You may have seen the photo.

In the middle stands a young boy—just 12 years old—beaming beside a man who decided to show the world what compassion really looks like.

That boy is Reggie, and this is his story.

Reggie isn’t your typical middle-schooler. While other kids spend their summers inside glued to screens, Reggie started his own small business: Mr. Reggie’s Lawn Service. With his siblings by his side, he mowed lawns to make a few extra dollars and stay out of trouble. It was simple, honest work—and he was proud of it.

But one day, things took a turn.

A woman in his neighborhood hired Reggie to mow her lawn. He showed up, worked hard, and did a great job. But the woman next door? She wasn’t pleased. Apparently, Reggie had unknowingly mowed a tiny strip of grass that technically belonged to her—just a few feet. The property line was unclear.

Instead of walking outside and talking to him, she called the police.

Imagine that: being 12 years old, just trying to help your family, and the police are called on you for cutting too much grass.

The story spread online, and most people were outraged. But one man didn’t just shake his head and move on—he took action.

Meet Joe Revay, a local business owner who runs a landscaping company. When Joe saw what happened to Reggie, he was furious—not just because it was unfair, but because kids like Reggie should be encouraged, not humiliated.

So Joe did something incredible:
He reached out and gifted Reggie some professional lawn equipment—a blower and more tools—to help make his little business even better. No strings attached. No press conference. Just one man standing up for a boy doing the right thing.

Joe’s wife, Shawn, shared the story online with pride:

“My husband is one of the most sweetest, kindest, selfless and humble men I’ve ever known…
We were so pissed. Here’s a 12-year-old trying to make some money and keep busy, so my husband decided to step in.”

“You don’t discourage kids or anyone doing the right thing!! Especially in today’s world.”

And she’s right.

The truth is, we live in a time when it’s easy to feel cynical. But moments like this remind us that kindness is louder than hate. That for every person quick to judge, there’s someone even quicker to help.

Reggie didn’t stop mowing lawns after that day. In fact, his business is growing. And now, thanks to Joe and a wave of support from the community, he knows that standing up straight, working hard, and doing right by people still matters.

As one person commented under Shawn’s post:

“That’s how you make America great.”

And honestly, I couldn’t agree more.

Here’s to the Reggies of the world—young, determined, and brave.
And to the Joes—quiet heroes who remind us what character really looks like.