To the Kind Gentleman at WalM@rt this afternoon

Dear Sir,
I never got a chance to thank you. While we waited in line for hours to meet Jerry Rice today, Bugs fully expected to get his chance. He brought his football jersey for an autograph. He patiently stood in line and even entertained younger kids waiting behind us (and with us). When it seemed that we might barely not make it through the line in time, Bugs offered to let the younger boy behind us go through first. As we approached the men managing the crowd, we were told that Mr. Rice would have to leave promptly at 6:00, but that we had a slim chance of getting to the table before he had to go. Most of the people in line behind us went home at that point. Bugs asked very quietly if we could stay. He still thought he was going to make it and he got more and more excited as we inched toward the front. When we were waiting behind just ONE other family, we were all told that Mr. Rice would not be meeting with any more fans and could not sign any more autographs. Some of the other people in line rushed forward to the table to try to get their footballs, jerseys, trading cards and helmets signed as Mr. Rice was leaving. Bugs ran with the little boy and helped him to the front of the barriers, but neither of them ever got their autographs. Bugs is a big kid and a tough kid, but his disappointment rolled down his cheeks in salty tears. In his young mind it was totally unfair that the "grown-ups" had pushed the kids out of the way. As I comforted him, you walked up to us and asked if you could help. Bugs explained that he had almost made it, but wasn't able to meet a "real football player,"  but that he was fine. Just that small compassionate gesture was more than enough. When you headed toward the men who were escorting Mr. Rice out of the store, we started to leave. Then you ran to us with an autographed picture of Jerry Rice, handed it to my boy and walked away with your own teen son as quickly as you had come. I know that getting an autograph from a retired NFL player is No Big Deal to most people, including myself. But to a newly-turned-11 year old who lives and breathes football, it was. You made his day, and in doing so made mine as well. I know you don't read my blog, but somebody who does might know you. There are angels everywhere, even our local discount store. You were kind to my son and an example to yours, and I pray that both of them will remember that moment and show that same kindness to another little boy someday. THANK YOU.