A little common courtesy can prevent a whole lot of heartbreak. An Oregon mom posted an important note begging parents to practice a little decency after her son's birthday party ended in tears.

Kristen Layne, the blogger behind Life on Peanut Layne, promised her 9-year-old this would be "his first real party with friends." Mahlon was previously home-schooled before attending public school this year, so the two of them planned a special day with his new classmates. Mahlon's favorite book is Diary of a Wimpy Kid, so they prepared themed invitations, games and a cake.

While Layne never heard back from any of the parents, she assumed some kids would still attend. The same thing had happened with her daughter's party earlier this month. "Nobody seems to RSVP these days," her husband said. "Don't worry, they'll come. Kids love birthday parties." Except, the party came and went — and not one child bothered to show up.

"Words cannot describe the utter and complete devastation that washed over me, my husband and my nearly 70-year-old father, who was almost brought to tears himself," she later wrote on her blog. "Seeing my heartbroken little boy sitting all alone at his brightly decorated, empty party table was more than I could take."

The family later went bowling to ''make the best of a very bad situation.'' Life on Penny Layne

While Layne commiserated with her little boy, she took the opportunity to add an important message to parents everywhere: "It could've all been avoided by a simple RSVP, via phone call, text, email, whatever, etc. I know I will definitely never ignore those four little letters ever again. Parents or caregivers, please, I beg you not to ignore it either."

Her important reminder resonated with moms and dads across the country, including some that endured the same terrible experience. "Sadly I know exactly how you feel," one commenter wrote. "I have a soon-to-be 8-year-old and he as of yet has not had a major birthday party where kids come."

While Mahlon's party was undoubtedly disappointing, his birthday eventually turned around. Word reached Jeff Kinney, the author of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, who gave the fan a virtual tour of his office via FaceTime.

Strangers across the country have also reached out, sending cards and gifts to the Layne family. If you'd also like to mail Mahlon a birthday message, you can send one here:

Mahlon K.

c/o Kristen P. Layne

PO Box 8141

Bend, OR 97708

[h/t Daily Mail

Caroline Picard Health Editor Caroline is the Health Editor at GoodHousekeeping.com covering nutrition, fitness, wellness, and other lifestyle news.

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