My Son Mocked the Janitor – Until He Discovered Her Shocking Secret

My Son Mocked the Janitor, Not Knowing Who She Was – He Rushed to Apologize After Learning the Truth

Shelby finds a video of her son Alex swearing at the school janitor as she is assisting him with his homework. Shelby is appalled and wants to discipline him, but she also believes that karma ought to step in and provide some wisdom to her son.

Even though I used to detest doing my own homework in school, I now like helping my son Alex with his. Alex had to take and sketch from a series of headshots for the most recent project. It was amazing to consider how schoolwork had changed over time.

My son handed me his phone, and I started shooting images of him in various lighting settings.

“Did you get some good ones, Mom?” Posing in his school uniform, Alex inquired.

With a “I think so,” I answered. “But let me take a look before you get changed.”

I started to browse through Alex’s phone, something I don’t usually do. Even though I respect his personal space, I know that if there were any issues, my fifteen-year-old son would come to me. I had faith in him.

I carefully examined the arrangement of the light and the areas where the shadows fell as I cycled through the pictures I had taken only moments earlier. I felt good about myself.

“Yeah, we’ve gotten some good shots!” I exclaimed.

Alex turned to go to his bedroom and said, “I’ll go take a shower and then get started with the rest of my homework, Mom.” “Can you make me a chicken and mayo sandwich?”

I said, holding his phone still, “Sure, coming right up.”

However, as I browsed through the last few pictures, I saw a movie that didn’t excite me. It was hardly a video at all; perhaps a brief clip would be a better description, and it was probably only 30 seconds long.

That was sufficient to turn my stomach.

In the video, Mrs. Evans, the janitor who had been working there for years, was made fun of by Alex and a few of his classmates while they were at school. She did not appear to be aware that she was being filmed.

The boys were whispering really offensive things and snickering. I nearly wouldn’t have thought it was my son if I didn’t know his voice so well.

“She’s so old, shouldn’t she be retired or something?” How about Alex? “Imagine being that ancient and still cleaning up after a bunch of kids.”

I put the phone down, paused the video, and inhaled deeply. Not only was I upset with him. I felt really let down. This is not the kind of youngster that I thought Alex was raised to be.

He had always learned to appreciate individuals from Alan and me, regardless of their occupation, appearance, or language.

And yet, here he was, mocking a lady for carrying out her official duties. It wasn’t only painful. It was blatantly cruel and unpleasant.

I didn’t want to lose my cool in the heat of the moment, even though I knew I had to talk to him. I made the decision to try something different in the hopes that it would help him see past his adolescent ignorance.

Because it was obvious that Alex was ignorant of something.

Mrs. Evans wasn’t your typical housekeeper.

Nope. In actuality, she was the mother of one of the richest men in the community. You know the kind: large corporation, expensive vehicles, opulent home perched on a hill, and a commanding presence that begged for attention.

The majority of the town’s residents were already aware of the tale, which was as old as anything.

When we saw Mr. Evans entering the library with a crate full of books to donate, Norma, the town librarian, informed me, “Mr. Evans built his entire empire out of his father’s modest beginning, Shelby.”

“And the old janitor in the school?” She went on. “That’s his mother!”

“No way!” With genuine shock, I said.

Mrs. Evans was someone I had seen at the school during activities and even during pick-ups and drops. Moreover, she didn’t appear to be a woman with that level of money.

“Yes, way!” Norma stated. “It appears that she decided to work as a school janitor following the death of her spouse. Of course, she doesn’t need the money. However, it offers her a goal. The unique aspect is that she met her spouse while they were seniors at the school.”

“So, she walks around the halls thinking of him?” With regret, I said. “That’s romantic, but heartbreaking at the same time.”

If my son had known about this portion of Mrs. Evans’s tale, he would not have said what he did.

Even though I was appalled by my son’s remarks, I reasoned that allowing the truth to come to light gradually would be the best way for Alex to comprehend the gravity of his actions.

A few days later, on career day, the school provided that opportunity.

Annually, accomplished individuals from our community were invited to address the kids on their professional backgrounds, life lessons learned, and personal journeys. I was frequently asked to give talks on property and real estate.

Upon receiving the emails for us speakers, I noticed that Mr. Evans was included in the program as well. I knew immediately upon learning of it that this was the ideal pretext for the lesson Alex sorely needed.

I wanted Alex to figure this out on his own, therefore I kept quiet to him regarding the video.

“Mom, are you bringing Matt to career day?” While he was eating his cereal that morning, Alex inquired.

My newest employee, Matt, was adored by Alex.

I responded, “Yes, he will be present.” “He’s going to be handling our booth.”

“Good,” said Alex. “Well, that’s something to anticipate, at least. Career Day is really meaningless, and not a single marine biologist has shown up yet. I’m therefore squandering my time.”

Just knowing he was about to get a reality check, I smiled at him.

Later that day, Matt and I were at our booth answering questions from young people who were considering a career in real estate after school.

Unfortunately, I had to show two houses that afternoon, so I was unable to attend Mr. Evans’ keynote speech. Nevertheless, I was sure Mr. Evans would insist on revealing that Mrs. Evans was his mother.

When Alex returned home later that day, he had a paler complexion than normal. He hardly made any contact with the pizza I picked up on my way home.

“What’s up?” I enquired.

“Nothing,” he mumbled, obviously uneasy.

After a protracted silence, he finally blurted out.

“You know the janitor, Mrs. Evans?”

With an eyebrow raise, I answered, “Yes, of course,” and poured myself a glass of juice.

“Well, her son attended today’s assembly. He’s the wealthy Mr. Evans that makes headlines. You’re aware? The one in charge of the auto dealership? I was unaware that he was her son.”

I said nothing, knowing there was more to come, but he trailed off.

He said, “Mom, I didn’t expect any of it.” However, he was discussing his early years. and how his mother played a significant role in his accomplishment. He claimed that his mother might have simply stayed at home after his father died. Their money was more than sufficient. She wanted to work though. to maintain ties to the neighborhood. I have a video of me making fun of my mother as well.

“What?” I questioned, trying to seem silly.

“It’s not me doing anything to her, Mom,” he replied. “But in the video, I’m joking about with Elijah about how old she is. However, I forgot about her. I didn’t consider her life or any possible struggles she might have had.”

Alex seemed hesitant, and it was evident that he was struggling with feelings of shame.

I bent over.

“And how do you feel about that now?”

With a groan, Alex combed through his hair.

“I feel foolish right now. Everyone stood and clapped when Mr. Evans called her to the stage. Even though she was merely standing there grinning, it was clear how much it meant to her. And I just felt so insignificant. I understood that I wasn’t jesting at a janitor. I was making fun of someone who chose to work, someone who had endured a lot and yet continued to give back.”

I could tell at that point that the lesson had finally clicked. I didn’t have to explain everything to him. Alex was able to see his own mistakes. He wasn’t finished, though.