Have you ever been on the receiving end of a random act of kindness? I was enjoying lunch today with a few friends at a new restaurant, that was fairly empty. We had the back room to ourselves, except for a table in the corner occupied by a lovely young woman. We were typically loud, laughing, sharing stories, and I noticed that her eyes caught mine several times and she was smiling, as if she was enjoying our stories too.
As we were wrapping up, the waitress came up to us and told us that our entire meal was being paid for by the young woman at the corner table. She seemed a little disappointed that the waitress had "spilled the beans" and told us who was responsible, because she had intended on keeping it quiet, but once we found out who our generous "angel" was, we all got to talking, and eventually invited her to finish eating with us.
To top it off, she ordered a round of desserts--every single one on the restaurant menu, for us all to enjoy. She must have thought we hadn't eaten in weeks, because before we knew it and much to our astonishment, she ordered another round of desserts!
You know, as much as we enjoyed our surprise treat, she seemed to enjoy us and our delight even more.
You'll see her seated on the floor in front of us--don't we look like we all gained about 5 extra pounds today? I was reminded today how giving to others is the best gift you can give yourself. Now it's my turn to share and pay it forward--I'm on the lookout!
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What a cool Random Act of Kindness--and a new friend on top of it all.
ReplyDeleteThat is so fabulous, Debi!! Giving is definitely the best gift to give yourself. I have been doing a bit of random acts of kindness lately in an anonymous way and it's so much fun!! Cheers to kindness all around us! xxoo :)
ReplyDeleteHello Debi , How amazing , what a wonderful lady .. I have been reading about RAOK on facebook. This lady must of enjoyed your laughter and stories so much! Who is the angel? Did you find out about her? Does she blog? I wonder if you will meet up again??
ReplyDeleteThat is the sweetest story ever!! What a sweetheart and I'm sure a new friend now. I absolutely love to hear stories like this one, what a beautiful world we live in!!
ReplyDeleteVery, very nice lady! What a sweet thing to do! Hal enjoys doing that if we see clients of his when we are out but to do it for total strangers is even more special. I bet she's not a stranger now ... a new friend, I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteThanks for you sweet comment on my Monday Melody. Evidently you were the only one that had time to listen to it. I'm going to try to learn it on the piano. Love and miss you, sweet friend.
What a great example your new friend is! I've often wanted to do something nice for a stranger, but I haven't always followed through on that inclination. This post reminds me once again that it's better to give than receive.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful gal!!! AND maybe you all are wonderful and that is what attracted her to you all!! It looks like it was a mutual admiration and fun time! Generosity garners friends and happiness...generosity of spirit!!! You all benefitted!
ReplyDeleteSorry...I certainly say "You all"...a lot!
ReplyDeleteA nice surprise enjoyed by all. My husband likes to pick up the dinner tab for service men and women. He has found that you have to do it in secret for they usually refuse any offers.
ReplyDeleteA little kindness given is the best gift we give ourselves.
What a beautiful story! I've heard of people paying for the person's Starbucks behind them in the drive thru...but a meal and TWO deserts for a crowd? Awe-some!
ReplyDeleteOops...dessert.
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