Hawaiian Gratuity for a Special Waitress

--by brighteyes, posted Jun 19, 2008

After I married, we honeymooned in Hawaii. Both of us enjoyed our ten day stay-- the islands are gorgeous, the people loving, gracious and spiritual, the sunrises/sunsets one more spectacular then the next, the rainbows miraculously appearing each afternoon after a brief rain and the flowers so brightyly colored and diverse. What a paradise! We returned to one restaurant several times in Maui because I loved the buffet, the service, the outdoor tables where I could feed the birds, the ocean view and it was close to our hotel.

I befriended a waitress who symbolized the Hawaiin people to me: she was plump, middle-aged, super friendly, greeting us each time with a huge, warm smile, twinkling eyes, a deep booming laugh and a hug. She was quite chatty and so am I so we bonded instantly. She shared some of her life stories with us, which was so sad: hubby left, supporting several children, sick parents, working several odd jobs to make ends meet but challenges did not deter her joy of life or her positive attitude. I truly liked her and looked forward to seeing her each morning.

On our last day on that island, I decided to surprise her with a huge tip. I left her a $100 dollars partially hidden under a plate and a scribbled THANK-YOU on a napkin to let her know I appreciated her service and warmth (never told my hubby as he used to tease me about being a "soft touch" and way too generous--this was 20yrs ago and we were just starting out so were on a strict budget especially from the wedding expense and honeymoon vacation too).

I was not able to see her reaction, but I can picture it in my mind -- her surprise and delight about the HUGE tip! When I do, I smile and my heart expands - I am grinning! I hope I "made her day!" I never saw her again but I sometimes daydream about Hawaii and I still I think about her now and again and wish her well.

4173 Reads

Posted by brighteyes
Jun 19, 2008
Comments (17)

Readers Comments

JuneBug wrote: What a nice memory!!!!! I can only imagine the graditude this woman felt for the kndest act she probably had seen in a while! I am sure she still talks about it today!!!!!! :}

Flipper wrote: I bet to this day she still thinks about 20 years ago, when she received $100 from a very friendly woman that was there on her honeymoon .... and I bet she smiles to this day thinking about it too!

So very kind of you :")

'Flipper'

lmil1954 wrote: brighteyes, your heart shines as bright as your eyes! I'm sure she never forgot you. What pure joy! LindaM:)

Wotserface wrote: I wonder if she tells her children/grandchildren that story, and remembers the wonderful lady she met and remembered. I'm sure that day you reaffirmed for her that in a sometimes crazy world, there are still people like you!

nickname wrote: Hawai'i is a really beautiful and wonderful place, and its people are everything you said they are. I visited once, Oahu and Kauai, and now I want to go to Maui and the Big Island. Not only was your $100 tip outstanding, but it was 20 years ago and is probably the equivalent of today's $300 or $400.

perseverance wrote: Thanks for your post It makes me think of going to that paradise on earth

Maumauc wrote: A beautiful memory planted in the lives of many I am sure. thank you so much for sharing. agape

lovebug wrote: I always wanted to visit Hawaii, thanks for painting such a vivid picture for me. Generosity has it own rewards ,I have always found this to be true both for the giver and the receiver.

cabbage wrote: I have never been to Hawaii, but your description made me feel like I was there.
I am sure that you "made her day" for many many days to come! Your generosity is contagious! Thanks for sharing. :-)

arnee wrote: Thank you for sharing. I bet Hawaii is beautiful but with a kind heart, it seems that YOU are more beautiful. :)

Stories of Kindness from Around the World