When Whitney Kittrell became a single mom three years ago, she promised herself that her two kids would never miss out—and she's delivered in spades.

"We have accomplished a lot," the Utah woman wrote in a moving  post for Love What Matters. "Trips alone, teaching my son how to play catch, killing bugs with minimal screaming, countless memories, and a normal life."

Recently, however, her son came home from elementary school with a flyer for a "dads and doughnuts" event and her heart sank. "I finally sat him down and asked if he wanted to ask his grandpa to go. He just smiled and said 'No. I want you to go. You're my mom and dad.'"

So she did.

"This morning I gathered up my best dad outfit, painted on some facial hair, and went to breakfast with my sweet son," she wrote. "I was so embarrassed, but I couldn't help but smile when he introduced me to his little friends saying 'This is my mom…She's my dad too so I brought her!'"

Kittrell said she just wants her kids to know they're loved and, judging my her son's response, she's nailing it.

"When I went to leave, he ran after me and hugged me tight around my neck and whispered 'Mom…I know that you'll always be there and do anything for me. Thank you. I love you.' He kissed my cheek and ran off. I hope he remembers this day because I'll never forget it or his sweet words."

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Kitrell's story has has clearly struck a chord, having already generated more than 18,000 reactions and nearly 1,900 shares.

"I am a 57-year-old man who never knew my dad," one man commented. "He died before my mom was sure she was expecting me. I had seven older brothers and sisters. I can assure you, your son will always remember what you did for him. The older he gets, the more he will appreciate it. Be proud of yourself."

Beautiful.

This post originally appeared on Mamamia, Spring.St's Australian sister site. You can read it here.