Tears for Diapers

I had a touching experience at work the other day.

As all of you may remember, I had a little boy named Adam in my class. Adam moved up to the toddler room about two months ago but his mom and I are still close. Well, about a week ago Adam's mom mentioned that she was starting a new job. Adam had been in my class that day and she told me to use his diapers sparingly as she didn't know when she'd be able to get a new pack. At the end of my work day I went out and bought Adam a package of diapers. I didn't think anything of it. I knew his mom was struggling so I decided to help out.

When I got to work the next day I did the math and realized that the package of diapers I'd bought would only last a week, so I bought another, bigger, package of diapers. I didn't tell Adam's mom. I just quietly put the diapers in Adam's cubbie. Well, about a week later Adam's mom noticed the diapers in his cubbie and asked where they came from. I confessed. She cried. Adam's mom hugged me around my neck and literally cried. For a pack of diapers! Needless to say, I cried too.

Adam's mom is one of the most generous parents I have. She recently donated to the day care a high chair that Adam no longer uses. Think about it. She could have sold the high chair to make a little extra money but no, she chose to give it to me because she knew I needed it. In all my years in day care it's been my experience that the poorer parents are the most giving. Maybe they're that way because they know what it's like to do without. Whatever the reason, Adam's mom is true to the mold. Her heartfelt gratitude for a package of diapers moved me to tears. I hope it touches you that deeply, too.