A six-year-old boy experienced a very sad disappointment after allegedly being let down by his friends who failed to turn up to his birthday party.
Teddy from Tucson, Arizona, invited 32 of his school friends to a pizza party at a Peter Piper Pizza restaurant, but none of them ended up going according to his mother.
It should have been a day of fun and pizza, but instead poor Teddy was left eating alone. And the sight of his brave little face fighting disappointment will break your heart in two.
His mum, Sil Mazzini, had already been warned by some of the parents that their kids couldn’t make it, but she had no idea there would be absolutely no guests present at all.
Mum Sil told ABC15 ‘I’m done with parties for a while.’ This was reportedly said jokingly, but it would be completely understandable if this was indeed the case.
As reported by Fox 10, Sil had made up 32 goodie bags for Teddy’s classmates; each containing a party invite. She had even spoken to some parents the day before the party who said their kids would be going.
The tearjerking photograph went viral after being shared by Tucson reporter Nick VinZant alongside the following message:
If you get a chance please wish Teddy a Happy Birthday. His mom sent me this after his friends weren’t able to make it to his birthday party.
Fortunately, numerous happy returns for the day have poured in for little Teddy from far and wide, with many well-wishers offering words of support and even presents for the young boy.
Teddy was proposed a gift of a free ride in a ‘mouse limo’ from a local exterminator – with the promise of ‘extra goodies’ – while others offered hugs and kind words.
Many considerate people could remember all too well their own first few early disappointments, with one person advising:
Once you realise happiness is from the inside stuff like this won’t hurt so bad. Wish I’d known I’d have made the drive to see you. Happy birthday lil fella.
Another explained:
Happy Birthday Teddy! People are flaky and inconsiderate sometimes. It happens, that doesn’t mean you aren’t great, just that people are silly. Best wishes kiddo!
Perhaps most excitingly of all, basketball team The Phoenix Suns tweeted Teddy with the offer of free tickets to their game against the Lakers, tweeting:
How about we celebrate with thousands at our place! Tickets to Wednesday’s #SunsVSLakers game are all yours Teddy! Talk soon!
Soccer club The Phoenix Rising also invited young Teddy to ‘join 7,000 of his closest friends’ at an upcoming playoff game, tweeting:
Teddy can get The Mala from @VeneziasPizza and join 7,000 of his closest friends this Friday. Come on out Teddy! #UpRising
Sil told UNILAD:
We want to thank all the community for the birthday wishes and the love. We are truly overwhelmed.
In a sweet video message sent to UNILAD, Teddy said:
Thank you all for the birthday wishes. Big kiss.
Teddy’s family now plan to spend Teddy’s birthday reading the thoughtful messages sent to them from kindhearted strangers.
Happy Birthday Teddy, from all your friends at UNILAD!
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Jules studied English Literature with Creative Writing at Lancaster University before earning her masters in International Relations at Leiden University in The Netherlands (Hoi!). She then trained as a journalist through News Associates in Manchester. Jules has previously worked as a mental health blogger, copywriter and freelancer for various publications.