Parents always want their kids to have the best possible birthday party and be surrounded by their friends. But sometimes, despite their best efforts, that proves quite a difficult feat. Texas native Alexa Fitzgerald learned that the hard way when she recently organized a birthday party for her 5-year-old daughter Willa.
In now a viral social media post, Alexa shared how she decided to make Willa’s birthday special by throwing her a party at a local Hat Creek restaurant. She invited “her entire class, last year’s class, and friends we had made along the way.” And despite only 30% of those invited saying they’ll come, she still hoped that her little girl would have a great time.
Unfortunately, the starting time of the party came and went, and no one showed up. Worried that Willa might get heartbroken, Alexa decided to get creative. She sent out a post to one Facebook group, inviting local families to drop by, and crossed her fingers.
In just a matter of minutes, the restaurant was packed. Parents and their kids rushed to join Willa’s birthday party and make sure it was a special day that she would remember for a long time.
Alexa was moved by the response, calling it “life-changing.”
“I just want to say thank you to all of the people who came today to be with us,” Alexa wrote in the social media post. “You not only showed up for my little girl but for me as well. You picked me up and encouraged me forward when I felt like I had failed as a mom. Thank you.”
This story shows that solidarity among parents is an amazing thing, and there will always be people who are willing to support fellow parents in tough times.