Florida boy's unusual bond with sanitation workers proves how deeply children love

Brie Mazin, a Florida-based woman who goes by @floridayogamama on Instagram, won the 'Best Mommy' title when she shared glimpses of her son bonding with a sanitation worker. Well, Shea, her son, met Loubet, the worker, as an 18-month-old baby, but even after so many years, their beautiful bond remains as strong as ever. The heartwarming video has gone viral with 8 million views since it was posted on April 22, 2025.

For the past 5 years, Brie said, her son has been obsessed with Loubet and his co-workers; in fact, every week, he stands by the door, waiting for their truck. "I want a hug," Shea said in the video, perhaps taken when he had met Loubet for the first time, and the man, who was evidently moved by his innocent gesture, responded, "Oh my Lord, you change the world." From sharing drinks to sharing important life updates, like losing his first-ever tooth at 6.5 years old, and friendly elbow bumps, Shea clearly thinks of Loubet as his extended family. "They share the most precious bond on earth," Brie said, sharing how, over the years, her son's relationship with the workers, especially Loubet, has always grown stronger.

"Here’s to the everyday heroes who remind us what really matters: kindness, respect, and community! Let’s keep passing that love on from generation to generation," she added in the caption. Unlike Shea, sadly, many grown-up adults don't value or respect sanitation workers and often look down on them. To back this theory, the National Library of Medicine said that although sanitation workers consider their work important for society, they often feel undervalued professionally. Besides, the lack of recognition and medical and psychological assistance affects their mental health adversely. If only people started becoming more like Shea, Brie's son, the world would be a better place to live.

Meanwhile, when Brie talked about her child's heartfelt bond with the sanitation worker, the video received an overwhelming response, with people appreciating her for raising him right. For example, a person, @casiap, commented, "Great job teaching your son that everyone matters. A job doesn’t define a person, but too many people allow it to." Likewise, someone else with the username @__.supa said, "You are an amazing mom. Allowing your son to love Loubet without restrictions. Not bottling his feelings because of who he is and what he does. That’s amazing."

Similarly, @bella.bella.number3 revealed, "The cutest thing ever! I love how Mom is so transparent. Kids definitely feel in great spirits. Truck besties!" Another user who goes by @thebarbersofdaville on Instagram shared, "I used to work for a garbage company and believe me when I say that these interactions are EVERYTHING to these drivers. Adults tend to look down on them for their profession, whereas children see them as heroes. As a group, they are some of the best people I've ever met. Thank you so much for sharing this!" On the other hand, @___bobdonald1965 said, "I am from Nigeria and I have not been feeling too well about myself lately, but this brings joy to my face and makes me forget my worries for a minute and more."

You can follow Brie Mazin (@floridayogamama) on Instagram for more parenting content.