One small girl started waving at the garbage man every day. She went outside each time, so it became her routine. In fact, she liked to watch him work, and he enjoyed the mini entourage he got while doing his job. One day, he ate her cupcake, and the neighbor filmed the entire scene. Why would he do that? You’ll have to keep reading to learn more!
Getting out of the Truck
The garbage truck went through the neighborhood every Thursday, but this time was different. Now, the garbage man got out and waited for something while standing in the street. Brooklyn Andracke, a 3-year-old, walked toward him while a woman recorded it all.
Getting out of the Truck
Delvar Dopson’s Story
Everyone knew of Delvar Dopson because he’d been the neighborhood garbage man for years. He kept to himself and didn’t often talk to others. However, one neighbor got to know him and showed the world his kindness through a recorded video!
Delvar Dopson’s Story
No One Knows Him
The story took place in Bloomington, Illinois. It teaches you about what happens in communities, even when it’s not talked about. Most people didn’t really know Delvar, but he wasn’t an unfriendly person. In fact, he had a decent relationship with the Andrackes.
No One Knows Him
A Particular Greeting
Each Thursday, Dopson greeted that family as the garbage truck went down the street. He would honk and wave, but why? Did he know the family personally? Were they friends?
A Particular Greeting
Little Brooklyn
Dopson didn’t know the family personally, but Brooklyn Andracke was a huge fan; he was her favorite garbage man. This 3-year-old liked to see that big truck coming down the street, and she ensured that everyone knew it.
Little Brooklyn
Waiting for Him
She and her mother would wait at the window every Thursday, waving at the truck while it went through town. This was the highlight of the child’s week. Traci Andracke, her mother, said Dopson was their favorite garbage man because he always wore a smile!
Waiting for Him
Becoming a Routine
This went on for a few weeks. Each Thursday, Delvar knew Traci and Brooklyn would be waiting and watching out the window for him. Brooklyn got happy as he waved and honked and was thrilled when she could personally meet him.
Becoming a Routine
Leaving the House
One time, the mother-daughter duo left their home on Thursday morning to watch that garbage truck pass. After that, it was no longer about the garbage truck. Brooklyn now cared about the man driving it!
Leaving the House
Huge Fan
Brooklyn was Delvar’s number-one fan. She just couldn’t get enough of him and waited anxiously for Thursdays to come around. He was appreciative, too. He enjoyed the fact that someone waited for him to honk and wave.
Huge Fan
Brooklyn’s Birthday
Soon, Brooklyn’s 4th birthday came around, and she was excited. However, it upset her that it had to fall on a Wednesday because that meant she couldn’t wave to Dopson. However, they’d come up with a plan, which the neighbor filmed.
Brooklyn’s Birthday
Wanted Dopson There
Brooklyn and her mom really wanted Dopson to be there and celebrate the child’s birthday. In fact, she knew she must do something nice for him, even if it was a day late. They came up with a great plan!
Wanted Dopson There
Finally Meeting Delvar
Delvar couldn’t be there for the birthday party, so Brooklyn did something that included him. That morning, she and her mother got one of the cupcakes from her party, waiting outside like normal. When Dopson showed up, they motioned to get him to stop.
Finally Meeting Delvar
Giving Him a Cupcake
As Dopson went along, he saw the pair, honking and waving as usual. However, he stopped when he realized they were motioning to him. His heart melted whenever Brooklyn handed him the cupcake, saying she wished he had been at her party.
Giving Him a Cupcake
She Was Ecstatic
Traci later told reporters she couldn’t believe how happy Brooklyn was to meet the man finally. In fact, she was starstruck. Her child was rarely short for words, but she wasn’t able to speak, so Traci did most of the talking.
She Was Ecstatic
So Very Shy
Usually, Brooklyn talked all the time, but she became shy upon meeting her favorite garbage man. Though happy, it’s one thing to see that man wave and honk. It’s completely different when he’s in front of you; she felt like a movie star!
So Very Shy
Best Day Ever
Traci had to explain it all to Dopson, saying that he made her daughter’s day every Thursday. Finally, she had to take her daughter to daycare and noticed that she was very quiet. When asked, Brooklyn said she was so happy.
Best Day Ever
Making Her Day
Though Brooklyn couldn’t say much, she was incredibly happy to meet her favorite garbage man. Traci told Delvar that he made their Thursday; they appreciated him honking and waving at them.
Making Her Day
Delvar Comes Back
One week later, Dopson’s truck came down the street, and the mother-daughter duo was there waving. He stopped, got out, and held out a box. Brooklyn took it, surprised at the gesture and wondering what was in it.
Delvar Comes Back
Delvar’s Gift
The box held many toys from Brooklyn’s favorite movie. She was overcome with excitement, thanking Dopson multiple times. He gave her a high-five before leaving to finish his rounds within the neighborhood.
Delvar’s Gift
Thanking Delvar
One week later, Brooklyn was outside waiting for Delvar again. This time, she held a sign with “Thank You, Delvar” on it. He pulled up with his garbage truck and got out. Then, she handed him the poster she’d created!
Thanking Delvar
The Tears Flowed
Delvar began crying at the sight and immediately hung that sign on his truck so that everyone could see it. The neighborhood people were happy that he’d made that girl’s birthday memorable. Though he never expected anything from the gift, he was very happy and speechless.
The Tears Flowed
Far from Over
Today, the world is driven primarily by social media. Something viral happens every day. You see tons of ordinary people go into the spotlight, though they’re soon forgotten. That wasn’t the case here.
Far from Over
His Big Dreams
Delvar was a simple man trying to make his life better before he got famous on social media. He enjoyed his current job as a garbage man, but this was a stepping stone. Now, he could turn his dreams into reality!
His Big Dreams
Kindness at Every Turn
When people learned about his story, they thought it was a one-off type of deal. However, they soon realized that this man was always focused on kindness. He’d been offering joy to the kids in the neighborhood all that time, and he wasn’t finished.
Kindness at Every Turn
The Next Step
Delvar shared a very deep connection with his beautiful wife. This man was unique in every way, and it shone out through anything he did. He’d worked as a garbage man for a while, and now he could start a new career and focus more on his passion.
The Next Step
Working Tirelessly
Millions had heard of his kindness and inspirational bond with Brooklyn. However, they thought he was a regular garbage man. That wasn’t true at all! He was actually studying to learn a new profession.
Working Tirelessly
Breakthrough
Could Dopson go beyond the garbage truck and do something he’d always wished to do? His dedication and hard work would likely pay off, but he still had to wait for his special news. He badly needed to hear it, but would it come?
Breakthrough
The News He Needed
Delvar had worked hard in the past and was close to living his new life. He’d put in extra hours of study and now had to wait for the results. When they confirmed the news, he immediately shared it to his social media. Finally, Dopson was a licensed Realtor!
The News He Needed
Good News Keeps Coming
Delvar was now so very happy. He enjoyed being a garbage man, and the work wasn’t hard. However, he wanted something more in his life. Therefore, he moved to Henderson to begin his career as a licensed Realtor in Nevada.
Good News Keeps Coming
Magnetic Personality
Dopson had such a magnetic personality that the people at Realty One decided to give him a chance. His dreams of becoming a Realtor had paid off, but he had a few more things he wanted in his life, too!
Magnetic Personality
Other Dreams
Delver wished to create a movement, and he credits his mother with instilling that passion within him. She taught him to be the best possible. Helping others achieve their goals was what he wanted, and he could take that to the next level now!
Other Dreams
The Next Chapter
Dopson hoped to share his zest for life, but he couldn’t simply inspire them. He wanted to be part of a movement that became a beacon for others. Everything was now coming together for him to be a motivational speaker and leader.
The Next Chapter
Pieces Come Together
It now seemed like everything was falling into place for the man. He could believe that a little girl’s birthday cupcake had started it all! Since the story went viral, his puzzle connected and fit like it never had before.
Pieces Come Together
The Movement
Delvar joined Eregon 206, a movement to share his journey to inspire others. He’s leading by example, focusing on empowerment, fitness, self-love, self-care, and leadership. Likewise, he’s staying grounded and indulging his first passion of being a Realtor.
The Movement
Back to His Roots
The man’s support and fame began once he showed kindness to a child. He enjoys being around kids and actually does so whenever possible. He claims that they have the best hearts, and it’s hard to argue with that statement!
Back to His Roots
Come a Long Way
Dopson has come a very long way since he ended up sharing a cupcake with little Brooklyn. Years have now passed, and he lives in a different city. What happened to the one who started it all? Did she understand why Dopson stopped coming around?
Come a Long Way
Brooklyn and Delvar
Delvar never stopped being friends with the Andracke family. He hasn’t forgotten about Brooklyn and visits when he can. She’s 9 years old now with a young brother. The garbage man turned Realtor continues sharing on social media about the family.
Brooklyn and Delvar
An Inspiration
Dopson has built a huge online following. Though the fame started off with Brooklyn, he’s truly inspired others. Some would have exploited the fame, but he’s using the platform and viral story to build better things around himself.
An Inspiration
What a Ride
When Dopson first started in that neighborhood, he never imagined the impact it would make on the Andracke’s or himself. Years later, the video has been viewed over a million times. Things may have changed, but Delvar thinks back on that moment frequently.
What a Ride
Pay It Forward
Delvar has a mission to spread kindness and joy wherever he goes and motivates others to do so, as well. He showed the world that a simple act can change your circumstances. You can actually do great things by being sweet and kind.
Pay It Forward