Stories of Kindness from Around the World

A Small Gesture That Made My Day


--by PrincessAungie, posted Dec 30, 2010

My husband, my four-month old daughter and I set out on a five day driving journey from California to Washington. We had to stop frequently because oure little one needed to stretch from the car seat. 

One of our stops, once we crossed the Oregon border, was at a Black Bear Diner. Walking towards the front door we noticed a gentleman standing to one side. He was seriously dishelved, without shoes and wearing tattered clothing.  We passed right by him and opened the restaurant door.  

Then something told me to go back.

Holding my four-month old daughter I turned around and said to the gentleman, "Sir. Are you hungry?"  He said, "Yes."  I then asked, "May we buy you a bite to eat?" He responded with, "Sure, I can order something to go."

My husband opened the door and the gentleman went straight to the counter. I told him to order whatever he wanted. The manager of the restaurant came over quite quickly and looked horrified. I spoke before he had an opportunity to. "This gentleman will have lunch on us today," I said. "Please add his order to our tab." The manager crinkled his brow and said, "Ohhhhhhkay."

We turned to be escorted to our table and the gentleman said, loudly and quickly, "Thank You!"

We were seated and upon completing our meal we were presented with our tab. I asked my husband what the gentleman had ordered.

One fresh squeezed orange juice, one coffee, one breakfast combination with a side of hash browns. 

When we left the restaurant I looked for the gentlemen but didn't see him but that very small gesture just made my day.  I hope in some small way we were able to add some joy to his life, even if only for a few minutes.

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Readers Comments

iferlamb wrote: How compassionate of you! What a wonderful lesson you taught everyone who witnessed your gift.
smiles...
sabrina wrote: The manager would behave well with eedy next time,remembering your gift. Smilesss, Sabrina
redrady1 wrote: What a wonderful gift. No one should have to go hungry! It was very thoughtful of your family to do that!
heartofflesh wrote: You have clothed yourselves with compassion. My prayer is it stays on forever !
Very inspiring story indeed !
From India with love !
unknown wrote: Yum yum :) Thanks for being you :) I meant all of you :) Now you can bless your lil one for revolting :):) deepula.
MakeSomeoneSmile wrote: Bless you for following your heart and going back. Your kindness probably meant far more to him than you ever know! :)
vibegirl wrote: Doesn't it feel great to be given opportunities like that. Blesses you both. So glad you shared your story
rlincoln wrote: Good for you! It is very hard to step outside of the status quo.
Michele wrote: What a great story. I do believe we bless ourselves also when we bless others.
ollie wrote: Wow , what an awesome story and your little one having parents like you is one very blessed little baby. She is sure to grow up with love and compassion in her always. Love from vancouver island b. C . Canada

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