It had been a difficult day in Christy Richardson’s home. Her son, affectionately nicknamed “Bubba,” was having a tough time — the kind of emotional storm that can feel impossible to calm. Bubba, who has autism, was deeply upset, and nothing seemed to be working to ease his frustration.

But Christy knew something special about her son: he loved police officers. Just the sight of a uniform could bring him comfort and fascination. So, in a moment of inspiration, she picked up the phone and asked if a deputy could come by, hoping it might make a difference.

Not long after, Deputy Corey Loftis arrived at their door. He didn’t rush in or overwhelm Bubba. Instead, he approached with patience, warmth, and an easygoing manner that immediately began to shift the mood in the room.

Rather than focusing on the problem, Deputy Loftis offered Bubba something unexpected — a new way to channel his energy. Dropping down to the floor, he began doing push-ups, inviting Bubba to join him. It wasn’t just exercise; it was a fun, physical outlet for all the emotions Bubba had been holding inside.

Soon, the tension started to melt. Bubba watched, smiled, and eventually laughed — a sound his mom hadn’t expected to hear so soon. “Bubba was laughing before Deputy Loftis left,” Christy later said, “which I honestly thought was impossible at the time!”

For Christy, the relief was overwhelming. This wasn’t just about calming her son; it was about someone taking the time to truly connect, to meet Bubba where he was, and to turn a hard moment into a memory of joy.

“I can’t thank Officer Loftis enough for being so caring throughout the whole situation,” she said.

That day, Deputy Loftis didn’t just respond to a call — he brought compassion, creativity, and a few push-ups that turned everything around. Sometimes, it’s the smallest gestures that leave the biggest impact.