The birthday cake photo that a Michigan woman snapped and posted on Facebook has gone viral. It features the heartwarming picture of the frosted dessert that a grocery store bakery's autistic employee decorated with a custom "Happy Birthday" message.
Lisa Aldrich of Grand Rapids made the Facebook post during the weekend, according to CNN. The cake has white frosting, pink icing on the edges, and the words "Happy Birthday Mandy" on the top.
She went to a Meijer supermarket to buy a cake for her sister. There e she asked a bakery worker to decorate the cake with a personal message.
The supermarket employee came back a long time later. Aldrich then noticed something interesting about the birthday cake's decoration.
She thanked the bakery employee and then looked at the cake's asymmetrical lettering. Aldrich made a nervous laugh and then went to the check out to purchase her pastry.
The store's cashiers and managers walked over to look at Aldrich's cake. They informed her that the decorator was an autistic employee.
A cashier placed her arm on the customer's shoulder, and then explained that the bakery worker was usually not allowed to add lettering to cakes. However, because Aldrich had smiled and thanked her, she had probably made her happy.
Meijer is a regional hypermarket chain that is headquartered in Michigan and was founded in 1934. It is credited with inventing the "supercenter" idea in 1962.
Meijer spokesman Frank Guglielmi told NBC News that the grocery chain is very proud that its staff members include people with disabilities. Guglielmi explained that the story has probably gone viral because it shows that a little kindness can have a big effect, according to NBC News.
Aldrich told CNN that she shared the photo with her friends to show the importance of being nice in difficult situations. They can even do that before they learn the entire story.
Aldrich's Facebook post has been shared more than 93,000 times.