Boy's simple habit of waving transforms his community

In Concord, North Carolina, a 4-year-old boy named Roman Butzlaff has become an unlikely catalyst for community connection. Roman, who craves connection, greets everyone passing his house with a wave and a cheerful "hey." His mother, Anna Butzlaff, shared that Roman wakes up each day eager to say hello to someone.

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He wakes up every day excited to say 'hi' to somebody, like, that's the first thing he wants to do.

Despite his outward cheerfulness, Roman experienced inner loneliness after his parents' breakup and his father's move to Florida. His grandparents also lived out of state. However, the seeds of kindness Roman had been planting began to yield fruit.

Wade Fulgum, a neighbor, noticed Roman's consistent waves and initiated a connection. This interaction soon inspired other neighbors to engage with Roman and, in turn, with each other. They began stopping to chat and participating in activities together, transforming the neighborhood dynamic.

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I didn't really know how to take it. I just saw that my son was happy.

Roman's mother initially found the situation a bit strange, as she barely knew these neighbors. However, seeing her son's happiness, she supported his invitations to various events, including soccer games, basketball games, and swimming lessons. When it was time for his birthday party, Roman's guest list consisted solely of his senior citizen neighbor friends.

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He loves having us there, and he'll run up and hug us.

"He loves having us there, and he'll run up and hug us," one neighbor remarked. Anna Butzlaff noted the profound impact these neighbors have had on Roman, calling them "really special people to him." Roman's "love thy neighbor" attitude has now brought together about a dozen neighbors, creating a sense of village where there was once just a neighborhood. As one neighbor put it, "Look at what this little kid has built."

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They have made such an impact on him. They are really special people to him.