At 8:45 this morning, I got Alyssa out of the car and she instantly spotted a state trooper through the window at Dunkin. The line inside was packed, stretching all the way to the door. But she didn’t hesitate.
She ran straight past everyone, right up to the officer at the front of the line, threw her little arms around him and said, “The police!” He looked down, smiled and said, “Hi sweetie.” And then she looked up at him and said something that stopped the whole room. “Thank you for protecting us.”
Without a second thought, he picked her up and told her he was going to buy her a doughnut. The entire store was smiling. People in line waved me forward so I could get a picture of the moment.
He leaned down and told her, “If you ever want a police car, just come down to the station and ask for Danny. You’ll get one.”
I’m not going to lie, some days I feel like I’m stumbling through this parenting thing. But moments like this remind me that Ryder and I are raising our girls to be kind, respectful and full of heart. We teach them from the start to show appreciation, and today I saw that in action.
There’s so much negativity thrown around about the brave men and women who serve and protect. Yes, there are a few bad ones, but that should never overshadow the many good ones who show up every single day with courage and compassion.
I don’t know who this man was, but to the officer who made my daughter’s day and filled my heart at the same time, thank you. You reminded all of us that kindness still exists. ❤️
Credit: Something Interest
