After dinner one evening, I felt bound to share something small yet powerful that I had just saw.
My 11-year-old son, Bryson, has been steering more challenges than most boys his age. His father and I have been focusing on teaching him life skills especially manners and encouraging him to use them in real-world situations. He sometimes feels anxious in public, so these small steps matter.
Courtesy of Alycia Anderson
That night, we stopped at a Subway. He asked if it was “illegal” for him to go in alone to order. I told him, “As long as you have a mask, manners, and money, you’re good.” We reviewed his order Italian herbs and cheese bread, white American cheese and he repeated it to himself as he bounced toward the door.
From the car, I watched him stand in line, keeping a respectful distance.\
Courtesy of Alycia Anderson
When it was his turn, he spoke to the woman behind the counter, answering her questions about toppings and listening carefully as she suggested a BMT. He remembered his bread and cheese preference, said “please” and “thank you,” and even remembered salt and pepper at the end.
When he handed her a crumpled $10 bill, waited for his change, and came out smiling from ear to ear, he was practically glowing. “Mom, Dad you won’t believe it! She was so nice to me. She helped me through every step, told me about the sandwich, and was patient the whole time.
Courtesy of Alycia Anderson
I feel so accomplished!”
I asked if he had gotten her name. He hadn’t so he ran back in to find out. Her name was Sarah.
As a mom, this was exactly how I had hoped the moment would unfold.
Sarah didn’t know this was Bryson’s first time ordering by himself, or that he’d been rehearsing his order under his breath. She didn’t know how much patience and kindness would mean to a young boy trying to build his confidence.
Courtesy of Alycia Anderson
But she treated him with warmth and respect, and that was enough to make an unforgettable impact. Bryson experienced genuine pride from his own actions and that feeling stayed with him the whole way home. I even heard him softly say to himself, “God, I love this feeling.”
You may not know it but Sarah but you create a memory that my son hold it forever and I m truly grateful, without knowing it, you helped shape a memory my son will carry for life.
