In the quiet town of Montgomery, Texas, a small act of kindness recently stole hearts far beyond the local community. At just 10 years old, Cole showed the kind of thoughtfulness and emotional maturity that many adults strive to express, crafting a letter that reflected love, empathy, and unwavering support for his girlfriend, Sherri.
Cole and Sherri have been inseparable since fourth grade, when he asked her to homecoming. Now in fifth grade, the young couple navigates their first experiences of friendship, companionship, and shared passions in the most endearing way. Cole is a competitive baseball player, while Sherri excels on the soccer field. Despite the whirlwind of practice and games, the pair make it a point to support each other, cheering from the sidelines, celebrating victories, and comforting each other during setbacks. “He plays competitive baseball, and she plays competitive soccer, so they go to each other’s games and watch each other,” said Sherri’s mother, Nicole Rodriguez. “It’s not too much more than that. We go out to dinner as families, but they don’t go on any solo dates or anything.”
Their closeness was put to the test recently when Sherri suffered a torn ACL during a soccer game, leading to surgery and a long road to recovery. It was then that Cole’s compassionate heart truly shone. That very night, he told his mother, Brandi Lanclos, “I want to write her a letter and get her something to make her feel better.”
Brandi recalls being moved to tears. “I actually got teary-eyed because I didn’t know that he could write a letter like that at this age. I thought it was really sweet and it made me proud to know he can express feeling that way about her.”
The letter itself is a testament to Cole’s tender nature and wisdom beyond his years. In his own words, he reassures Sherri:
*”Dear Sherri,
I’m so sorry that you broke your knee. I will miss watching you play soccer and I’m sorry that you won’t be able to play softball for a while. But I know you will heal quickly, and I will get to watch you play again soon. Although you can’t play sports, you still make my day when I get to see your beautiful smile.
God has a plan for all of us and sometimes it’s hard for us to understand why things happen to us. My dad tells me that God only allows things to happen that He knows we can handle. You are a pretty, nice, funny, and strong girl that is also a good friend. You will get through this quickly.
Please let me know how I can help during your recovery. I hope you recover fast and get well soon.
Your friend,
Cole”*
It’s a letter that reads like a warm embrace, offering reassurance, faith, and an unwavering presence in a time of pain. In a world where digital gestures often replace heartfelt notes, Cole’s words remind us of the power of genuine connection and empathy—even at an age when most children are learning to tie their shoelaces, they can also learn to touch hearts.
For Cole and Sherri, this is more than a letter; it is a symbol of their growing bond and a reminder that love and kindness come in all sizes. While the road to recovery may be long for Sherri, she has the support of a friend who understands that sometimes, healing isn’t just physical—it’s emotional, too.
And as parents watch their children navigate these small yet significant moments of growth, they are reminded that resilience, compassion, and love often emerge in the most unexpected packages. Cole may be just 10, but his words carry a timeless lesson: even the youngest among us can inspire, comfort, and uplift those we care about the most.
Photo Credit: Nicole Rodriguez
HT BuzzFeed
