1. My mother has taught children with disabilities for over 30 years and she loved her job. For her 60th birthday, her students1 her with a handmade gift, which2 "I like you". She planned to take the children to a store for a special breakfast to3 them.4, halfway to the store, their bus broke down, and the driver said the next one would arrive in an hour.

With hungry kids, my mom5 fast. She remembered another similar store, calling to learn the store served breakfast and6 them. It turned out to be a great7: The breakfast was delicious, and the children had a wonderful time. My mom even thought it's better than what the planned store would have8.

When Mom went to pay, the bill was surprisingly9. The waitress explained an elderly regular had10 half, saying he'd admired how she cared for the children. After chatting, Mom joined the kids in a small play area. When a student asked for ice cream, Mom said yes if they11 the area — and they quickly made it spotless. But when she went to pay for ice cream, the waitress12 her, "You're our honorary employees today; this is your wage."

This day wasn't just about a birthday — it was a(n)13 that goodness spreads. Mom's decades of devotion to her students inspired strangers to14. She later said, "I wish I could turn sixty more than once" — not for the treats, but for the warmth of unexpected15 that made her work feel even more meaningful.