This afternoon, she took her son Caden to Hy-Vee with carnations to hand out to people as they left the store. Simple idea—spread a little kindness, make people smile, teach her boy about generosity. They stood by the exit, passing out flowers, watching faces light up as strangers received unexpected beauty.
Then store manager Jamie Stephens approached them. For a moment, the mom worried they were doing something wrong—maybe soliciting wasn’t allowed, maybe they needed to move, maybe this small act of kindness was violating some store policy.
Instead, Jamie asked if they’d like more flowers to give away.
The question landed like grace. Not only were they allowed to continue, but the store wanted to support them. Wanted to give them more flowers so they could spread more joy. Wanted to be part of whatever beautiful thing was happening by the exit.
They eagerly accepted—Caden especially, his face lighting up at the prospect of giving away even more carnations. Because kids love this stuff. Love being part of spreading happiness. Love watching people’s faces change when they receive unexpected gifts.
As they handed out those extra flowers, something beautiful happened. People were so moved by the gesture—a child giving away flowers for no reason except kindness—that some gave them dollars to buy even more. Not just accepting the flowers and moving on, but wanting to fuel the kindness. Wanting to be part of multiplying joy.
By the time they left, Caden was glowing. He turned to his mom and said something that made her heart soar: “My heart is happy.”
Not I had fun or That was cool or Can we do it again? But my heart is happy. The kind of statement that reveals a child learning what really matters. That giving makes you feel better than getting. That spreading kindness creates joy in the giver as much as the receiver. That a happy heart comes from making other hearts happy.
That’s when she knew they’d sparked something bigger than flowers. They’d created a moment where kindness multiplied. Where a store manager supported generosity. Where strangers gave money to fuel more giving. Where a little boy discovered that his heart feels happy when he spreads joy.
Caden will remember this. Will remember standing outside Hy-Vee handing carnations to strangers. Will remember the store manager bringing more flowers. Will remember people giving him money to buy even more. Will remember the feeling—my heart is happy—that came from making others smile.
And he’ll carry that lesson forever. That happiness isn’t just about receiving but about giving. That kindness creates ripples. That a simple flower can change someone’s day. That when your heart is happy from spreading joy, you’ve discovered one of life’s most important truths.
Jamie Stephens could have told them they needed to leave. Could have cited store policies or worried about liability. Instead, she saw a mother and son trying to spread kindness and decided to help. Gave them more flowers. Turned a small gesture into something bigger.
And the strangers who gave them dollars could have just accepted the flowers and moved on. Could have taken the gift without contributing. Instead, they recognized something worth supporting and gave money so the kindness could continue.
That’s what happens when kindness meets kindness. It multiplies. Spreads. Creates moments where everyone involved feels like their hearts are happy. Where a boy handing out carnations teaches adults that joy comes from giving. Where a grocery store exit becomes a place where humanity shows up beautifully.
Caden’s heart was happy. And that’s when his mom knew they’d sparked something bigger than flowers. They’d sparked the realization that spreading kindness is one of the surest paths to happiness. That giving creates joy. That making others smile makes your own heart happy in ways that nothing else can.