Neighbors Were Shocked When A Little Girl Approached This Garbage Man

Each Thursday Was The Same

It turned out that the little girl loved watching Dopson ride his big garbage truck down the street. It was actually her favorite part of each Thursday morning! Brooklyn was his number one fan. In fact, she enjoyed watching him so much that Brooklyn wanted to do something special for the garbage man.

Each Thursday Was The Same

It Was The Favorite Part Of Her Week

Waiting and waving is Brooklyn’s favorite part of the workweek. According to Brooklyn’s mom, Traci, “To him, he is our favorite awesome smiley garbage man.” Brooklyn wanted to meet the garbage man in person, something that was her quest for weeks. But then, one morning, she finally got the opportunity to see who he was.

It Was The Favorite Part Of Her Week

Brooklyn Was Infatuated With Dopson

Instead of waiting for Dopson from inside her home, Traci would take Brooklyn outside so she could see him a little better. Traci mentions that after an event, her daughter’s focus became solely on the husband, and she no longer called him “garbage truck” or “garbage man”— she simply wanted to see him. Coming up next: What is the surprise Brooklyn brings Dopson?

Brooklyn Was Infatuated With Dopson

Fast Friends With Brother Ty As Well

Brooklyn’s brother Ty felt the same; they both loved Thursdays! Traci posted a photo that shows Brooklyn and Ty’s friendship. “It was a dancing celebration in this week’s episode of….our favorite day of the week with Delvar.” Ty enjoys dancing and taught Delvar his unique motion. It’s a drop low, bend to one side, shake fists in the air, and move…name to be determined. They both looked great! ”

Fast Friends With Brother Ty As Well

Perfect Birthday Party

Fast-forward a few days and Brooklyn’s birthday. As you’re walking to the front door in a red party dress, you realize it’s on Wednesday, and the garbage man is nowhere to be seen. The little girl and her mom had a plan to ask Dopson to celebrate with them since he meant so much to Brooklyn.

Perfect Birthday Party

Traci And Brooklyn Wanted Dopson To Be Involved

The following day was Thursday, meaning Dopson would be driving through the neighborhood. Brooklyn couldn’t wait. He stepped out with his mom to offer him a little piece of the party, although it wasn’t his birthday anymore. When he drove up to the house, his smile was so broad that Traci motioned for him to come over.

Traci And Brooklyn Wanted Dopson To Be Involved

Brooklyn Was Very Shy

Brooklyn got him a cupcake from her party the previous day because she wanted to include him in her celebration. She was so surprised to meet her hero that Brooklyn was thinking of anything other than what to say.

Brooklyn Was Very Shy

At A Loss For Words

“As a mom, I can’t even explain how happy it made me that she got to finally meet him,” Traci said in an interview. “She was starstruck and couldn’t speak at all. I was the one who did all of the talking for her. And she is usually very talkative, too.”

At A Loss For Words

Even So, It Made Her Day

Even though she couldn’t think of anything to say to Dopson, Brooklyn was beyond thrilled to have met her favorite person. Traci is thankful that the driver honks and waves every Thursday morning to lift her spirits; it made the day one they both remember. Keep reading, Dopson had a surprise from Brooklyn and it is coming up soon!

Even So, It Made Her Day

So Happy

Even though Brooklyn was less vocal than usual, Traci couldn’t help but wonder what was on Brooklyn’s mind. After he left, we continued to daycare. “Brooklyn was unusually quiet in the backseat. I asked her if she was okay and she answered, ‘Mommy, I’m so happy.’”

So Happy

Another Suprise

Brooklyn really enjoyed meeting the garbage man, but this was just the beginning of their friendship. One week later, on a Thursday morning, she did her routine of waving to him as he drove through her neighborhood. As had happened many times before, the man approached the little girl and tried to give her his candy. But this time, he came with something different: a small teddy bear that made her smile.

Another Suprise

Dopson Arrived With A Large Box

Dopson waved as he drove by the field where Brooklyn and Traci would often spend their days. He noticed that they were waving from their yard and decided to stop by, but when he neared the girls noticed a large box behind him. With a huge smile on her face, Dopson handed the box to Brooklyn. It was a belated birthday present for the little girl!

Dopson Arrived With A Large Box

Brooklyn Couldn’t Believe All Of The Frozen Toys

Opening the box, Brooklyn’s eyes lit up. The box was filled with toys from her favorite Disney movie, Frozen. Everything showed Elsa and Ana on it: Brooklyn could not have been happier. The unanticipated gesture was so endearing and heartwarming, Traci and Brooklyn knew they had to do something to thank Dopson.

Brooklyn Couldn’t Believe All Of The Frozen Toys

Thank You Devlar

Brooklyn’s Frozen gift donation to Dopson was such a wonderful idea – and she wanted to show her appreciation. Luckily, a plan quickly came to her mind – on Thursday, Brooklyn ran outside with her mother and gave him the framed portrait of himself that had been hanging in the living room. There she handed him a homemade poster with a large “Thank you, Delvar” written in various colors. Keep reading to learn what career Dopson pursued after being a garbage man.

Thank You Devlar

The Sign Was Put In A Special Place

Dopson didn’t expect anything in return for getting his friend a birthday gift, but he was still speechless. He teared up a little too when he saw the homemade poster. It was even the perfect size for where it needed to go. Dopson decided to bring the poster up in his truck so that the entire neighborhood could see it!

The Sign Was Put In A Special Place

A Special Holiday Guest

The holidays weren’t complete without a very special guest. However, we’re not talking about Santa Claus… Dopson was so excited to visit on the Andrackes holiday! He probably liked playing with them.

A Special Holiday Guest

The Cupcake Tradition Lives On

What better way to celebrate the holidays than with desserts? Cupcakes are a good option since that was the dessert that started it all! Here, Gary “cupcake cheersing” Ty. The pair definitely looks happy.

The Cupcake Tradition Lives On

A Neighborhood Celebrity

The people in our neighborhood didn’t understand what a special relationship the little girl had with our local garbage man. That is, not until they stopped and watched their beautiful exchange week after week.

A Neighborhood Celebrity

Friends For Life

As it turned out, Dopson was a bit of a celebrity with some of the other kids around the neighborhood, too! He’s an avid family man and did what he could to make kids like Brooklyn smile.

Friends For Life

They’re Still Besties!

Recently Brooklyn celebrated her 9th birthday. To commemorate the very special occasion, Dopson asked his social media followers to give their best wishes for her online. “Please help me with the coolest kiddo in the land, ‘BROOKLYN’ a “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!”🎉🧁Wishing you a day filled with HAPPINESS and a year filled with JOY. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KIDDO.”

They’re Still Besties!

Dopson Truly Cared

Dopson didn’t have big dreams for fame. He had more personal ambitions in mind. To highlight this, don’t just read about the video that made him famous. Keep reading to find out what inspired him!

Dopson Truly Cared

Dopson Had Goals Himself

In fact, his relationship with Brooklyn and being a garbage man were just the stepping stone for what Dopson really wanted to do with his life. During evenings, Dopson studied endlessly to pass his realtor examination.

Dopson Had Goals Himself

From A Garbage Man To A Real Estate Agent

As he found success in Nevada, Dopson’s story went beyond the state’s borders. He began to bridge the gap between communities with his passions for life, happiness and togetherness. And it was always about Brooklyn and other kids like her. See how he carries that passion even now.

From A Garbage Man To A Real Estate Agent

The Last Day Party

Ty and the family threw Dopson a very special goodbye party to celebrate their son’s license to become a real estate agent and move on from driving the family garbage truck. The festivities were posted all over social media, and it looks like the perfect send-off for the person who made Thursdays so special for them.

The Last Day Party

Motivational Speaker

After his brother passed away, Doplson decided to become a motivational speaker mainly because he wanted to help people in the same way he had been helped. He has played a major part in the Eregon 206 movement, encouraging many people of diverse backgrounds with his words.

Motivational Speaker

Wise Words From Dopson

Never shy about spreading his wisdom and love for helping others, Dopson posted on Facebook a few words that he lives by: “Discovery of your purpose and potential sets you free from other people’s prescription of what they think you should be”. His and Brooklyn’s friendship is truly inspiring and just shows how a little bit of kindness can change someone’s life.

Wise Words From Dopson

One day, Klynn waved hello to her friendly local police officer like she always did at her house in Kansas City. Little did she know that this one wave would end up saving her life. Read the full story here.

A Friendly Hello Can Go A Long Way

When I was nine, one of my first heroes was a local police officer who would come by every day. My family always knew when he was coming because I’d be sitting at the window with my arm stretched out, hoping to catch him waving hello. When he’d pass by, Klynn would excitedly wave to say hello. The cop appreciated the positive relationship and would wave back. The duo would greet each other every day, frequently brightening otherwise gloomy days. There’s a reason Klynn’s area was constantly guarded. She did not have an easy upbringing.

A Friendly Hello Can Go A Long Way

Klynn Grew Up In A Dangerous Neighborhood

Our longtime customer Klynn Scales, grew up in Kansas City. From a young age, she often cared for her two young brothers alongside her mother. From the outside, she seemed like your average girl living a normal life. Klynn grew up feeling like the police were her only sign of safety, and her neighborhood was so dangerous that she looked forward to seeing them every day. This became the truth of Klynn’s life, and somehow she found a way to embrace it. It was, for this reason, she survived through the most difficult time of her life.

Klynn Grew Up In A Dangerous Neighborhood

Klynn Had To Raise Her Younger Brothers

Klynn Scales had a difficult upbringing with her mother and brothers in a tough neighborhood. It’s not the kind of place to grow up, but it was a reality for Klynn. Klynn’s mother was not around much as she needed to work long hours to pay the bills and support her family. As a result, Klynn often had to take care of her brothers in place of his mother. That is a lot of responsibility for someone who is not even an adult yet.

Klynn Had To Raise Her Younger Brothers

Klynn Played The Role Of Mother

As the oldest in the family when both parents were often absent, Klynn took care of her brothers. She would worry about them having proper food, so she would walk through her rough neighborhood to go to 7-Eleven. In a desperate bid to survive, young Klynn stole from stores to get the essentials. The story of Klynn and her brothers is undoubtedly heartbreaking, but it’s inspiring to consider their resilience. No child should have to grow up in such dire conditions, yet they managed to thrive in the face of such adversity. Klynn became a great mother to her brothers. Her love drove her to do anything, even when it sacrificed her own health.

Klynn Played The Role Of Mother

The Police Noticed Klynn

Due to the unfortunate state of their lives, the family of Klynn Scales merged with law enforcement. The officers learned as much as they could about them; one officer, in particular, was interested in this case. This is the officer who became known as Klynn’s patrolman, and they ended up driving by his house every day. The thankful and hopeful expression on their face was replaced with a determined one, and their daily exchange became something to look forward to. He had no idea that he’d also be saving it before he knew it.

The Police Noticed Klynn

The Officer Pledged His Allegiance To Klynn

An unnamed police officer would routinely drive by Klynn’s home to ensure she was safe. He also told her that he was there to protect her. Now an adult, Klynn can happily say that even through all the bad things, she could always picture him telling her he’s here for them. This dedication helped Klynn get through even her darkest times. It wouldn’t be long until this promise was fulfilled, ensuring that Klynn felt there was always someone to turn to, even in the worst times of her life.

The Officer Pledged His Allegiance To Klynn

A Daily Greeting Became A Warning Sign

Klynn Scales spent lots of time with her new friend and quickly grew attached to him. She loved waving at him every day, and he loved waving back. When she didn’t show up one day, he worried something might be wrong. Although the greeting had become routine, Klynn’s missing it was a sign to me that something wasn’t right. Considering she lived in a rough neighborhood and had many responsibilities as a mother, I think her disappearance is troubling.

A Daily Greeting Became A Warning Sign

The Officer Approached The House

In order to investigate a lead in the Scales case, the officer slowly approached the house and let his instincts guide his actions. When he entered, he was horrified by what he saw. This time little Klynn was struggling to breathe, and her sister was hysterical. The officer rushed Klynn to the emergency room, but all he could do was wait. We now know that Klynn survived, but imagine being this officer with no idea what was happening. It must have been so hard just to wait outside while people were working in the ER.

The Officer Approached The House

Klynn Was Given A Clean Bill Of Health

The police officer is fortunate he found Klynn when he did. If not for his quick thinking and, at the same time, sheer luck, her life may have been cut short. It was determined she had a severe episode of malnutrition which can happen more in cases of dehydration and are less common in people of all ages. After the incident, Klynn and her family moved to Texas. But she never got to say thank you to the man who saved her life. After 20 years, Klynn set out in order to track down this man who had been nameless for so long.

Klynn Was Given A Clean Bill Of Health

Klynn Turned To The Internet

When Klynn first set out to find her hero, one of the first things she did was share her experiences online. She stayed optimistic because she didn’t know who might see what she was posting. This optimism paid off when Jennifer commented on one of her posts. Jones, who was a Sergeant with the Kansas City Police, saw Klynn’s story and thought she might know the officer in question. It seemed like Klynn’s search for the truth would soon be over.

Klynn Turned To The Internet

The Name Behind The Face Revealed

Recently, a police officer named Jeff Colvin opened an email from Jennifer Jones. The email talked about Klynn, who wrote a piece for her online magazine. She explained that she grew up near the station Colvin used to work at, and there was this one little girl. Colvin immediately recognized the story. He knew this Klynn woman, and he remembered how the little girl was able to grow up safe and sound. Colvin couldn’t stop smiling at the happy ending of his story.

The Name Behind The Face Revealed

Colvin Was Ecstatic

Just as Klynn Scales had never forgotten about Jeff Colvin, he had never forgotten her either. As he said, “I had actually thought about her and wondered whatever happened with her.” Now he didn’t have to wonder anymore. “He knew the truth.” The truth made him ecstatic. He was overwhelmed with happiness to learn that Klynn was alive. He was also incredibly touched she remembered him and had reached out to find him. Not only that, but she had quite an impact on his life when they first met and he still has fond memories of her as well. The last step is to finally reunite with her.

Colvin Was Ecstatic

A Reunion With Tears

After not seeing each other for 20 years, Colvin and Klynn were finally reunited in person. When they saw each other again, they were both overcome with emotions. Klynn even found herself crying when she got to see her childhood hero again. She admitted that she never believed this day would come. Colvin’s life was changed by the reunion. He had spent a very long time on the force, dealing with more failures than successes. Seeing Klynn reignited a fire inside him – one he finally found success in again.

A Reunion With Tears

Colvin Found The Love For His Job Again

Something amazing happened when Jeff Colvin saw Klynn for the first time in 20 years. His passion for the job returned. Here he is with her: he said, “most times we go through our career not realizing we truly helped anybody out. Officer Colvin, at that moment, knew without a doubt he had made the right career choice. He then learned that his choices led Klynn to make a unique career choice of her own!

Colvin Found The Love For His Job Again

Klynn’s Grown Up Job

Inspired by her childhood hero, Klynn Scales revealed to Colvin that she applied to be a police recruit in Houston. His heroics led her down her path to become a police officer and work to positively impact the lives of those around her. As if it wasn’t enough, the confirmation of their reunion happened as a result of Morgan’s dreams. Morgan had been dreaming about him for 20 years now and had seen her career spring from him. Furthermore, he was like a surrogate father to her all this time. With this information at hand, she knew what she had to tell him.

Klynn’s Grown Up Job

Klynn’s Tribute To Colvin

Klynn learned what her hero’s name was and got a bracelet for him that says “‘Sgt. Jeff Colvin ‘A True Hero'”. On the bracelet, Klynn says she wanted to honor her hero and friend, reiterating that he’s been like an angel watching over her. The story of Officer Klynn and Colvin shows how positive the effects of police officers can be on communities and individuals. They’re not the only people to have their life changed as a result, as she found out when her story went viral.

Klynn’s Tribute To Colvin

Klynn’s Story Went Viral

After discovering that community outreach is one of the most powerful tools for police stations, the Kansas City Missouri Police Department shared a story online. The woman told her story, and it instantly went viral, with many people sharing their own as well. In a move, nobody saw coming, Sgt. Colvin’s life was changed in the best possible way when he was awarded a badge of honor last week. The small ceremony was full of joy and gratitude, as people shared their stories about the amazing trooper and praised him for everything he had done on the streets over his long career.

Klynn’s Story Went Viral

The Support Was Incredible

In today’s world, the treatment of police officers varies drastically from one person to the next. Some people respect them a lot more than others. However, when Klynn and Colvin received overwhelming support for what they did, that’s when we knew it was a game changer. One commenter wrote, “I have great respect for all police, though some…” In this case, no one deserves more respect than Jeff Colvin for the time and care he took in protecting Klynn during her time of need. And Klynn has now made it her life’s mission to pay it forward.

The Support Was Incredible

Klynn’s Future Is A Reflection Of Her Past

Klynn is talking about her plans for the future. She hopes to focus on the past but positively impact her children’s lives. She has two kids of her own, so she’ll start with them. Colvin started a new career and found it wasn’t nearly as difficult as she thought! Her heroics showed her that there is light in the dark, and now, she has to pay it forward and show young people who are lost that there actually is hope.

Klynn’s Future Is A Reflection Of Her Past

The Story Comes Full Circle

More stories like Sgt. Jeff Colvin and Klynn Scales’ are showing just how good the world can be. It’s important to keep your spirits up and remind yourself that there is good in every person, even during tough times. After graduating from the police academy, Klynn joined the Wilmington Police Department in June 2018. Jeff Colvin and his wife, along with Jennifer Jones, all congratulated her on her achievement.

The Story Comes Full Circle