A 4-Year-Old Boy Planted Seed of Kindness and Brought His Neighborhood Together

A 4-year-old boy planted seeds of kindness and brought his neighborhood together. Who knew the power of a smile and a wave could create a family from total strangers? Grab a tissue and be prepared to pass this story on because deep down we all need a little of Roman Butzlaff in our lives. 

Every one of us knows what it's like to long for connection, to hope someone notices us, or simply smiles and says, "Hey." And according to Roman’s mom, that’s what he does and dazzles everyone he meets in his town of Concord, North Carolina.

4-Year-Old Boy Brings Neighborhood Together

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"He wakes up every day excited to say 'hi' to somebody," his mom, Anna Butzlaff, said. "That's the first thing he wants to do." But behind Roman's cheerful wave was a lonely little heart. After his parents separated, his father moved to Florida, and his grandparents lived out of state.

Roman didn’t have anyone besides his mom to say hello to, but that didn’t stop Roman from trying to make friends. But then one neighbor decided to wave back. Wade Fulgum, who lives across the street, introduced himself to the little boy who was always saying hello.

Before long, they were spending time together. Soon other neighbors joined in, showing up for Roman's soccer games, swimming lessons, preschool open house, and even racing him down the street. Who knew a race between a scooter and a bike could be so fun!

Senior Neighbors Became Like Family to Roman

When it came time for Roman's birthday party, his guest list looked a little different than most 4-year-olds'. Instead of classmates, he invited many of his senior citizen neighbors, the people who had quietly become the grandparents his heart had been missing.

"They've made such an impact on him," Anna said. "They are really special people to him."

This is the part that gets me. Roman thought he was looking for friends, but instead he built a village. Today, Anna's refrigerator is covered with photos of the neighbors who now love her son like family. Even more beautiful, those neighbors say they probably never would have known one another if it weren't for one little boy who never stopped waving.

One neighbor said, "Look at what this little kid has built."

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A Simple Hello Can Create a Lasting Connection

Maybe that's what the world has been missing all along. Not bigger houses or busier lives, but people willing to look up, wave first, and make room for someone else. Roman didn't just find the village his little heart needed. He reminded an entire neighborhood that we're all longing to belong. One little boy with an open heart did what so many adults struggle to do—he turned neighbors into family, proving that love often begins with the smallest hello.  Maybe we all could be a little more like Roman, who believes every stranger is just a friend he hasn't met yet, a little hand raised in greeting, and one simple word: "Hey."

"Love your neighbor as yourself."  Mark 12:31

WATCH: A 4-Year-Old Boy Planted Seed of Kindness and Brought His Neighborhood Together

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h/t: CBS News

Featured Image Credit: YouTube/CBS Evening News

Heather Riggleman is a believer, wife, mom, author, social media consultant, and full-time writer. She lives in Minden, Nebraska with her kids, high school sweetheart, and three cats who are her entourage around the homestead. She is a former award-winning journalist with over 2,000 articles published. She is full of grace and grit, raw honesty, and truly believes tacos can solve just about any situation. You can find her on GodUpdates, iBelieve, Crosswalk, Hello Darling, Focus On The Family, and in Brio Magazine. Connect with her at www.HeatherRiggleman.com or on Facebook.