KINDNESS OF STRANGERS

I like to eat out, but my husband doesn’t. He prefers to stay home and throw something together from the fridge.  The other night he opted to make soup. Not in the mood for soup I told him I was going out. I debated where to go. We don’t have a big selection of restaurants in our town to choose from. So I narrowed it down to Olive Garden and Red Lobster. Both are pretty pricey places but I had gift cards and decided to splurge. It has been a difficult three or four months here on the home front due to health issues for me, my husband and younger daughter. So I thought going out to eat would benefit me emotionally.  I decided seafood was calling to me and picked Red Lobster as my go to place. That meant driving across town. I got there around 7:30pm. It was relatively full. People were out celebrating birthdays and anniversaries. And I suddenly missed my husband. What was I doing here alone? They seated me in a booth, instead of at a table... which was more intimate and private. I slowly looked at the menu cover to cover to see what I wanted. And being a gal from the east coast I opted for the crabcake dinner. It came with a salad and cost $20.45 plus an additional  $3.79 for a Dr. Pepper. My gift card would cover the bill and I would leave cash for the tip. So I settled into my surroundings and began to text my best friend. She is the one who gave me the gift card at Christmas. After 15 minutes or so the salad arrived and I heartily began to eat. I enjoyed the boisterous conversation from the tables around me. One woman was there celebrating her 96^th birthday. That was impressive indeed. When my crabcakes arrived I was ready for them. I took my time savoring each and every bite.  It reminded me of being back home where I grew up, which is so very far away. And for a moment or two... I was homesick for the ocean. But, I quickly gathered my emotions, so I didn’t burst out crying. It will be a long time before I get back there due to health concerns with my husband.  By now most everyone in the restaurant had left. It was my turn to leave too. I reached for the gift card but it wasn’t there in my wallet. I apparently left it back at the house on my way out the door. I knew my husband would be mad if I paid for that kind of meal with the debit card. Especially since I was dining alone.  But what choice did I have? Just then the waiter came over and told me the most unexpected thing. He said I could leave anytime I wanted to... because the gentleman and woman sitting behind me, had paid my bill before they left, and had taken care of his tip. I was flabbergasted. He said they thought I looked like a nice lady. Imagine that? I owed nothing due to the kindness of strangers. They were my angels in disguise. Paying it forward, I left the waiter a few more dollars. Sometimes you’re in the right place... at the right time... to be reminded about the goodness of people .  I won’t soon forget these kind folks. They made my day.