I told my young son to stick close while I used the ATM in the bank lobby. He was especially energetic that day—full of questions, chatting nonstop, wondering aloud about everything from how ceiling fans spin to how the ATM “makes money come out of the wall.”
When I glanced over just moments later, I saw him completely engrossed in a conversation with two California Highway Patrol officers standing near the entrance. I felt a wave of panic—ready to step in and apologize for the interruption—but before I could say anything, one of the officers knelt down and handed him a shiny sticker badge.
That’s all it took. They were instantly buddies.
My son lit up with pride, puffing out his chest like he’d just joined the force. He immediately launched into a flurry of questions—asking about their radios, their police vehicles, and, in a moment that made everyone laugh, whether they “eat donuts or save them for emergencies.”
The officers’ laughter filled the quiet lobby, and I was suddenly overwhelmed with a feeling I didn’t expect—gratitude. Despite being on duty, these officers took a few meaningful minutes to engage with my son and fuel his curiosity. It was a small encounter, but one I’ll never forget.