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Mystery diner picks up bill for family of special needs boy

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CHINA GROVE, N.C., Sept. 3 (UPI) -- A North Carolina family whose special needs son got "a little rowdy" while eating out said a mystery man picked up the bill and left an encouraging note.

Ashley England said she was out to dinner at the Stag n Doe in China Grove, N.C., with her family, including her son, Riley, 8, who has special needs, and the boy began to get "a little rowdy," WBTV, Charlotte, N.C., reported Tuesday.

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"The past few weeks have been very hard and trying for us -- especially with public outings," England said. "Riley was getting loud and hitting the table and I know it was aggravating to some people."

England said a waitress with tears in her eyes approached the table.

"I'll try to do this without crying," the waitress said. "But another customer has paid for your bill tonight and wanted me to give you this note."

The customer's note read, "God only gives special children to special people."

England said she burst into tears as a result of the kindness.

"To have someone do that small act towards us shows that some people absolutely understand what we are going through and how hard it is to face the public sometimes," she said. "They made me cry, blessed me more than they know -- I felt like out of all the rude negative comments that we are faced with -- these outweighs them. The people who care!"

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England said she wants to thank the mystery man.

"Little did he know what struggles we had been facing lately and this was surely needed at that moment," she said. "Thank you!"

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