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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
World
Paige Freshwater

Mum 'in tears' at stranger's sweet gesture after nobody attended son's birthday party

A 10-year-old boy was sent cards from all over the world after nobody showed up to his birthday party. His mum explained how she invited more than 40 people - both children and their parents - to her son's Avengers-themed party - but nobody bothered to turn up.

She claims almost all of them RSVP'd 'Yes' to come - but she was left heartbroken when only her close family knocked at her door. Taking to Reddit, the mum, from Boston, America, explained: "My son turned 10. He loves Avengers so his dad and I decided to throw him a party at the house. We invited family and friends and most of them RSVP'd.

He kept looking out the window to see whether anybody was pulling up at his house (stock photo) (Getty Images/Vetta)

"We made enough food to feed 40 plus people. The place looked awesome - Avengers decorations everywhere, balloons, cupcakes, the whole nine yards.

"Only to have me and my husband's immediate family be the only ones present. I'm talking six people max - not another single kid at the birthday party. It broke my heart."

Her poor son, called Abe, kept looking out of the window to see whether any cars were pulling up outside of his house - but each time he checked, there was nobody there.

"I have a bag full of goody bags, a piñata still in tact, and unopened games," the mum added. "It sucks we have a small family and it made my son feel like a loner on his birthday."

"He's a great kid and has been looking forward to his birthday all year. How are you going to RSVP and not come to a kid's birthday party?"

After sharing her heartache online, social media users quickly clubbed together to "rewrite" the boy's birthday.

He ended up receiving hundreds of cards and presents from strangers in the post (stock photo) (Getty Images)

They asked her to set up a PO Box so they could send her son cards and gifts from all over the world.

While she was sceptical that anybody would actually send anything, she set up the PO Box and waited to see what would arrived.

When she finally got around to visiting the post office, she couldn't believe how many cards and packages were waiting for her with her son's name on.

She added: "We were finally able to go to the post office, and I was in tears! You guys really outdid yourselves.

"Abe got so many cards and packages - it was unreal. We are deeply moved by the love and support you all have for a random little boy.

"We sat down with Abe and read every single card. My son loved everything! He is so excited to have cards from all over the world, awesome comic books, and toys.

"His mood has definitely changed, he's so much happier. This will definitely rewrite the bad birthday party he had.

"We simply cannot thank you all enough for what you have done for me and my family. This has turned out to be one of his best birthdays ever and it's all thanks to you!"

While most users thanked those who sent Abe a card or gift, others slammed the parents who failed to show up to the boy's birthday party.

One user said: "I find it absolutely revolting that any adult thinks it is acceptable behavior to RSVP and then not show up.

"Better have a damn good reason for not showing up, and even then you should call ahead. Everyone knows the purpose of an RSVP is for the host to plan accordingly. It disgusts me that this behaviour is so commonplace."

Another user added: "RSVPing is the rudest aspect of this, because that's where the parents are to blame. Why RSVP if you don't plan on showing?

"If something else happens, or even if you don’t want to go, a call to notify wouldn't hurt. It's cold to just let a kid find out instead of knowing ahead of time to not expect someone."

A third user said: "The poor baby. I hope he understands that it's not him - people can just be awful sometimes. The party sounded awesome."

Do you have a story to share? Email paige.freshwater@reachplc.com.

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