I completely lost it today (publicly, which is not my style) in a restaurant in Noosa. A frail older couple and their family came in. A dad taking his two kids out for brunch offered to hurriedly clear his table so they could sit there instead of the high bar stools (the only table available). They weren’t even finished but they were willing to move because of their kindness.
The gesture was so considerate. Timing was on the family’s side and a table opened up. The girls there hanging out saw the family needed it so cleared out.
I was having a crap start to the day. A tree branch fell on to my car, several people cut me off (I blame the storm), and arguing with people regarding business deals. Wasn’t a good start.
Instead of projecting out I decided to shift the yuck feeling I had and went up to the counter to offer to pay for the breakfast the young man and his girls had. It was only $58. I wanted to reward kindness and encourage his girls to create a better world bit by bit, day by day. They were all being so sweet to each other.
I continued on writing out a business plan… I can’t keep a straight face so when he was happily surprised someone had fixed his bill he came up to me and asked. I went bright red (guilty) and said I didn’t know what he was talking about (with a smile). He and his girls thanked me profusely and had a chat.
I continued on writing…
Then the waitress came up and said she noticed what I did and my breakfast was on the house. At this stage I could hold back the happy tears. I was super grateful and wasn’t expecting anything in return.
I continued writing…
THEN! The gentleman and his girls came back with a gift bag. Inside was a gift voucher. I didn’t see it at first mostly because I was saying thank you so much and talking to the girls about spreading kindness (something I don’t think they need too much advice on).
As soon as they got out the door I lost it. The sweetest waitress rushed over and gave me a big hug. After I got myself together I looked at the voucher. It was double what the breakfast cost! I lost it again. I followed the gentlemans request and got something cuddly for myself (some nice pjs).
I went back to the restaurant to say thank you. They told me the frail couple in the beginning asked what all the fuss was about. The waitress explained.
Turns out the lady was really suffering that day from a chronic illness and the older gentleman was celebrating his birthday. His family had surprised them from Melbourne. Gaaaaaaaah. He said apart from seeing his kids it was the best gift he could ask for. He is 90 today.
See, one little act of kindness, depsite what is going on in your day, can really make the difference for a lot of people.
Be kind, even when you’re hurting.
Source: Facebook / The Kindness Pandemic / Katie Johnston
