Kids observe and adapt habits based on what they see and experience daily. Over time, these practices and behaviours become embedded in their personalities and are permanently a part of them. For Alycia, it was just a regular day when she drove her son, Bryson, to Subway, but what happened there was beautiful!
The little act of kindness of the subway worker became such a special moment for the mother-son duo that she had to share it on her social media accounts so people would realize how important and life-changing kindness can be. Bryson is an introverted child, and on some days, his social anxiety hits harder than expected. When they reached outside the store, Bryson asked Alycia if it was legal for such a little boy like him to order himself dinner.
Alycia, acknowledging how he was feeling, with love, reassured him that if he had money, a mask, and good ethics, he was good to go anywhere. While they sat in the car, Alycia helped Bryson decide the order, and they rehearsed it multiple times to build his confidence. While Bryson got out, feeling better and all ready to place the order, Alycia observed his son repeating “Italian herbs and cheese, white American cheese” till he got inside the store. It felt like he was trying to memorize it like a mantra, and the mother couldn’t help but adore it.
While Alycia decided to sit in the car and observe, she saw how Bryson kept his distance from people around him and patiently waited in line for his turn. Then, when it was time, he finally approached the counter and handed the worker the ten-dollar bill. With the cutest smirk, Bryson then collected the change and headed out of the store, walking towards the car as if he had something special to tell Mommy.
The little boy burst into excitement the moment he entered the car and told Mum and Dad how they should call the corporation, as the lady working inside was so polite to him. He continued sharing how the last helped him pick the BMT sandwich that older boys liked and told Bryson how he would love it, too. Not just this, with pride, he added up how he remembered cheese, bread, and even salt and pepper.
Alycia asked Bryson if he had asked the lady’s name, which upset him, so he decided to go back in again. In the next few minutes, he walked out again, even happier this time, and told the parents her name was Sarah.
Although Sarah might be friendly to everyone visiting the store, which was an act that should be a bare minimum in society, it meant everything to Bryson. Of course, Sarah did not know how it was the first time the little boy was ordering, and his heart was racing from nervousness.
However, because of her kindness and patience, Bryson felt he mattered and could do it all without messing up. Mom and Dad felt proud when they heard Bryson whisper, ‘God, I love this feeling’.
When they got home, Alycia decided to call the Subway branch. She briefly conversed with Sarah to thank her for making her son’s day and told her how Bryson reminded her of her grandson, too.
The mother shared her story to thank Sarah and tell everyone how impactful little kind gestures can be. You, too, can create a memory that will be very dear to the child for a lifetime!
