A few years ago, I had a long commute to get home from work.One morning I was on my way home and was very tired after working a 12 hour night shift. I stopped at a local restaurant to have breakfast. It was really a truck stop and I was the only customer.
Right after I placed my order I saw a man come in. He was carrying a small backpack and looked like he had seen better times. He reached in his pocket and pulled out some change. He asked the waitress if 38 cents was enough to buy a cup of coffee. She looked at his hand and said, "Of course. Have a seat." (Coffee was 50 cents a cup at the time.) It really struck me how she had tried to preserve his pride and how he had not asked for any charity.
Shortly before my food came. I motioned for the waitress to come over. I said, "You know, I am not feeling well. I don't think I am going to be able to eat my breakfast. Do you think there is anyone here who might eat it?" She first asked if I was ok and then she understood. She said, I think so. Are you sure? I told her that I was sure.
She then walked over to the gentleman and told him that I had ordered food and it was too late to stop the order but I didn't feel like eating. Would he be so kind as to take it so that they wouldn't have to throw it out? I had walked to the cash register and was paying for the meal. At the cash register, I asked if they had gift cards. They did. I purchased one for $25.00 and asked them to give it to the gentleman after I left.
This man's quiet dignity touched me in ways that I don't even fully comprehend.
[source: http://www.quora.com/Life/What-is-the-nicest-thing-youve-ever-done-that-no-one-knows-about]
6304 Reads
- Posted by anonymous
- Mar 29, 2013
- Comments (12)
Readers Comments
Joy wrote: What a story of kindness. A true act of generosity and compassion. How thoughtful to give the gift and allow the man to retain his dignity.
thaata wrote: Sensitivity to others feelings is a rare commodity these days. Thanks for being one and passing kindness along. It was really nice of that waitress to respect the dignity of the gentleman. World is beautiful.
josietn wrote: Wow. Just wow. Thank you for this blessing. :)
Raj wrote: Inspirational indeed.
nanahana wrote: Thank you for the wonderful example. You did the ultimate: giving gift without recognition. How full your heart must have felt that night as you readied for sleep. Whoever you are, i wish you a happy surprise today.
Adrian wrote: Brillian ideas i wish all leaders should be like christians so that there be total peace in the world thanks by adrian from south sudan
Michelle wrote: This story moved me its good know there's wonderful people out there after all we can all have hard times no one knows what tomorrow will bring and we may need help from others
Ann wrote: This story is such a perfect example of kindness and compassion, and sensitivity to everyone's need for dignity. To the writer and the waitress, thank you. I am so grateful to be sharing a lifetime with beautiful people like you.
Karen wrote: Such a touching story. :)
The person writing this should get a big hug.
I just wish there were more kind people in this world. Thank you for sharing.
The person writing this should get a big hug.
I just wish there were more kind people in this world. Thank you for sharing.
Rev. Heng Sure wrote: Reminds me of this great song, inspired by steinbeck's "grapes of wrath. "
Here comes that rainbow again
Kris kristofferson
The scene was a small roadside cafe,
The waitress was sweeping the floor.
Two truck drivers drinking their coffee.
And two okie kids by the door.
"how much are them candies? " they asked her.
"how much have you got? " she replied.
"we've only a penny between us. "
"them's two for a penny," she lied.
And the daylight grew heavy with thunder,
With the smell of the rain on the wind.
Ain't it just like a human.
Here comes that rainbow again.
One truck driver called to the waitress,
After the kids went outside.
"them candies ain't two for a penny. "
"so what's it to you? " she replied.
In silence they finished their coffee,
And got up and nodded goodbye.
She called: "hey, you left too much money! "
"so what's it to you? " they replied.
And the daylight was heavy with thunder,
With the smell of the rain on the wind.
Ain't it just like a human.
Here comes that rainbow again.
Here comes that rainbow again
Kris kristofferson
The scene was a small roadside cafe,
The waitress was sweeping the floor.
Two truck drivers drinking their coffee.
And two okie kids by the door.
"how much are them candies? " they asked her.
"how much have you got? " she replied.
"we've only a penny between us. "
"them's two for a penny," she lied.
And the daylight grew heavy with thunder,
With the smell of the rain on the wind.
Ain't it just like a human.
Here comes that rainbow again.
One truck driver called to the waitress,
After the kids went outside.
"them candies ain't two for a penny. "
"so what's it to you? " she replied.
In silence they finished their coffee,
And got up and nodded goodbye.
She called: "hey, you left too much money! "
"so what's it to you? " they replied.
And the daylight was heavy with thunder,
With the smell of the rain on the wind.
Ain't it just like a human.
Here comes that rainbow again.
