“If we want our children to move mountains, we first have to let them get out of their chairs.” ~ Nicolette Sowder
Raising kids is tough.
You want them to learn and explore, yet you’re afraid that it would hurt them.
There is also the realization that whatever we teach them, we are still their primary examples.
Every move we make, every tone of voice and action, they will copy and remember.
If you see a child who is sweet, responsible, and kind, then you’re pretty sure that their parents were prime examples.
Steven Dearth, a police officer in Massachusetts, went into Panera Bread to grab a quick meal while he was on break.
Then, something different happened.
An adorable little girl around four years of age approached Sergeant Dearth. The officer saw the little girl looking at him, so he smiled.
Lillian, a very smart preschooler, approached Sgt. Dearth with a warm smile, so the police officer gave her a high five.
Sgt. Dearth pulled out a special sticker that says, “Junior Police Officer” and gave it to Lillian.
They were off to a great start.
At first, Sgt. Dearth thought the child would go back to her family after turning her back.
She pulled up a chair.
To his surprise, she just went to the chair facing him and pulled it up. She then sat down at the table and joined the police officer while he was having lunch.
Now, Lillian’s family was just nearby, so they knew what their little princess was up to.
Sgt. Dearth smiled
He realized that this little girl wanted to accompany him because he was alone. For such a young age, this little girl was kind and accommodating.
In fact, according to the police officer, they spent a good time together, and he enjoyed his lunch while talking with Lillian.
After finishing his meal, he accompanied Lillian back to her table, where Sgt. Dearth told her parents that the kind gesture of the young lady touched him.
“The best break”
He described it as the best break that he had ever experienced. Then, he asked the whole family if they wanted to come with him to check out his patrol car.
Lillian’s eyes lit up.
Of course, they said yes.
According to an interview with WNEP, Lillian asked Sgt. Dearth if he would have a play date with her, to which the latter said yes.
Though, the kind-hearted officer had something other than just a playdate.
The beginning of a great friendship
Lillian and her mom were invited to have a tour of the police station where Sgt. Dearth was stationed.
They also asked the restaurant for a copy of their video that day.
Good thing there was a copy and the short clip of a little girl accompanying a police officer who was having lunch went viral.
Seeing someone eating alone, and offering your time to talk or to accompany this person is a grand gesture of kindness, don’t you agree?
Kindness is free, and sometimes, we need little kids like Lillian for us to be reminded that we can share kindness in our own little way.
See Lillian’s sweet gesture in action in the video clip below!
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
