Having a Harder Time Than Usual
This pregnant waitress began her shift just like any other, unaware that the day held a life-changing surprise that would leave her in tears. What could have happened to this young woman? Keep reading to find out how her ordinary day turned extraordinary.
Today felt tougher than most. Deep into her third trimester, she was noticeably bigger, with sore feet and a throbbing back. She slowly waddled over to clear the table and pick up the check—but the officer had already gone.
Right to Her Manager
When she opened the check holder, she found a handwritten note from the police officer.
Overcome with emotion, she rushed straight to her manager, barely holding back her tears.
Preparing for the Baby
Although Courtney Cadigan was eight months pregnant, she kept working the shifts she could handle at the Lamp Post Diner.
Her mind was focused on the future—she wanted to ensure she was financially prepared for her baby's arrival.
Every Penny Counts
With motherhood just around the corner, she understood the importance of working hard and saving whatever she could.
Every penny mattered with everything that lay ahead—after all, raising a child doesn't come cheap!
Tough Job
Working as a waiter or waitress is no easy task. Most people don’t realize that these workers spend long hours on their feet for very little pay.
On top of that, many customers leave small—or no—tips, making it even harder to get by.
Not a Familiar Face
The diner often welcomed regulars, including police officers grabbing a quick meal before starting their shifts.
Courtney was used to seeing them, but that day, one officer stood out—she had never seen him before.
Truly Unexpected
As he left the diner, the officer slipped a note along with the bill for Courtney.
It caught her completely off guard—she had never received anything like this before.
Her Mind in Overdrive
With her due date falling on April Fools’ Day, Courtney’s worries about finances grew heavier.
Things were made even harder by the fact that her relationship with the baby’s father had ended on a difficult note.
Facing Motherhood Alone
Now preparing to raise her child by herself, these worries weighed heavily on her mind.
Just then, the officer came in and took a seat in her section. She approached him with a menu and warmly welcomed him to the diner.
Something Felt Off
The police officers who regularly visited the diner were all from the Voorhees Township Police Department, so Courtney was familiar with their faces.
That’s why, when she spotted an unfamiliar officer walk in, she immediately sensed that something was up—it wasn’t a typical visit.
Even Stranger
Courtney brushed off her uneasy thoughts, choosing to treat the situation like any other.
She approached the officer to take his order as usual, but something about the interaction felt off—and from that point on, things only got stranger.
Her Concerns
Courtney hadn’t heard from her ex in quite some time, and that silence weighed heavily on her.
Despite the rocky end to their relationship, she still hoped he would take an active role in their child’s life.
Forcing a Smile
It was clear that Courtney hadn’t been treated with the respect she deserved by her ex.
Still, she chose to push those thoughts aside for the moment, put on a smile, took out her notepad, and politely took the unknown officer’s order.
A Bit Uneasy
As the unfamiliar officer entered the diner, Courtney couldn’t shake a feeling of slight discomfort.
She was fairly certain she hadn’t seen him before, and now that she was interacting with him, she found herself closely studying his face, trying to figure out if he looked familiar.
The Stone-Faced Officer
Maybe he was from out of town, or perhaps he simply didn’t visit the diner often. Still, Courtney couldn’t help but worry—what if this had something to do with her ex, or worse, what if she was in trouble?
The officer’s expressionless, stone-cold face only added to her growing unease.
An Uncomfortable Encounter
Courtney made an effort to be friendly, attempting to break the ice with some casual small talk.
She tried chatting about the weather, his meal, or anything to lighten the mood, but each time, he responded with nothing more than a stiff nod and a forced smile, making the situation feel even more awkward.
A Strange Request
The officer ordered just a green salad and a glass of water—simple, yet oddly specific.
Courtney felt a bit of relief as she walked away from the uncomfortable exchange, but she could still feel his eyes on her as she waddled toward the kitchen, making her all the more uneasy.
Getting Busier
As Courtney stepped through the swinging doors, she saw the diner had grown crowded.
A new couple had taken the booth just behind where the officer was sitting. She quickly made her way over to greet them and introduce herself.
A Straightforward Explanation
The couple immediately noticed Courtney’s large baby bump and the fatigue in her eyes, but she quickly reassured them.
Courtney later remembered saying, “I told the people sitting behind him that it was my first baby,” and added, “I was about to leave work soon.”
Keeping a Close Eye
Before giving their order, the couple kindly congratulated Courtney, not realizing that the police officer had been listening closely to the entire conversation.
As she returned to deliver his salad and continued on to serve other tables, he kept a sharp eye on her every move.
Requesting the Bill
The unknown officer finished his salad in no time and downed his water just as quickly.
Shortly after, he raised his hand to ask for the check. The total was $9.00, and Courtney promptly brought it over to him.
Getting Crowded
The diner was growing more crowded by the minute, and Courtney was back on her feet, rushing to make sure all the orders were delivered promptly.
In the chaos, she didn’t realize that the police officer had already left. Focused on her tasks, she continued with her shift.
The Message
As Courtney opened the leather check holder, she saw that the officer had left enough cash to cover the meal.
But what truly caught her attention was a handwritten note on the bill—one that made her knees nearly give out. It was clearly meant just for her.
What Could Be Wrong?
Looking back, Courtney said, “He must have overheard my conversation with the other customers.” That left her wondering—was he judging her for continuing to work while pregnant?
Or maybe he was upset about slow service, considering she couldn’t move as quickly as others.
Wishing Her Well
Courtney lifted the note and read it carefully, her eyes widening in disbelief.
Written on the bill were the words: “Enjoy ur 1st. You will never forget it.” Alongside the kind message was exactly $9 in change. It was such a thoughtful gesture—how kind of him to wish her well!
Utter Shock
But when she glanced at the tip amount, her breath caught—she was completely stunned.
With her pregnancy hormones in full swing, the officer’s overwhelming generosity left her in disbelief. Overcome with emotion, she couldn’t hold it in and rushed straight to her manager in tears.
Overwhelmed Worker
Courtney did her best to hold back her tears, but she couldn’t manage it.
She walked into the back room still clutching the check, clearly shaken. When her manager saw how upset she looked, she immediately assumed that something awful had occurred.
Could It Have Been an Error?
Was it possible he made a mistake? Maybe his vision was poor and he thought the total was higher than it was.
Or perhaps he accidentally wrote $100 instead of $10? As unlikely as both scenarios seemed, Courtney still found it hard to believe that he had truly intended to leave such a generous $100 tip.
No Real Interaction
Courtney later explained, “We didn’t really even talk. I brought him his menu, he ordered a salad, and I got it for him.
I was telling the people at the table behind him that it was my first baby.” He must have overheard that conversation and felt moved to do something kind.
Catching Her Breath
After taking a moment to steady herself, Courtney shared the whole story. Yet, she still couldn’t wrap her head around it—the man had left her a $100 tip!
To put it in perspective, Courtney made less than that during an entire day of work.
Hometown Surprise
Courtney was amazed that a complete stranger would show her such kindness. She’d heard stories like this before, but only on the news—things that happened to other people.
She never imagined something like this would happen to a small-town girl like herself… or so she believed!
A True Blessing
Courtney shared with Gloucester Township Patch, “It’s truly a blessing to encounter people like him, and I’m forever grateful.”
Once she had gathered herself, she wondered if she could find a way to thank the officer face-to-face. Could it really happen?
Gone Without a Trace
Courtney rushed out to the parking lot, hoping to catch him before he left.
But her heart sank when she realized he was already gone. She hadn’t even gotten his name—how could she thank the kind stranger now?
Spreading the Word
After finishing her shift, Courtney headed home and immediately contacted the Voorhees Township Police Department in hopes of identifying the officer.
She also told her father, Brian, about the incredible moment she’d experienced.
Feeling Thankful
Courtney’s father was deeply moved by the officer’s generous gesture.
He decided to share a photo of the note on Facebook, writing, “What a wonderful person to not only leave a VERY generous tip but also a heartfelt message.”
The Message
Brian added, “It’s not about the amount—it’s about the humanity behind it.” He explained, “He saw that she was struggling, a young girl working hard in a diner while heavily pregnant.
Standing on her feet with all that weight on her, and this was his way of saying, ‘I see you, and I understand your struggle.’”
A Deep Impact
But the kind gesture from the mystery officer didn’t just touch Courtney—it had a profound effect on her father as well.
The moment left a lasting impression on him, one that he would carry with him well beyond that day. So what exactly happened that made it so unforgettable?
A Shift in Perspective
In his Facebook post, Brian shared, “You always hear stories about how bad the police are—how they treat people poorly or act like they’re on a power trip.”
He continued, “I’m sure there are a few bad apples out there, but the majority are simply doing their jobs.”
Changed for Good
“…they face the worst parts of society every day and still return to do it all over again,” Brian wrote.
The generous officer’s act of kindness had a lasting impact on him—his view of police officers was changed forever.
An Internet Sensation
Brian’s Facebook post quickly went viral, gaining around 10,000 reactions, thousands of shares, and over a thousand comments in no time.
People everywhere were touched by the story and eager to learn more about Courtney’s experience.
Breaking Stereotypes
One commenter wrote, “What a wonderful thing to do, this story warms my heart. I’ve always respected police officers.”
But the post did more than just challenge negative stereotypes about law enforcement—it reminded people of the kindness that still exists in the world.
Support Flooding In
After her father’s post went viral, Courtney began receiving messages from people all over the world.
Many even called the Lamp Post Diner just to get in touch with her. The majority wanted to offer financial help and show their support during her time of need.
Offering Support
Manager Victor Sierra explained, “People want to know if they can help her since it’s her first child.”
He added, “It’s about the simple act of one person helping another.” But the question remains—was Courtney ever able to thank the police officer face-to-face?
Remaining Unknown
The kind-hearted officer preferred to keep his identity a secret. For him, the knowledge that he had helped Courtney during a difficult time was enough.
But would this quiet act of kindness satisfy Courtney, or was she looking for something more?
Honoring His Privacy
Still, Courtney and her father wanted to express their gratitude. They faced the challenge of doing so without knowing the officer’s identity.
They wished to honor his desire for anonymity while also hoping to give him the recognition he deserved.
Expressing Thanks
Determined to show their appreciation, Courtney and her father found a meaningful way to do so.
The pair visited the Voorhees Police Department and brought boxes of donuts to share with the entire team!
Eternally Thankful
The Voorhees Police expressed their gratitude on Twitter, posting, “Thanks to Brian Cadigan & Courtney English for bringing in treats for our staff this morning.”
They also assured that the anonymous officer would be personally informed of Courtney and Brian’s heartfelt appreciation.
A Baby Girl Arrives
But the story doesn’t end there… wondering what happened with Courtney’s baby?
She went on to deliver a beautiful, healthy baby girl! And just when you thought it couldn’t get more exciting, there’s another surprising twist to this tale.
A New Beginning
Courtney’s ex-boyfriend—the father of her baby—has returned to the picture!
The couple reconciled shortly before their beautiful daughter’s arrival, and it’s a relief to see. Now, they can start building their wonderful life together as a family.
Surrounded by Love
Baby Kayleigh Ann arrived on April 6th, weighing 7 pounds 3 ounces.
She was welcomed into the world with immense love from both her devoted mother and father, who are committed to caring for her always. What a fortunate little girl!
Doing Well
We’re happy to report that Courtney is thriving in her new role as a mother! Just like she excelled as a waitress, she’s brought that same dedication and hard work to parenting.
For the time being, she’s taken a break from working at the diner.
Taking a Step Back
Courtney isn’t stepping away from work due to any specific reason—she simply wants to concentrate on her baby girl and pause from the nonstop hustle.
While her little one can’t thank her yet, we’re sure that someday she will!
Priceless Gesture
Even though Courtney has taken a break from the diner for now, she’ll always remember that unforgettable day.
While $100 might not cover everything a newborn needs, the kindness and thought behind it are truly priceless.
Brightening Her Day
Courtney was going through a tough day when she got the $100 tip.
It not only brought a smile to her face but also helped ease some of her worries about the upcoming baby and the financial challenges ahead.
Choose Kindness
You never know when someone is having a hard time, so offering a helping hand now and then could brighten their entire day.
On the other hand, being unkind might break someone’s spirit, especially if they’re already vulnerable. It’s something we should always remember!
Learn From This
Don’t ever think something like this couldn’t happen to you—that’s exactly what Courtney believed, until it did. Her story is a valuable lesson for all of us.
Even if $100 isn’t possible, offering just $5 to someone in need can be a powerful act of kindness.
Giving Back
Even an extra $5 or $10 could have made a difference for Courtney. There are countless people in need around us, and we can always offer support in some way.
It’s important to remember that charity isn’t only about money—it can also mean giving your time and effort to help others.
Touched Hearts Nationwide
After receiving the generous tip, Courtney was featured on several news outlets.
The story captivated audiences across the country, and the police officer’s act of kindness toward an expectant mother touched the hearts of many Americans.
Positive Recognition
Courtney was excited that the diner received positive attention, along with the police officer and his team.
She felt comforted knowing the story had resonated with so many—it reminded her she wasn’t alone.
From a Working Mom’s Perspective
Courtney wanted people to understand just how much this gesture meant to her—as both a working mom and a waitress.
Since servers are often left with little or no tip, receiving such generosity was especially meaningful and uplifting.
Inspiring Confidence
Courtney also hoped her story would empower other women to feel more confident about working while pregnant.
She believes it’s completely natural for a mother to want to work and support her family. Her wish is that her experience inspires expectant or future moms across the country.
Leading by Example
Courtney hopes that through her everyday actions, she can show her daughter that she’s capable of becoming anything she dreams of.
When Kayleigh Ann is a little older, Courtney plans to teach her the values that matter most—hard work, commitment, and above all, kindness.
A Welcoming Place
Courtney’s fiancé was equally grateful for the kindness shown to her and their baby.
It comforted him to know she worked in such a supportive, friendly atmosphere surrounded by good-hearted people.
A Smart Decision
Courtney looks forward to returning to her happy place someday, but for now, she’s cherishing every moment with her family and watching her beautiful baby girl grow.
She’s confident that saving up before giving birth was one of the best decisions she could’ve made.
Following in Their Footsteps
Baby Kayleigh Ann is truly fortunate to be raised by such dedicated and inspiring parents.
Watching them work hard will likely have a lasting impact on her. There’s no doubt she’ll grow up to be just as driven and motivated as they are!
Furry Companions
It’s heartwarming to see that little Kayleigh Ann and the family dog are already forming a sweet bond.
Both seem thrilled to be in front of the camera! And how precious does Kayleigh look in her purple bow and matching socks? Absolutely adorable!
Bonding Time
Kayleigh loves winding down with her dad, snuggling up for a movie after her nighttime milk.
Don’t they look incredibly cozy together? Their bond is already strong, and it’s clear that Kayleigh is well on her way to being a total daddy’s girl!
Inseparable Duo
Kayleigh also enjoys spending time with her mom, especially when she’s checking out the games Courtney plays on her phone.
Courtney often finds fun baby videos on YouTube that Kayleigh loves to watch. No matter what they’re doing, these two are always side by side!
A Special Role
Kayleigh is truly blessed to have a loving godmother—Courtney’s younger sister, Hailey.
Hailey is thrilled to play such a meaningful role in her niece’s life and is already showing just how important she’ll be. With so many positive influences around her, Kayleigh is one lucky little girl!
Time to Recharge
When in doubt, nap it out—and that goes for both babies and their parents!
Anyone who’s raised a child knows just how exhausting this stage can be. From the looks of it, these two are getting some much-needed, well-deserved rest!