When Grand Rapids, Michigan policeman, Officer Austin Lynema, spotted Thomas Daniel chasing a school bus he had just missed, he gave him a ride to school.
During the ride, the two got to chatting, and Officer Lynema heard some distressing things from his new young friend. Thomas confided in the officer that he was being bullied in school and he was worried nobody would show up to his birthday party that evening. He then invited the officer to attend the party.
Bullying is an unpleasant reality of the modern day. Sadly, many children will experience bullying at some point in their lives. In fact, close to 20% of students ages 12-18 experienced bullying nationwide, which can increase feelings of loneliness, rejection, depression, and anxiety.
When Officer Lynema showed up to Daniel’s birthday party, he found that the boy’s worst fears had come true, none of his classmates were at the party. So Lynema decided to take matters into his own hands and hatch a wonderful plan.
He and his colleagues threw Daniel a surprise party the very next day, meeting him as he got off the school bus with a celebration that included a Krispy Kreme cake, gifts, and a string quartet!
Thomas Daniel had one of the worst birthdays of his life and it could have turned into a horrible and traumatic memory. Instead, thanks to the actions of the Grand Rapids Police Department, his birthday redo ended up being one of his best memories ever!