Most kids know the importance of being kind and treating others with respect. Yet, there are some children who take these lessons to another level – going above and beyond all out of the goodness of their hearts. Just like what happened in the story below.
9-year-old Noah Cantin showed true compassion one morning while eating at his local Dennys. It all started when he noticed a police officer inside the restaurant.
Noah wanted to say hello to the officer, but then he asked his mom if he could pay for the officer’s meal. Not with her money, but his own.
The officer had ordered a Grand Slam breakfast, sausages, and a coffee.
Noah had gotten some money for his birthday, so he used that to pay the bill. It was just under $8, which is a lot for a kid.
Many children would have wanted to buy a toy instead, but Noah felt the desire to perform the act of kindness.
Noah had one other request. He wanted to write a note for the officer on his receipt.
His message was simple, but heartfelt. It read,
“I want to be you when I grow up. Thank you for your service.”
He walked up to Officer Benitez of the Lakeland Police Department with the receipt and handed it to him. At first, Officer Benitez seemed confused but quickly realized what Noah had done for him.
The cop expressed his appreciation to the boy, then asked to get a photo with him.
Not only was the cop amazed by Noah’s act of kindness, but the boy’s mom, Amanda Cantin, was very proud of him too. She later wrote on Facebook:
“One proud momma. When your child asks if we can for an officers breakfast!!! Writes him a message on his receipt. #OneProudMomma #BacktheBlue #Lakelandpolicedepartment #FutureEmployee”
The Lakeland Police Department in Lakeland, Florida posted the photos on Facebook to share Officer Benitez’s and their gratitude for Noah’s act of kindness.
“Officer Benitez was so touched by the eight year-old’s act that he had to get a photo and personally thank him. Well Noah you touched all of our hearts today. Your support means so much to all of the men and women who put on the uniform everyday. We wish you the happiest of Birthdays! (Noah turns the BIG 9 this Saturday!)”
Noah has wanted to be a police officer since he was little.
“I’m going to make the world a better place and capture the bad guys,” Noah told InsideEdition.com.
By no surprise, this sweet story has warmed hearts across the internet. People have left comments like:
“A wonderful little boy with a great upbringing! Thanks to him, wonderful parents and wonderful role models (law enforcement officers).”
Another Facebook user wrote:
“This is a better world with children like this boy, so sweet and generous”
There are a lot of really kind children in this world that go above and beyond to make someone’s day. Noah certainly has a huge heart, and it’s no wonder his mom is so proud!
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