Esther McCool is more than just a good name.
The elementary school custodian, known to students as “Miss Esther,” has become legendary after the mom of a Texas fourth-grader with autism shared a photo of the worker comforting her daughter went viral earlier this week.
“I felt something was wrong and I went to make her feel better,” McCool, whose native language is Spanish, told TODAY Parents via a translator. “I watch after the kids and make sure they are OK.”
Kenlee Bellew-Shaw, 9, attends Melba Passmore Elementary School in Alvin, Texas. Normally, when feeling overwhelmed by the loud lunchroom noises, she will rest her head on the cafeteria table, her mom, Hollie Bellew-Shaw, told TODAY Parents.
But Tuesday, Kenlee grabbed her blanket and cried on the school’s stage. McCool curled up on the floor next to her.
“Our school custodian is literally the best, sweetest individual in the world,” Bellew-Shaw posted. “All schools should be so lucky to have their own Angel on campus. Feel free to share so she can get all the appreciation & thanks she totally deserves.”