The kindness of others

I didn't know when I started my day yesterday that I would be touched by another...by a stranger.

I had a craving for Olive Garden yesterday and all I wanted to eat was soup, salad and bread sticks dipped in Alfredo sauce. I could almost taste it when I pictured the food in my mind. It's been a while since I had that for lunch. So I text-ed Todd at work and told him I wanted to meet him for lunch. I Googled the nearest Olive Garden location and it popped up about 20 minutes away, but a co-worker of Todd's said that there wasn't one in our city...Google must be mistaken. BUT...it's right there...online! So, I called the number listed...and to my dismay...this is what I heard,"Jeff City Red Lobster..." and I stopped listening. Disappointment set in.

The same co-worker then suggested a little Italian restaurant near the Capitol building that is her favorite. I don't enjoy driving around near the Capitol and really enjoy finding a parking space even less. I almost said no, but reluctantly decided to give it a try.

After circling around several times on the roads near the restaurant I realized I wasn't going to find a spot. Frustration was beginning to set in and I was about to give up. As it was I wasn't going to be able to enjoy what I really wanted in the first place. I finally decided to park in my bank's parking lot, even though I wouldn't be going into their establishment and we walked up the hill to the restaurant.

The place was packed...it seemed there were people everywhere. I was beginning to think this was a bad idea. We walked in and surprisingly enough we were seated right away. Hallelujah!

We were served bread and a tasty, seasoned dipping oil. Alyssa found the bread to be quite yummy and devoured her fair share! My eyes just about bugged out when I saw the prices for lunch and I wanted to just give up. Their menu options were limited. The soup of the day was lobster bisque, which sounded terrible, and I couldn't order any of the other soups listed in the menu. I finally settled on a salad and some fried zucchini sticks and called it good. The wait time was a bit longer than I thought it would be and when the food came out the zucchini sticks were not on the tray. I politely inquired to find out when they would be ready and the waiter apologized, he had not heard me ask for them. The salad was good...nothing to rave about. Todd's Fettuccine Alfredo was soupy and tasted like white macaroni and cheese sauce...oh well. Alyssa loved her mac and cheese and gobbled it right up.

We were sitting there, enjoying pleasant conversation and just being out together when a lady, who was also eating lunch in the restaurant, walked up, slid Todd a $20 bill and said, "This is for part of your meal. Thank you for your service." We both thanked the lady kindly and I tried to keep the tears from my eyes...unsuccessfully. I have never before been present when someone has paid for Todd's tab because he was dressed in his military uniform. He has told me stories, but this was the first time I was there. My heart was touched...what a kind gesture. I will forever remember the her thoughtful gesture.

Then the zucchini sticks arrived. Oh my goodness. Those delectable, scrumptious slices were worth every waiting moment. I would go to that restaurant again and simply order those and be happy as a clam! They were delicious!

My mood was considerably better as we walked out to pay for our meal. But the surprises weren't going to stop there. As we paid for our meal the lady taking payment mentioned that because Todd was in his officer's uniform we would be receiving 30% off our meal. WHAT! Okay! We shared looks of pleasant surprise, signed the slip and happily walked back to our car.

We had no idea we would have these blessings today. It put a spring in our step and a spark of happiness in our attitude that carried us through the rest of the day. It made me want to share bits of joy and happiness with others, more often. What can I do today that would make another person smile, or even lift their burden just a little and bring them a little happiness?