An Extra Special Holiday Gift

--by mel777, posted Dec 16, 2010

Many years ago, I was a struggling single mom starting up a new business. It was the holiday season, and my boyfriend and I had decided that we would splurge for just one evening, and go out to dinner. We went to the Red Lobster and it got me thinking about my college waitressing days and how much I enjoyed working during that time: people shopping, feeling joyful, and tipping big. I was in the holiday spirit and wanted to give the waitress a big tip, though I knew it wasn't going to be a big Christmas for us that year.

When we had picked what we wanted, I did a quick calculation in my head to make sure that I had enough money before we placed the order. At the end of the meal, when we asked for the check, the waitress replied "It's already taken care of." I didn't understand? She clarified and told us that someone had paid for our dinner!! We looked all around trying to find the face of someone we knew but we didn't recognize anyone. I was astounded! How did someone pull this off without us knowing it...and why us??

I was so so touched! That was 12 years ago now, but I will never forget how that made us feel. I have always tried to 'pay-it-forward', but I don't think that person could have ever understood how much their random act of kindness meant to me. I will never forget it. Anytime I come across someone who is rude or mean, I just have to think of that story and remember how loving and giving the human spirit really is.

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Posted by mel777
Dec 16, 2010
Comments (10)

Readers Comments

MakeSomeoneSmile wrote: What a wonderful story to share! We often do not know how much a small act can mean to someone else!

trueblue wrote: WOW how did they know !! and all along you were the one wanting to give...that is truly magical...god works in mysterious ways.....what a great story to share :-}

iferlamb wrote: Very touching story! That makes me SMILE so much! I really hope the people I suprise with little acts of kindness are as equally affected by it as you were. I love that it is something you carry with you and call up in your heart and mind when someone is not so nice. BEAUTIFUL!
smiles...

heartofflesh wrote: Love in the heart of one person can overcome the hatred of the millions, it is said.
Love and human dignity will never die !

Love for Christ wrote: Beautiful story , lets celebrate christ's birthday every single day and the true spirit of giving. Peace , love , joy

ollie wrote: What goes around comes back full circle. Your story made me cry. Thanks for sharing

moonlight6654 wrote: That was so sweet of them! I am going to try that with some one at a restaurant someday.

susan wrote: Thank you for sharing such a beautiful story that has inspired me to do more for others this year.

Happy7 wrote: That is a great story and i can't wait to do this. My husband and i paid for a dinner annonomously in swiss chalet many years ago, and i can't wait to do it again and give them a smile card once i get them. God bless you

Spoonerism wrote: Awww yay! It's always nice to hear these stories! Peapod and i have paid for a few meals since we got inspired by stories on here. But you can't hang around to see what happens! Thanks for sharing!

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