They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Well, one photograph featuring a little boy and his assistant principal has managed to capture hearts across the internet – and the story behind it is as touching as one would expect.
A sweet kid
Eight-year-old LJ is from Marion, Ohio, where he attends Garfield Elementary. Although he tends to be a happy kid who’s not shy – the third-grader’s also autistic and has Down syndrome.
Steph Compton (LJ’s mom) told WCMH:
“If he’s not smiling or laughing…which is most of the time, but there’s something really wrong.”
One day, there was an incident at school that left LJ feeling upset.
It all started when the bus was late for picking kids up to take them home. Most children wouldn’t be happy about something like that – especially after a long day in the classroom.
LJ, who was understandably frustrated, decided to lay on the ground to wait. However, the new A.P. of the school, Mr. Smith, wasn’t going to let him do it alone.
He too lowered himself to the concrete in order to try and help LJ feel better. According to WCMH, another Garfield employee named Amber Mckinniss snapped a photo of the scene.
Compton was blown away seeing the photograph, which displayed an act of kindness that meant a lot to her and her family. She decided to share it with the world by posting it on Facebook.
Along with the picture she wrote:
“I absolutely LOVE this… LJ’s school has a new assistant principal this year… Mr. Smith… apparently LJ was having a “moment” and he got down on his level to help him out ❤️ This is why even though we live across town… LJ still goes to Garfield!!!”
Sometimes it’s the little things that can make the greatest differences in the world. Mr. Smith taking the time to care for LJ and not being afraid to get on his level to help – goes to show that not all angels have wings.
Compton’s post has been well-received by others, who too have fallen in love with the beautiful moment caught on camera.
Posted by Steph Compton onSunday, December 2, 2018
Many people who have left comments actually know Mr. Smith and agree that he’s a wonderful educator. One wrote:
“Mr. Smith has always been one of my favorite teachers. always talked to me whenever things got tough !! best teacher/human!!”
Another person pointed out how Mr. Smith is definitely in the right field of work, while someone else wrote how lucky Garfield is to have him there. Mckinniss (the photographer) left a comment too, saying:
“I just had to snap a picture. It was the most amazing thing ive seen! our hearts melted and lj enjoyed it lol”
Posted by Steph Compton onSunday, April 21, 2019
LJ’s mom is most grateful for what occurred that day waiting for the school bus.
As parents, it’s not easy having your child upset when you can’t be there to help comfort them. You hope there are people in this world who will look out for them in situations where they’re hurt, sad, or in need of a little kindness to make things better.
Compton told the news station:
“It’s really awesome to know from a parent’s standpoint, that there are people that care that much about your child. To get down on the ground, and lay on the ground with them to make sure that they’re alright.”
It’s one of those stories that just warms up your soul. Thank goodness there are kind educators in our children’s schools like Mr. Smith!
Press play on the video below to see an interview with LJ’s mom about the sweet incident.
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