A mum's heart was shattered into a million pieces when nobody showed up to her daughter's birthday party - but kind-hearted strangers managed to turn the day around. Mum-of-four Lex Fitzgerald invited all of her daughter's friends to a burger restaurant in Keller, Texas, to join her in celebrating her fifth birthday.
The mother-daughter duo eagerly set up their table with small gifts for each guest and colouring books to keep them occupied while they waited for their meals. But as time went on, it became apparent that nobody was coming.
Not wanting to break the news to her daughter, Willa, the mum sent out a desperate plea on social media to other parents and guardians in her area. She said on Instagram: "We had invited her entire class, last years' class, and friends we had made along the way and only 30 per cent had RSVP'd yes.
"We figured a small party would be just as fun but 20 minutes into waiting for friends to arrive, I realised it was possible that no one was going to show up.
"I didn’t want to have to tell my little girl that no one was coming to her birthday party.
"Quickly, I thought to reach out to my local Facebook group and send out a so called 'bat signal' of sorts to other families out there.
"The response was life changing. Within minutes families were showing up ready to share the day with Willa.
"We went from not a single person at her birthday table to not a single table open at [the restaurant].
"The entire restaurant was packed with families who refused to let my daughter celebrate alone."
Touched, Lex has publicly thanked each and every adult and child who showed up to Willa's birthday, saying they made it a "magical day".
"I just want to say thank you to all of the people who came to be with us," she added.
"You not only showed up for my little girl, but for me as well. You picked me up and encouraged me forward when I felt like I had failed as a mum."
Responding to her post, one parent who answered her call for help said: "It was so so awesome to see your daughter smiling, and to see community rally. It is everything."
Another parent said: "It was so beautiful to see so many people show up. Well done Lex! You made it happen!
"I seriously felt my heart swell with such gratitude as no one knew each [other] but just showed up to celebrate Willa and they kept walking through the door!
While another social media user said: "I'm sobbing at that little picture of her all alone in her precious rainbow outfit.
"I’m so happy people showed up for her. If I were close by I would have been there in a heartbeat.
"She’s such a precious little soul and deserves the absolute world. Happy birthday sweet rainbow girl."
One more user said: "This is the reason we always try to go to any kids' parties we are invited to! I would feel so bad for them not to have anyone at their party! I'm glad you were able to get people there."
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