When you’re a kid, birthdays are a big deal. Many of us grow up surrounded by parties and cake, and it’s nice to think that other people want to celebrate with you when you grow another year older. On the flip side, hosting a birthday party only to have no one come can be devastating — especially when you’re a kid.
That’s what happened to a ten-year-old boy named Toxey in Arkansas. Luckily, some unexpected friends showed up to save his big day.
A Huge Disappointment
Toxey and his mom, Angela Andrews, had invited Toxey’s whole class to come and celebrate his birthday with him. On the big day, he got ready and waited for his friends to arrive… except nobody came. Not even the one kid who promised that he’d be there.
It was heartbreaking for Toxey and devastating for his mom. No parent wants to see their child in pain and to feel so helpless. So she did the only thing she could think of to vent her frustration: she went on social media.
“For the second year in a row, no one has come, no one,” she wrote on Facebook, as per Inside Edition. “It is absolutely heartbreaking watching him watch out the window all night for people to arrive and watch him cry when no one comes.”
A Call to Action
Andrews’ post was noticed by a few people, including some Arkansas State Troopers. They decided to do something memorable for the little boy and remind him that he is indeed special. So a few days later, they showed up at his door bearing gifts.
“[I was] scared but like, trying to figure out why they were there at the same time,” Toxey told KTHV. “They had just come to give me all that stuff and make up their own birthday party for me.”
The officers brought a giant cookie birthday "cake" and presents ranging from video games to a Razor scooter. They also let Toxey try out the sirens and horns and check out their dog.
“I cried a little bit because I was just so happy that they did that for me,” Toxey added.
A Grateful Mother
Andrews was also touched by the beautiful gesture and wrote a thank you note to the police department explaining how much it meant to her and her son.
“I don't even know where to start because saying 'thank you' just doesn't seem good enough!” she wrote in a note the department then shared. “Not only did they bring him a birthday cookie cake, but they also brought him all kinds of presents, let him play with Rhino, the K-9, and play with the sirens in their cars.”
She added how they took the time to play basketball with Toxey and shared his cake. Now, it’s a birthday this little boy won’t soon forget.
“They made my sweet baby's day and his year!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” the mother continued. “I will never be able to repay the kindness you showed my family today!! Come on friends, let's make these guys famous! They deserve to be recognized for the wonderful people they are!!”
The Importance of Community
Everyone deserves to feel special on their birthday, so what happened to this boy was disappointing for him and his family. It reminds us of the importance of showing up and being there for one another to celebrate the big and small moments.
This story also reminds us of the importance of community, and how big a difference a small gesture can make. These officers showing up for a boy they didn’t know meant the world to him, and probably restored his faith in humanity.
It’s a sweet reminder in our own lives to show up when it matters and to make other people feel special when the occasion warrants.
We’re all the main characters in our own lives, and by being there to celebrate or to remind someone else how much they matter, we too can help others feel like a beloved hero rather than an outcast.
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