When my husband and I couldn’t pick up our son from school one day due to work, we asked Kyle to take the school bus home along with the rest of his classmates. However, things took a sharp turn when the bus driver made a mistake while calling out the bus stop locations.It was just an ordinary Thursday, or so I thought when I waved goodbye to Kyle as he left for school with my husband, Tristan. He wasn’t used to taking the bus since either Tristan or I usually picked him up from school. But work had us both tied up that day, so we called his teacher and told her he’d be taking the bus and that we’d pick him up from the bus stop as it was closer for us. She guided him on what he needed to do before boarding. “Alright, sweetheart, the bus driver is going to call out the names of the bus stops. You have to be alert and wait for him to call your stop. Okay?” Mrs. Patterson told him before Kyle boarded the bus…My baby was confident he could make it, as he had always seen himself as an independent child.”Thank you, Mrs. Patterson. I’ll be alert and wait for him to call out Pflugerville,” he said, hugging his teacher before boarding the bus. Then, he got to his seat, and the bus driver closed the door. Kyle knew that our house was a bit further than the rest of the kids, so he read a book while on the bus.
Although he knew the name of our neighborhood, he didn’t exactly know how the bus stop looked, as he’d never ridden the school bus before. After a couple of stops, the bus driver suddenly called out, “Pflugerville.” Looking around, Kyle realized he was the only one getting off at that stop. He thanked the bus driver, exited the bus, and found himself alone at the bus stop.”Dad? Mom?” he then called out. He didn’t have a cell phone, so he decided to sit, thinking we were just late. It was getting darker, and it was cold. Kyle started feeling scared and walked around the neighborhood, hoping to find our house. But he ended up lost. Then, while he was walking around, a dark figure suddenly appeared in front of him. Kyle started crying,afraid that he was about to be taken somewhere scary. To be honest, that day was hectic like no other. We didn’t realize how soon it was time to pick up Kyle. Tristan and I headed to the bus stop in the next town, expecting to see Kyle hop off with his usual bright smile. But as the kids disembarked one by one, the sinking realization hit us — Kyle wasn’t there. Panic set in when the bus driver approached us, his face pale. “I’m sorry, I made a mistake. I called out ‘Pflugerville’ too early. I drove back and looked for him, but…” he stammered. The anger and fear I felt were indescribable.
We promised to take action against this negligence, but our immediate concern was finding our son.As darkness enveloped the town, Tristan and I frantically searched the neighborhood, calling out Kyle’s name, hoping to find him. But we got no response. Our boy was somewhere, and we didn’t know where. Tears streamed down my face, the worst scenarios playing out in my mind. Then, my phone rang, cutting through the night’s stillness. “Mom?” Kyle’s voice, a mix of relief and fear, was the sweetest sound I’d ever heard. “Sweetheart, where are you? Dad and I have been looking for you,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. He was calling from an unknown number. Whose number was that? “I’m with Frank. I’m in a dark, dirty room, but…”
The line went dead. My heart stopped for a moment. Had someone taken him? Who was this Frank? Without hesitation, we involved the police, who traced the call to a rundown part of town. We arrived at a decrepit shelter, where we found Kyle, safe but scared, with a beggar — Frank.Tristan and I were scared beyond words. Frank looked scary with his shabby appearance, and we thought he’d abducted our son. We were ready to unleash our fury at him for what we thought was a sinister act. Tristan almost raised his hand at the poor man. But Kyle’s voice stopped us in time. “Dad, Mom, why are you getting mad at him? You should be thanking him! If it weren’t for Frank, I’d be outside, freezing in the cold, or worse, someone could have taken me.” The realization hit us hard. Frank, this stranger who had nothing, had taken our son under his wing, offering him warmth and protection when he was most vulnerable. My heart swelled with gratitude and shame for my initial suspicions. Tristan and I immediately apologized to the kind man. Frank brushed off our worries and told us it was fine. “And that’s not all, Mom,” Kyle continued. “Using the money he had left, he bought me a sandwich instead of buying something for himself. He even gave me his blanket.”Tears welled up in my eyes, not just for the fear of nearly losing Kyle but for the kindness Frank showed him. That night, my husband and I treated Frank to a delicious meal at a local Chinese restaurant. Frank was overjoyed. “Thank you for this delicious meal. You really didn’t have to do anything for me. I was glad to help Kyle!” he smiled. “Something could have happened to our son if you were not there to save him, Frank. This is the least we can do,” Tristan said while pouring Frank another cup of tea. Tristan and I were so grateful for what Frank had done that we didn’t want to stop at just treating him to dinner. We wanted to make sure that although Frank was currently unemployed, he’d live comfortably.As Tristan worked for a large pharmaceutical company, he pulled some strings to get Frank a job at one of their pharmacy branches. We also made sure he had warm clothes and food while he adjusted to life as an employee. We wanted to ensure Frank’s future was as bright as the hope he’d given us. Ultimately, Frank’s life changed for the better, and he was able to move out of the shelter and rent a small apartment that was good enough for him to comfortably live in. He also excelled at his job as a security guard, and he enjoyed being able to work and interact with different people. Frank never thought that a simple act of kindness would change his life for the better. He had a stable job and a comfortable home and gained a good set of friends — all because he decided to help Kyle that day. Looking back, I realize how a moment of fear led to an unexpected friendship and a reminder of the inherent goodness in people. Frank, once a stranger, now holds a special place in our hearts.
10 Celebrity Dads Who Are Shattering Stereotypes Like a Pro
Modern dads, including those in the spotlight, are shaking up traditional parenting roles. They’re becoming more involved at home and questioning old-fashioned views on what it means to be ‘manly.’ By openly talking about their parenting journeys, these well-known dads are setting an example.
1. Dwayne «The Rock» Johnson
On his social media, Dwayne Johnson posted a picture and expressed his dedication to fatherhood with a caption that read, «Regardless of where we’re at… when #2 happens with my baby girl… I’m the #1 man for the job. #TheWorkinMan #DaddysGotU.» He’s showing that no matter the situation, he’s always ready to step up for his daughter. He often shares photos of himself getting a makeover by his daughters or spending quality time with them.
2. David Beckham
Beckham spoke about his journey as a father. He said from the moment kids are born it’s a constant worry, but he wouldn’t change anything. He shared how time has gone by so quickly for him as a father, from the moment he was holding them in the hospital, to the next minute when they’re driving their car. But it’s the most special thing.
3. Johnny Knoxville
ohnny Knoxville reveals that after his daughter and her friend give him a makeover, he often goes out with them. The 53-year-old star posted a picture where he’s wearing a shiny blonde wig styled into a bob with bangs and topped with a tiara. But the makeover didn’t stop there. His 12-year-old daughter Arlo, and her friend, were the artists behind this playful look. Knoxville enjoys these moments and is happy to share them, even if it’s just indoors.
4. Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry spoke about how his kids aren’t impressed by his NBA career. He spoke about how when he’s home, he’s just Dad, and how he loves to watch them grow and blossom and support them. He said, «They like my goofiness and the way you just show up at home more than anything.»
5. Chris Hemsworth
In an interview, Chris spoke about his work-life balance. He talked about how having kids was more important to him, even though he felt some of his roles had suffered. When he reflected on his work, he felt as if he could’ve put more energy into a couple of films, but then said, «No, I’d rather be with my kids.»
6. Kevin Jonas
Kevin shared a post of his girls on social media. He wrote, «Being a father to these 2 amazing girls is the greatest job and honor of my life. Thank you for teaching me so much every day. To all the Dads out there be kind, love unconditionally, and don’t forget to be strong!»
7. Jeff Goldblum
Goldblum became a father later in life and when asked about being a dad, he spoke about how it was revitalizing and how it brought him closer to his wife. He also shared that it can be challenging at times and maddening but also sweet and amazing.
8. James Van Der Beek
James, a dad of six kids truly treasures spending time with them all — «For me, playing with the kids is so important. It’s good for them physically, it’s good for them mentally, and emotionally. It’s good for our relationship. But as any busy parent knows, if you don’t schedule that play, the odds of it happening dwindle.»
9. Jason Momoa
Jason Momoa shared his feelings about fatherhood in an interview. He said, «I always thought being a dad was cool! I always wanted to be a dad.» When speaking about his son, he spoke about how he wanted to connect with him and be open and vulnerable. And to embrace both the male and feminine sides of us that we all have.
10. Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo shared the photo with the caption, «Funny moment with my babies.» In an interview, he was asked about his son also playing soccer. He said that he wasn’t going to push for him to be a soccer player. He wants him to be whatever he wants.
Some Hollywood dads are raising their kids as a single parent and doing a great job at it. Check them out here.
Preview photo credit therock / Instagram, therock / Instagram
Leave a Reply