Mom Buys Birthday Cake From Publix for Son—Finds Anonymous Note Inside That Brings Her to Tears

Mom Buys Birthday Cake From Publix for Son—Finds Anonymous Note Inside That Brings Her to Tears
Epoch Inspired Staff
6/23/2021
Updated:
6/23/2021

A Florida mom was overwhelmed when a cake she had preordered from Publix for her son’s birthday last month had been anonymously paid for.

Melanie Andrews Pitts had ordered the cake from the supermarket at Fleming Island shopping center in advance of her son Graham’s 18th birthday.

On the afternoon of May 14, Melanie went to the bakery department to pick up the cake; little did she know that she was in for more than just a sweet treat.

(Courtesy of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/melanie.a.pitts">Melanie Andrews Pitts</a>)
(Courtesy of Melanie Andrews Pitts)

The lady at the bakery counter informed her that the cake had already been paid for; upon inquiry, Melanie was told that a note, which had been left inside the package, would explain it all.

“Hello, today is my son’s 36th birthday, his 4th one in Heaven,“ the note read. ”I wanted to honor and remember him by paying it forward. I paid for your loved one’s birthday cake.

“It is my hope that you will forget about all the crazy little details of having a party and enjoy celebrating your loved one’s life. Take tons of pictures and videos and enjoy every moment of today.”

The paper was simply signed “James’s mom.”

(Courtesy of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/melanie.a.pitts">Melanie Andrews Pitts</a>)
(Courtesy of Melanie Andrews Pitts)

Melanie came to learn who James’s mom is: one who'd lost her son, James, and now buys a birthday cake for a stranger once every year in his honor.

Upon reading the note, Melanie was overwhelmed by the unexpected gesture and started crying.

She later took to Facebook to post the story of what happened that day and thank James’s mom.

“Her note was so poignant as today I was watching some old videos on my computer from when Graham was just a little boy,” Melanie captioned along with photos of the Publix birthday cake she had ordered.

(Courtesy of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/melanie.a.pitts">Melanie Andrews Pitts</a>)
(Courtesy of Melanie Andrews Pitts)
“My heart hurts for you and your family, I can’t imagine how difficult this day must be for you. Happy 36th birthday in Heaven to your son, James," added Melanie.

“Treasure every moment, we are never promised tomorrow. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. God bless you and family.”

The post attracted hundreds of reactions, with many of her followers applauding James’s mom for her soul stirring gesture.

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Epoch Inspired staff cover stories of hope that celebrate kindness, traditions, and triumph of the human spirit, offering valuable insights into life, culture, family and community, and nature.
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