A Touch of Kindness: The Story of a Lost Stuffed Chicken and Restored Faith

Sometimes it feels like the world is against us. 

A constant fight for what my son Lucas needs and deserves.  And then there are times I’m reminded that’s not always true and our faith is restored.  We experienced an amazing act this week and it may sound so silly to some.  But it was absolutely everything, especially to this sweet boy.

Lucas has a worn out and well loved stuffed chicken.  Many in Lucas’ world know how special she is to him.  A gift, almost 8 years ago, from Lucas’ Nana. 

It was the first and only item that was important to him. 

That is, until pencil sharpeners came along.  He’s never missed a night of sleep without that yellow bird.  Often her squeak can be heard throughout our home.  He also uses her to talk through his emotions, she feels them with him.

Lucas is allowed to take comfort items to school with him.  I’ve been hesitant to let him take Chica because she’s almost irreplaceable.  But lately he’s done well with keeping track of his belongings so I thought it would be a great way to reward him.

On Wednesday, I received a call from the school secretary.  Panic set in when I saw her name across my phone.  Lucas was safe but quite upset.  

Chica was missing and he thought he had left her on the bus.  She had called the bus company and they couldn’t find that chicken.  I remembered he had a substitute bus driver with a different bus that morning.  So she said she’d call and ask them to check again. 

 I should have done all this myself. I mean, searching for a stuffed animal wasn’t really a necessity.  But I’ll be honest, I was just as distressed as Lucas.  What would we do without that chicken? 

I received a call 45 minutes later.  Chica was found and back into the arms of our blonde haired boy.  He was so relieved as was I. 

The sweet secretary had driven to the bus company to pick up that stuffed chicken.  And even stopped for treats to gift to them as well.  I know she left an extremely busy office to run this special retrieval. 

Above and beyond is an understatement! 

Lucas is so loved and cared for at school.  So he made a card for the secretary, the idea of the fabulous para that works with him. 

The loss of Chica was a lesson for many that day but most of all for me.  Kindness is everywhere around us and this week it was in the form of a yellow stuffed chicken. 

And a huge thank you to everyone who helped Lucas that day!  You all are absolutely incredible!

Written by Alison Kacer of Pencils4Lucas.