Every so often I come across a story that has gone viral and it really makes me smile. A photo recently shared by Ryan Cox on Facebook of a 14-year-old young man mowing a lawn, is one such story that will put a smile on your face. I know it did on mine!

According to the post, 14-year-old Cody Mitschelin wanted to take his girlfriend Audrey out to lunch, but he didn’t have enough money. So, Cody decided he would work to earn the money to have his first “real” date.

Cody and Audrey Fierro have been together for about six months, but as Cody explained to the Star-Telegram, their dates had only been small activities, so this would be their first real date out on the town.

So why did this photo go viral? Because quite frankly, people are inspired by his ambition and devotion — two traits which are seemingly in short supply these days.

“Hope is still alive for the future generation and our sons and daughters. I’m impressed by whoever is raising this boy, great job!!!” Cox wrote in this Facebook posting.

According to Ryan Cox’s Facebook post, the teen knocked on his door and said he’d mow the lawn for $5. Cox at first declined the offer, but quickly changed his mind after discovering the teen’s honorable purpose behind the service, KCRA reported.

Cox and one of his neighbors then stepped-in to help Cody get even more work, while he continued earning money mowing lawns and sweeping sidewalks.

Happily, Cody ended up earning enough money to buy his girlfriend lunch and took her to Safari Pizza, where they received a complimentary meal from the restaurant!

“When I got in there and they sat me down, everybody went, ‘Aww,’ ” Cody recalled of the date his first real date.

His passion and dedication to Audrey has moved people all across the world, from Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Vietnam, to name a few and strangers have offered Cody everything from relationship tips to job offers.

“He’s definitely a keeper,” his date Audrey told KCRA.

Here’s a sampling of some of the comments posted on Facebook about Cody’s gentlemanly ethics:

“Oh my goodness, that is seriously the sweetest thing! Maybe he can teach some of these older men a few things.”

“What an incredible young man. Any young person can learn such a valuable lesson.”

“Well, that young man sure is doing it on his own. Most kids would just ask mom and dad. He will make some young lady proud.”

“Seeing a teenager actually want to work for what they want these days is as close to a miracle as most people will see.”

A simple local story that has gone viral across the world. That it did go viral tells us something — people are longing for uplifting and inspirational news.

There was a time when a young man mowing lawns to earn money was commonplace. That’s not the case anymore. Cody shows us all what character, hope, courage and principles can do for us. Thank you Cody Mitschelin for inspiring us all and thank you Ryan Cox for sharing it with us! A story that makes us feel good and gives us hope for the world, is a story worth sharing. Will you take up the mantle of positivity and help share this story?

