Michigan police officers surprise a bullied nine-year-old boy with cake, gifts and even a singing quartet after NONE of his classmates showed up to his birthday party
As the Grand Rapids Police Department explains on their Facebook page, Officer Austin Lynema noticed one morning that nine year-old Thomas Daniel was chasing after his school bus but couldn’t catch up. When Lynema asked Daniel if he needed help, Daniel informed him that his mother did not own a car, so Lynema went to Daniel’s mother and asked if he could give her son a ride to school. Given permission, the two traveled to school together, and along the way, Lynema discovered that it was the boy’s ninth birthday.
Thomas asked officer Lynema to come to his birthday party after school but confessed that he was bullied at school and he doubted anyone would come to his birthday party. That night, Lynema showed up for Thomas’ birthday party, but the only other attendees were Thomas’ siblings, and the family did not have a cake.
But Lynema had a plan; the next day, when Thomas got off the bus back from school, he saw Lynema along with some other officers waiting for him; they had brought a Krispy Kreme donut cake, presents, and a singing quartet. A joyful Thomas exclaimed, "This is the best birthday ever!"
The Grand Rapids Police Department wrote, “No kid should get bullied, and no kid should worry if anyone will come to the party. Next year Thomas Daniel, make sure you drop us that invite a little sooner. We wouldn't want to miss it!”
The Daily Mail noted that Lynema promised he will attend Thomas’ 10th birthday party next year, and that the Facebook post has now been shared more than 15,000 times.
Comments on the page came from all over:
"Happy Birthday Thomas. I am a retired Police Officer in New Zealand. I live in a little town called Westport. Westport is on the upper West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand. I am just so pleased that you were able to share a very special birthday with your new and very special friends at the Grand Rapids Police Department. As our Maori people say...kia ora e hoa . It means ...hello my friend."
“I heard this on the radio this morning in MN. Made me cry on my way to work. Nice job officers. That boy will remember this for the rest of his life and I’ll bet he will forever respect law enforcement.”
“Awesome work officers just read this story and saying Gday all the way from Australia.”
“Heard about this all the way in Lakeport, CA from our Sacramento news station.”
“Thanks for being the good guys, officers. And happy happy birthday little man you are loved.”
“You officers are the best... and young man Thomas I wish you all blessings throughout your life. Sometimes people can be cruel but God will always send an Angel to lift you up. Happy Birthday God Bless you all.”
“Thank God for the boys in blue you truly are genuine humans always ready to make us feel someone is always looking out for us thank you to all police officers where ever you may God watch over you all and keep you safe.”
