There are so many reasons why kids would choose to eat alone at lunch. They are either being bullied or simply uncomfortable with being around many kids. It’s also possible that they just don’t have anyone to eat lunch with. No matter what the reason is, eating lunch alone can be quite lonely.
When a Florida State University football player saw a middle school student having lunch by himself, he decided to sit at his table.
Wide receiver Travis Rudolph and his teammates were in Montford Middle School in Tallahassee to pay a visit. When he saw Bo Paske, he didn’t pass up the chance to make the little guy feel less alone. He sat and ate lunch with him.
From then on, the boy went from being secluded to being one of the most popular students in school.
He was bombarded with attention the very next day. The kids were all cheering for him and all the girls wanted him to sit with them.
According to his mom, Leah Paske:
“I think everybody will probably want him to sit with them going forward. I would be very surprised if he was ever sitting alone again in that cafeteria.”
Bo’s mom has always been worried about his kid feeling alone at school. Diagnosed with autism, Bo didn’t have many friends. He was so used to eating lunch by himself.
“It bothered me way more than it bothered him. It makes me feel much better to know that people would surround him with love there.”- she said.
Leah heard about what happened at lunch from a photo of Bo and Travis eating lunch together. That photo she received brought tears to her eyes.
“I had tears streaming down my face. I’m not sure what exactly made this incredibly kind man share a lunch table with my son, but I’m happy to say that it will not soon be forgotten. This is one day I didn’t have to worry if my sweet boy ate lunch alone, because he sat across from someone who is a hero in many eyes. Travis Rudolph thank you so much, you made this momma exceedingly happy, and have made us fans for life!”
Travis was surprised by how his small act of kindness went viral in an instant.
To him, it was just an honest and simple interaction between two people.
Travis shared:
“I asked if I could sit next to him, and he said ‘sure, why not? I just felt like we had a great conversation. He started off and was so open. He told me his name was Bo, and how much he loves Florida State, and he went from there.”
Bo’s story has inspired a lot of people, particularly the parents of kids diagnosed with autism. It sparks hope that there are still people out there who can make children, with or without autism, to feel more accepted and included in today’s society.
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