The Gift of Parenting

A single mother in North Carolina received a surprise last week when she took her two children out for dinner. She had been dealing with a messy divorce, moving several times and being told that her four-year-old has “bullying tendencies and her six-year-old has been diagnosed with ADHD and Asperger syndrome. But every Friday night, she takes her kids to a different restaurant for dinner. Last week, they went to Pizza Hut and there laid a wonderful surprise.

She noticed a young man sitting in a booth, and apologized in advance for how loud the children were going to be. He told her not to worry; he had three kids of his own and could relate.

As the family ate, the mother used parenting techniques she’d learned in classes and through readings to try and keep her children occupied and well-behaved.

After the young man finished his meal and left, the waitress and restaurant manager approached the woman’s booth. They told her that the young man had paid for the family’s meal and bought them a gift card.

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He had also asked for a pen and some paper, which he had used to write a note explaining why he had paid for the family’s food. Here’s what it said:

“I do not know your back story, but I have had the privilege of watching you parent your children for the past 30 minutes. I have to say thank you for parenting your children in such a loving manner.

I have watched you teach your children about the importance of respect, education, proper manners, communication, self control, and kindness all while being very patient. I will never cross your path again but am positive that you and your children have amazing futures.

Keep up the good work and when it starts to get tough do not forget that others may be watching and will need the encouragement of seeing a good family being raised. God bless!

-Jake”