On the way home, Nolan quietly said, “He looked lonely, Dad.” That simple comment stayed with me. While adults often overthink or hesitate, Nolan showed pure compassion—just offering his company without judgment. It made me reflect on all the times I’d been too distracted to notice someone who needed kindness.
That moment changed me. Compassion doesn’t need to be grand—it can be a smile, a kind word, or even an extra straw in a milkshake. Since then, Nolan and I have made every Friday special. We visit the same milkshake shop, where they automatically give us two straws. One for him, and one that symbolizes the spirit of giving and connection he sparked in me.
Our “milkshake Fridays” have become a weekly ritual of slowing down and connecting—not just with each other, but with the world around us. Nolan’s innocent gesture reminded me that small, genuine acts of kindness can create lasting impact.
Because of him, I now carry that lesson into everyday life: at work, at home, and with strangers. Nolan has given me more than a weekly tradition—he’s given me a new way to see and live with a more open heart.