You know something? Dads don’t always get the credit they deserve in society. We adore moms (as we should), but sometimes papa gets the short end of the stick. Though often portrayed as emotionally distant or uninvolved, the picture of the modern father isn’t what it used to be.

There are stay-at-home dads, single dads, and dads who are really hands-on. Like moms who wear many hats as parents, there are fathers out there who are nurturers, teachers, and disciplinarians all rolled up into one. Kevon Smith, a father of one, was noticed for his nurturing side while out for a meal.

Kevon went out for breakfast at a Cracker Barrel in Willoughby, Ohio with his 3-month-old son, Kevon, Jr. It was just the two of them together getting some father-son time in. While they were dining and having guy chat, Kevon noticed an older couple in a corner of the restaurant.

The couple kept looking and smiling at them and Kevon looked at his son, wondering what was going on. The couple never said a word to Kevon before they exited. But when he left the restaurant, he found a note on his car:

“Today your meal is on my wife and me. Enjoy that baby boy as long as God intends. Keep doing what you’re doing. -The Masons”

Along with the note was a $20 bill to pay for his food. That’s what all their smiling was about! The kind gesture really struck a chord with Kevon as someone who grew up without a father. Touched by what happened, he said that he plans on telling this story to his son once he gets older as an example of kindness.
 
In an interview with Cleveland’s Channel 19, he told the news station:

“I’m definitely going to make sure I’m paying it forward. I get blessed. I want to bless someone else.”

He also spoke about how great it feels for him to be so active in his son’s life, and he plans to continue that no matter how old his child gets. The strangers’ kind act went so much further than being a nice surprise for Kevon, and was a reminder of one of the most important things about being a parent – presence.

 
The 22-year-old’s story went viral on social media and made waves since he’s a young dad who was out taking care of an infant all by himself. We know infants can be a handful whether you have help or not, so kudos to him for rolling out to a restaurant with the little guy. Kevon will remember this moment for the rest of his days.
 
Fatherhood has its own rewards but to all the unsung dads that need an extra back-pat, here you go. Keep changing diapers, slapping on Band-Aids, having dance-offs, and doing your daughter’s hair. We see you!
 
What do you think of this dad-centric story? Do you know any dads who are hands-on but don’t always get the recognition they deserve?