Little Noah, only nine years old, showed us all how a small act of kindness can make a big impact. One morning, as he sat having breakfast with his mom at Denny’s, Noah noticed a police officer sitting alone at a nearby table. Instantly, a wave of nervousness washed over him. He knew he wanted to do something special for the officer, but he wasn’t sure what exactly.
Noah shared his observation with his mom and started brainstorming ideas. Being a police officer was Noah’s dream, so he asked his mother for permission to approach Officer Eddie Benitez and say hi. Although Noah’s mother agreed, when the time came, he found himself too nervous to utter a single word to the officer.
Thinking on his feet, Noah hatched a new plan. He remembered that he had some birthday money saved up and decided to use it to pay for Officer Eddie’s breakfast. Noah’s mother, Amanda, summoned the waitress and explained their plan. Once they settled Officer Eddie’s bill, Noah carefully penned a heartfelt message on the receipt.
With the receipt in hand, Noah mustered up the courage to walk over to Officer Eddie. Confusion painted Officer Eddie’s face as Noah approached with the receipt, but it only took a moment for him to grasp the situation. As Officer Eddie read the words Noah had written, he leaped out of his chair, overwhelmed with emotion. The two posed for a photo together, forever capturing this unforgettable encounter.
Noah’s note simply said, “I want to be you when I grow up. Thank you for your service, Noah.” This heartfelt gesture touched Officer Eddie’s heart so deeply that he carries the note with him every day. Speaking to 10 News, Officer Eddie shared, “It meant everything. It meant that I’m supposed to wake up every morning and put on his uniform and go out there and do what I do. You know? It means that I need to keep trying to be a good example to all these young guys.”
The Lakeland Police Department, where Officer Eddie Benitez serves, was so moved by this heartwarming story that they shared the photo of Noah and Officer Eddie on their Facebook page. The post quickly gained traction and touched the hearts of many. Noah beamed with pride as he witnessed the impact of his kind gesture, and it solidified his determination to pursue a career as a police officer.
Let’s take a moment to appreciate acts of kindness like Noah’s and honor the dedication of our police force. If you also found this encounter heartwarming, don’t hesitate to show your support by clicking that “Like” button. Together, we can make a difference.
