and joy in this heartwarming connection between father and son.

As the videos gained traction, fans started to recreate the scenes, adding their own twist to the ‘Coop on a Stoop’ trend. The O’Brien family was overwhelmed by the response, with people from different backgrounds and even NFL teams joining in on the fun. Chris, the creative mind behind the camera, emphasises that everything is captured in a single take, reflecting the genuine and unscripted nature of their interactions. The viewers’ interpretation of the ‘stoop code’, where a dry curb signifies a good day and a wet one signifies a bad day, added a sense of community and shared experience to the videos.

Amid the whirlwind of attention and positivity surrounding ‘Coop on a Stoop’, the O’Brien family also faced a personal tragedy. Hailey, Chris’s wife who is pregnant with their second child, lost her father during this period. Despite the challenges behind the scenes, the family decided to be transparent about their grief, emphasizing the importance of authenticity amidst the curated world of social media. Chris shares that their signature sign-off, “And we’ll be here”, now holds a deeper meaning, offering solace to those who may be experiencing loss or sadness.

Looking towards the future, the O’Brien family has no grand plans for the ‘Coop on a Stoop’ series, preferring to let it evolve naturally. Chris acknowledges that as Cooper grows, their morning rituals may change, but the essence of sharing their everyday moments authentically will remain. With a second child on the way, the family is cherishing the joy brought by these videos and plans to create a keepsake box filled with mementoes from this special time, creating lasting memories for Cooper to revisit in the future.

While Chris may be the face of ‘Coop on a Stoop’, he credits his wife Hailey for being the pillar of strength behind their family. Hailey’s support, especially during challenging times while juggling pregnancy and loss, underscores the essence of teamwork and resilience within the family. The story of ‘Coop on a Stoop’ goes beyond just viral videos; it embodies the power of connection, love, and authenticity in a digital world, showcasing the beauty of simple moments shared between a father and his son.

In a digital landscape filled with curated content and carefully crafted images, the sincerity and raw emotions portrayed in ‘Coop on a Stoop’ remind us of the genuine connections that bind us together. The unexpected journey of this viral sensation serves as a beacon of hope and warmth, illustrating the impact of a father’s love for his son echoing around the globe. As ‘Coop on a Stoop’ continues to touch hearts and bring smiles to faces, it stands as a testament to the enduring power of human connection and shared experiences.