Last weekend, my husband and I gathered for a family visit. Around lunchtime, we opted for Chinese and our group of fifteen met at the mid-size restaurant a stone’s throw from my sister-in-law’s.
As we entered the restaurant, kind folks parted and held doors open as my husband’s ninety-six-year-old grandmother ambled along with her walker. (Grandma is legally blind and moves slowly as you might expect, but she still enjoys getting out when able.)
It was lunchtime and the place was packed.
We waited about fifteen minutes while the hostess readied the tables for us and then she ushered our tribe around the corner to a perfect spot in back. We seated Grandma at the end of a table so there would be plenty of room for her walker.
“Grandma, I’ll just hang your purse over the side of your chair here. Is that okay?”
Grandma Helen smiled and patted my hand. “Well, that would be just fine.”
Since it was a buffet, it was a serve yourself affair. Family members fixed Grandma’s plate, and after we’d made our selections and began visiting, our waitress brought waters and additional fountain drinks.
Just a few minutes into our meal, our waitress returned.
She leaned down beside Grandma and handed her a yellow ticket. “Someone asked me to give this to you. Have a wonderful day.”
Because Grandma’s vision is so limited, she couldn’t make out the words.”What does it say?”
My mother-in-law (whose vision is also poor) gave it a shot. The sentiment was brief. Touching. God-ordained.
“I saw you come in and felt like I should honor you in some way. I know this gift is small, but I hope it helps.”
Someone ministered to our elderly grandmother by paying for her meal.
An ordinary lunch became an unexpected blessing. A true pay-it-forward moment. Praise! Praise! Praise!
Be the difference, dear one.
Cynthia Herron writes Heartfelt, Homespun Fiction from the beautiful Ozark Mountains.
A hopeless romantic at heart, Cynthia enjoys penning stories about ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances. She has a degree in psychology and a background in social work. She is a member of ACFW, ACFW MozArks, and RWA.
Cynthia is a 2016 ACFW Genesis (Double) Finalist and a 2015 ACFW First Impressions Winner. Her short story Words from the Heart appears in The Story Anthology (Karen Kingsbury/Family Fiction) via Salem Publications, 2014.
Besides writing, Cynthia delights in serving the Lord and spending time with her family and friends. She has a fondness for gingerbread men, miniature teapots, and all things apple. Join her at: http://www.authorcynthiaherron.com/ for weekly encouragement.
Jennifer, thanks so much for sharing this “Small Act of Kindness.” Such a sweet blessing!
Love this! Paying it forward is always a blessing for those who receive and for those who gave!
What an uplifting story and a reminder not to rush through life, but pay attention and honor those around us. Thanks Cynthia!