An Uneven Exchange Late-night

--by eowynts, posted Jul 13, 2008

I worked as a waitress for a few months. I was not a great waitress and I worked in a restaurant that served mostly older people who, bless them, haven't learned that 10% is no longer a tip waitresses can live from--let alone a college student packing on 20 hours!

One night, when I was still working two hours after my shift was supposed to finish, all I wanted was for my last table to clear out so I could clean and go home. My last customer caught me on her way out and asked if I had change for a twenty. I dug through my apron and turned out my night's earnings... a measly $14.

She smiled at me and said, "That's enough."

My eyes welled up as I made the uneven exchange. "Thank you," I whispered.

I heard her little boy ask why she did that and she explained that I'd had a hard night and she just wanted to help me out. Not only did her kindness touch my hurried, hassled life, but she also taught her son an important lesson that night.

I don't know her name, but I will always remember her.

2942 Reads

Posted by eowynts
Jul 13, 2008
Comments (12)

Readers Comments

makesomeonesmile wrote: Your story is a great reminder of how a simple act can make such a difference. Years later you still remember and are touched by that. Thanks for sharing!

perseverance wrote: small act with great intention and great results

AURELIA wrote: Wow $14 BUCKS isn't much. I am glad she was able to appreciate you and make a difference. My daughter is a college student also, school and work are trying, but please don't give up and know that some day soon you will be grown and making a wonderful life for yourself and others...remember to pay it forward when you have a chance...for now ...SMILE, they're contagious. ~Aurelia

eowynts wrote: No, Aurelia, $14 isn't much. I had maybe twice that including the credit card tip, but all in all, it was lean pickings.

I am actually graduated and working as an editorial assistant for two teen magazines and their associated Sunday School curriculum. As a matter of fact, in the current magazine, I put in a page about performing Random Acts of Kindness and included a card they could cut out to leave behind!

brighteyes wrote: GREAT STORY....I HAVE A SOFT SPOT FOR WAITRESSES (HAVING BEEN ONE FOR JUST A LITTLE TIME), SINGLE MOMS & ELDERLY.

YOURS WAS A 4 SMILE STORY...

I TOO AM A BIG TIPPER..IT'S ONE OF MY FAVORITE ROAKS TO DO.

lovebug wrote: Like so many I also did the waitress thing, for a short time. I think I had a good attitude at the time. I always felt I left with more money then I had came in with so I was always ahead by just showing up to do my job

grammagussie wrote: Years ago I was also a waitress, The resturant had so many side jobs in addition to waitressing that it was hard to give the customers the service it takes to earn much in tips but it gave me a lot of respect for the hard work waitresses do. I always tip 15-20%.

ravi wrote: Best of luck
I hope you also act in such a way when you are on another job
Bye

bharni wrote: Very inspiring story. You can teach your kid only by modelling and this mom is a great model. God bless all.

Hekima wrote: The story teachs a lot,like to be kind and also to appreciate small things others do it is best thing as it encourage to continue with what they are doing and in future to do more than what they did in past

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