Most parents are familiar with the heartbreak that goes hand-in-hand with a lost comfort toy — a forgotten blanket or stuffed animal that's turned up missing and the crocodile tears that follow. But that's what makes the following story so heartwarming.
A Holiday Inn Express manager took it upon herself to do the right thing after she found a left behind valuable: a two-year-old boy's stuffed baby tiger. After a recent to Sheldon, Iowa for a family reunion, Jane Molas' son Netza had realized that his "Baby Tigee" had turned up missing and was heartbroken.
But thanks to the hotel's manager Brianna Kroontje, herself a mother, Baby Tigee was not only returned, but was enclosed with a letter and pictures of the stuffed animal "helping out" around the hotel — even eating pancakes and pitching in behind the front desk. Jane says the gesture was a great lesson in kindness for her children.
The heartwarming note from hotel staff delivered with the returned tiger read:
“Hello from the Holiday Inn Express and Suites, Sheldon, Iowa! We loved having your tiger friend stay with us! The little tiger really enjoyed having pancakes at night. It also loved fresh hot coffee. Your little tiger was a big help at the front desk and a big help with laundry, but now it is time for your tiger friend to go back home. It really misses you and wants to play with you again. We hope you have enjoyed your stay with us as much as your little tiger did. We hope you come back to visit again soon. Have a great day!”
Kroontje told TODAY that she was happy just to put a smile on the little boy’s face. “I know my son would’ve got a kick out of it if someone did this for him.”
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