It started like any regular Tuesday. We were walking back from the grocery store—me lugging bags, my eight-year-old son, Ben, skipping beside me, chatting about nothing and everything.
About halfway home, we passed a police officer standing by his cruiser, talking to someone. Ben tugged on my sleeve and whispered, “Mama, can I ask him something?” I figured he wanted to see the patrol car or maybe ask about his badge, so I shrugged and said sure.
But instead of the usual kid questions, Ben walked right up and, in his small but steady voice, said, “Excuse me, sir… can I pray for you?”
The officer looked taken aback. I froze, half-embarrassed, half-curious. Without missing a beat, the officer glanced at me for a second—like asking if it was okay—then nodded. Next thing I knew, this grown man got down on one knee right there on the sidewalk.
I stood there, bags dangling, trying to process it.
Ben placed his hand gently on the officer’s shoulder, closed his eyes, and said, “I just wanna pray that he stays safe… and doesn’t have to hurt anybody today. And that when he goes home, he still remembers he’s a good person.”
That was the moment my throat closed up. Because we’ve never talked about police in any deep way—not really. But Ben’s been quiet ever since he saw that news story last month. The one I switched off too fast, thinking he wasn’t paying attention.
The officer’s eyes were shiny when he stood back up. He thanked Ben like it meant the world.
And walking home, Ben asked me so simply, “Did I do the right thing, Mama?”
I still don’t know how to answer that. Or maybe I do.
That evening, as I was tucking Ben into bed, I sat on the edge of his comforter and looked at him. He was busy smoothing down a frayed patch on his blanket. A question brewed in my heart: “Ben, why did you ask the officer if you could pray for him?”
He blinked at me, his big brown eyes so calm. “I just thought maybe he needed someone to care about him,” he said. “Sometimes people forget that police officers can be scared too.”
I had never heard my son speak so plainly about someone else’s fear. Especially a police officer. It struck me that he understood something simple but profound: everyone, even the toughest uniform, has feelings and worries. It was honestly humbling. Sometimes, adults get so wrapped up in bigger narratives and controversies that we forget the humanity behind the uniform. But Ben—he just saw a person who might need a kind word.
I kissed him on the forehead and whispered, “Yeah, buddy, I think you did exactly the right thing.”
The next day, a letter slipped into our mailbox from our neighborhood community group. It was a friendly heads-up about an upcoming block party. Just the usual notice: a potluck, some games for the kids, nothing fancy. I figured maybe it would be a good chance to relax and do something fun with Ben. As a single mother, I’m always looking for ways to connect with my neighbors and let Ben play with kids his age. I marked the date on my calendar.
A few days later, I realized the groceries were running low again—funny how it’s almost a daily thing with a growing kid at home. After work, I quickly changed out of my scrubs (I work at a small dental clinic), grabbed Ben, and headed out. While we were in the store, rummaging through the produce section, I felt a gentle tap on my shoulder. I turned around to see a familiar face: the police officer from that day on the sidewalk.
He smiled warmly. “Ma’am, I just wanted to say thank you. I hope it’s not weird that I’m saying this, but… your son’s prayer really touched me.” He glanced down at Ben, who was shyly studying a pile of apples. “Kid, you have no idea how much I needed that. It was a rough day, you know?”
Ben’s face lit up. He offered the officer an awkward wave, not sure what else to say. The officer continued, “I had just come from a call that shook me up. And then, out of nowhere, this little guy stops me to say a prayer for my safety—and my heart. It meant a lot.”
I felt tears threaten to well in my eyes right there in the produce aisle. It’s one thing to see a tender moment happen in the street, but another to hear how much it mattered after the fact. The officer didn’t linger long—he just thanked us again, gave Ben a friendly ruffle of the hair, and went on his way. But that small conversation stayed with me.
As the week rolled on, I found myself bringing up Ben’s prayer story at odd moments—at the clinic with a colleague, or when talking to my sister on the phone. Everyone seemed touched by how naturally the idea came to Ben. Nobody told him to do it. He just did. And each time I recounted the story, I couldn’t help but wonder: how many times do I walk past someone who might need a kind word, a helping hand, or even a quick prayer? Do I slow down enough to notice?
The day of the block party arrived. Neighborhood kids ran around, chalk in hand, drawing on the pavement. Parents chatted in little clusters near barbecue grills. The smell of hot dogs and roasted corn was everywhere. Music played softly in the background. Ben took off the moment he spotted a friend from school. Me? I found a fold-up chair and settled in, thinking maybe I’d talk to a neighbor or two. I figured it would be a typical, laid-back afternoon.
Then, out of nowhere, I saw that same police officer approaching, dressed in civilian clothes and carrying a dish covered in aluminum foil. I remembered the community notice that said the local precinct was invited. As he walked closer, I stood up with a wave. He grinned, balancing the dish in one hand.
“Hope you don’t mind a cheesy casserole,” he joked. “Cooking’s not my strongest skill, but my mom had a good recipe. Thought I’d give it a try.”
He turned out to be surprisingly talkative, easygoing. He introduced himself as Officer Reyes. I introduced myself in return, and we chatted about everything from the weather to how our neighborhood was growing. Then he said quietly, “You know, that day your son prayed for me was my partner’s first day back after an injury. We’d had a close call the night before. I’m not usually superstitious, but it felt like maybe there was some protection around us that day. For both of us.” His face looked serious for a moment, and I could tell how deeply he meant it.
Before I could respond, Ben ran over, out of breath from playing tag. His shirt was covered in sidewalk chalk dust. He spotted Officer Reyes and gave him a grin. Without hesitation, the officer leaned down and offered Ben a high-five. “Thanks again, little man,” he said. “You gave me some hope that day. And you remind me to stay kind.”
Ben ducked his head, beaming. “You’re welcome,” he whispered.
As the sun started to set, people slowly began cleaning up. The kids helped toss empty plates in the trash. Chairs were folded, tables broken down. The hum of conversation died down to a soft murmur. Before Officer Reyes left, he turned to Ben one more time and said, “Always stay just like you are. A big heart is the greatest gift.” Then he shook my hand gently and disappeared into the dwindling crowd.
Afterward, walking back to our apartment, I glanced down at Ben, who was happily kicking at rocks on the sidewalk. He still had that sparkle in his eye from the party. I put an arm around his shoulders and gave him a quick squeeze. “So,” I finally said, “you asked me the other day if you did the right thing, praying for Officer Reyes like that. What do you think now?”
Ben tilted his head, then shrugged in his kid-like way. “I think… maybe I helped someone feel better.”
And I nodded, smiling at him. Because that was exactly it.
Sometimes, we forget how easy it can be to reach out, to offer a gentle word, a prayer, or just a moment of kindness to someone who might be carrying a heavy load. You never know whose life you might brighten—even if it’s only a tiny sliver of hope. My son taught me that compassion isn’t complicated; it’s right there, waiting for us to share. And the impact can be bigger than we ever imagine.
So yes, Ben did the right thing. And so can we, in our own small ways, every day.
If this story touched your heart, I hope you’ll share it with someone who might need a spark of hope today. And if it made you smile, please give it a like so we can spread this message of kindness even further. Thank you for reading!