On his fifth birthday, Carter Bruynell, a boy with autism and ADHD, received a special gift that left his mom in shock. The gift did not come from his family or friends, but from a group of teenagers who are practically strangers.
Carter and his mom, Kristen, were at the South Brunswick Skate Park celebrating the kid’s birthday when all of a sudden, a group of teenagers showed up and approached the mother and her son.
At first, they thought the bigger kids wanted to ask them to leave the skating grounds. But, it turned out the kids were coming their way for something that was entirely different!
“He thought he was going to have to leave because he’s little, and he thinks that bigger kids don’t always want to play with little kids,” Kristen shared in an interview by KPLC TV.
The boy is usually anxious around large groups of older children, but he was all smiles that day. The teens’ gift of friendship was well received by young Carter, who also got a “Happy Birthday” song from his newfound friends.
He was especially closer to one particular 13-year-old named Gavin Mabes.
Gavin was the one who taught little Carter how to skate, helping him on the ramps while the boy was riding his scooter. He was there to guide him as he tried on riding the skateboard and definitely went above and beyond just greeting him a happy birthday.
Carter’s mom was incredibly moved by the kind and warm treatment that Gavin and his other middle-schooler friends were giving to her son. It was a beautiful moment that Kristen will always remember in her heart forever.
“Actions speak louder than words, and taking him under their wing and giving him a little mini skateboard, my heart exploded. It literally exploded,” the happy mom shared.
Paying it forward
Gavin, on the other hand, only wanted to share kindness just like how he received the same kind treatment from other kids in the neighborhood.
“Some of the guys here I’ve seen here before, and they’ve helped me out and were nice to me. So, I decided to do that with him, and just – you never know,” the teen said.
Even the police were proud of the teens
The teenagers’ act of kindness also caught the attention of the local police who made efforts to reward the youngsters with tokens and a pizza party at Carter’s school. The South Brunswick Police gave the teens a “challenge” coin each as a recognition for their kind deed.
They were utterly proud of the teens and their amazingly generous hearts.
“It’s just so heartwarming to see these kids taking care of other members of their community. That’s what it’s all about,” Lt. Gene Rickle said.
Proud moms
Mothers in the neighborhood are very proud of what their children have done, secretly giving themselves a pat in the back for the incredible people their kids have become.
Gavin Mabes’ mom is particularly proud of her son for being a good kid, even when she’s not watching.
“I was just so proud of him. He’s good,” shared the proud mom with a huge smile on her face.
What Gavin and his friends did for Carter was an act of kindness that we can definitely learn a lot from. Learn more and be inspired by their amazing story in the video below.
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