Today I was blessed to turn forty-five years young.
I enjoy reading all of the awesome ideas from this wonderful site about people giving on their birthday, so, I decided this would be my chance to experience the joy of giving on my special day.
My husband took me to the Olive Garden, and our waitress was very nice. We had a great dinner experience and then I tried a warm apple crostata that was scrumptious. Then the waitress, Carlini, brought our bill.
When she came back to the table to get our credit card I knew it was my time to give. I sat the gift bag on the edge of the table and simply said, "In honor of my birthday, I want to bless you with a gift."
Ohh, the shock on her face! She said, "No, not for me! It’s your birthday!" Then she said, "Can I open it in front of you?" And I said that would be fine.
The first thing she noticed was the color of the gift bag which was purple. Purple is her favorite color and she actually had a purple tie on!
She opened the card and said, "It’s Christmas in July."
As she was taking the gift out of the bag, she said she was excited. It’s wonderful to give to someone who is willing to receive! She opened the box and saw it was a purple mug that said, "Tip Top Server - Happy to be a beverage serving, order taking, rushed off my feet, tip collecting, server! Inside the cup was a Smile card and forty-five dollars, a dollar for each year of my life.
After seeing the money she looked at my husband and said you do not have to leave a tip. He just ignored and left her the tip anyway.
Carlini was so grateful and thankful for what she had received. She said we made her year. I thanked her for receiving my gift so beautifully.
I am thankful to God for another year of life and the opportunity to see that every day is a great day to give.
12.7K Reads
- Posted by denisemj
- Nov 10, 2012
- Comments (20)
Readers Comments
Ruhaani wrote: Belated Happy Birthday! I can gift karmabucks for your kind gesture!
Glowworm wrote: Happy birthday, denisemj! Way to celebrate it right :)
MakeSomeoneSmile wrote: What a wonderful way to make your birthday not only special for you but for her too! I love it! :)
starryskies wrote: :) Happy Happy Birthday! :)
I love what you did! And I agree, it is so much fun giving to people who are willing to receive! It's actually taught me to be a better receiver. :)
I love what you did! And I agree, it is so much fun giving to people who are willing to receive! It's actually taught me to be a better receiver. :)
anuja.gmishra wrote: happy birthday....its beautiful to gift to unknowns..
PappuSodhani wrote: Happy birthday! True surprise to receiver. Very nice way to give.
starcrestsa wrote: Beautiful story! Giving is a blessing for others as well as yourself. Have a wonderful and blessed birthday and many many, more!
Mish wrote: Great! Blessings & happy 45th!
dhaller wrote: What a wonderful way to celebrate your life!
maryg wrote: Having been a waitress and knowing that a lot of service workers are treated with less respect than they deserve, i really was touched by your story. What an amazing thing to do! Carlini will never forget your kindness and that kindness will spur her into giving even better service. This was a wonderful birthday act.
