Ryan Catterson, the delivery driver, was still reeling from the devastating loss of his 16-year-old daughter—a heartbreak few can imagine. Trying to push forward through his grief, he returned to work, delivering pizzas in West Warwick, Rhode Island. While dropping off an order at one family’s home, he experienced a moment of unexpected comfort. As he turned to leave, the family’s young son suddenly ran after him and wrapped him in a tight hug. The spontaneous embrace caught Ryan off guard, but he bent down and hugged the child back, visibly touched by the unprompted kindness.
Toddler hugs pizza guy out of the blue – mom later learns he had just lost his daughter
Lindsey's 2-year-old wanted to thank the pizza guy, but he made an impact greater than he imagined.
We often underestimate just how intuitive children can be. While they may not have the life experience of adults, their ability to sense emotions is often remarkable. That was proven in a heartwarming moment when a 2-year-old boy instinctively offered a hug to a pizza delivery driver—without knowing the man was carrying a heavy grief. As reported by ABC 6, the driver, who had recently lost his teenage daughter, was deeply moved by the small but profoundly meaningful gesture.
Lindsey Sheely said she ordered a pizza to her Rhode Island home Saturday night. After the delivery driver, Ryan Catterson, said his goodbyes, her young son Cohen chased after him and gave him a hug. https://t.co/f7y96kAPfp
— Action News on 6abc (@6abc) February 20, 2020
The boy's mother, Lindsey Sheely, ran out after her son, initially intending to stop him from bothering their guest. However, witnessing the heartfelt interaction, she realized just how meaningful the moment was for Ryan. Sometimes, the simplest gestures—like a hug from a child—can carry an impact far greater than words ever could.
It was only after she happened to chat with Ryan did she realize the hug was better than any tip she could have given him. Luckily, the adorable moment was caught on video through their doorbell security camera. Lindsey decided to share the sweet interaction on social media. Eventually, the video made its way to Ryan, who shared with her how much the exchange, as well as the clip, meant to him. "After losing my daughter this past week, it touched me because it was like she was there. It really just meant a lot to me. It's going to be tough not going to be able to hug her again," he said. "A lot of people are commenting that may have been her looking out for me. Those words mean something. Maybe she's there."
Ryan's daughter used to live with his former wife Danielle McCord in California. According to her, the little boy's actions are a lesson in empathy. She explained, "It's so easy to miss people and their internal pain. Even with our daughter, we didn't know her pain. I can't help but be grateful that someone saw his pain and could be there for him." Reportedly, Ryan and Danielle's daughter struggled with mental health issues growing up. For Ryan, the moment he shared with the toddler lasted only a few seconds, but he said he would treasure it forever, just like he does the memory of his daughter. Ryan and Danielle have initiated a GoFundMe for those interested in contributing toward funeral expenses. If you'd like to help them out, click here. As the bereaved parents try to cope with their loss, it's heartwarming to know there are kind souls out there—even if they're only 2 years old!—who can nurture and heal our hearts.
This article originally appeared 5 years ago.
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