It came out of the blue but was needed, welcome and delightful. The news was getting to me. Family health issues had me down. My cat won't let me alone as she demands my attention. She is really, really needy right now. Will get her vet checked Monday but the other things are out of my control.
As I looked in the fridge for dinner inspiration--NOTHING looked good. So I decided to drive to town and get a burger. The 10 mile trip would do me good since it was a crisp day and the leaves were showing a wee bit of color.
We don't have a lot of choices so I chose McDonalds for my cheese burger, small fry and senior diet coke. There weren't many in line ahead of me and none behind me but the line just didn't move. Luckily the Razorback basketball game was on the radio so I just zoned out listening. Finally gave my order and then continued to wait in front of the speaker. I figured they must be short staffed.
I did notice the guy ahead of me. He was in an all grown up pickup truck--my pickup is a toddler by comparison--and he was alone in the cab. So unless he was picking up for his family, his order should be quick. He was middle aged, dark haired with a mustache and that was the best I could do for a description if he chose to rob the place.
Finally I got to the window to pay but the girl just had a great smile on her face and said, "Yours is all ready paid for."
"Wow," I said, " Was it that guy ahead of me?" She nodded yes, still grinning.
I tried to holler my thanks but my squeaky voice couldn't quite out do his muffler. I then waved madly at him, giving him a big smile and a thumbs up. He grinned and nodded. He was gone by the time I picked up my order.
Now I know he didn't pay for my order because he thought I was a hot young thing he wanted to impress. I'm sure I probably reminded him of his Grandmother but it was such a sweet thing to do.
Now I have had my meal paid for in restaurants by strangers that I'd had a conversation with at the next table during the meal but never like this. It was just a random act of kindness. I just hope he felt as good the rest of the day as I did.
Have you had such an experience or have you been the one to pay for the person behind you when in line? Considering the good feelings involved, think I may take to doing that myself, maybe for a young mother.
What a lovely gesture! No I've never done it or received it, but now you are making think I should. I bet that made your day.
ReplyDeleteJoey,
DeleteYes it did and I hope it made his also. Lets give it a try ourselves.
Wow, Patti, you sure made an impression on the kind and random benefactor. I wonder if he felt you were a kindred, truck driving spirit. My cat seems to be extra needy these days as well. I reckon she knows winter is coming and is making sure we are still tight.
ReplyDeleteFlorence,
DeleteHa ha, don't know his reason but I sure appreciated it. Good to know your cat is doing the same thing. Maybe it is seasonal and no reason to worry. Thanks.
I had the same thing happen in a take-out window and also in a sit down restaurant. With the latter I had no idea who paid for my breakfast as I talked to no one. It make me cry, I was recently widowed at the time.
ReplyDeleteJean,
DeleteThe sit down restaurant without previous conversation would have thrown me also. Maybe they saw something in your face and just wanted to help.
Yes, I have but only coffee. I was in the drive thru at Starbucks and the man in front of me paid for my latte. He was long gone by the time I found out so I couldn't even honk and wave my thanks. But it felt so good. Glad you decided nothin' was good in the fridgerator.
ReplyDeletePeg,
DeleteIt really does make you feel good doesn't it? Kind of wish I had gone for breakfast so I could have felt good all day but since I am still feeling good, he timed it right.
There are still nice, giving people in the world!
ReplyDeleteDonna,
DeleteIt was perfect timing for I was beginning to worry about our country with all the meanness we read about. He let me know the good guys are still active.
Never has that happened for me. A Halloween treat for you!!!
ReplyDeleteI have tho helped pay tabs for those ahead of me that was short on change ...even tho they may have been con artists, I still feel good helping out.
Anni,
DeleteI have done that a few times also but never worry if they are con artists. Like you, I just think it is the right thing to do.
I've heard of this happening in fast food drive-thrus, I'm just glad it happened to you Patti! A couple years ago I was headed out the door to buy some canned tomatoes to make rigatoni, when I went down to the lobby and saw all the rain, I turned back around. One of the 5-6 older ladies down there asked what I was going to the store for, I told them and said I'd make it another day. I went back upstairs, took a nap, headed back down to get my mail and there was a large can of peeled tomatoes on my welcome mat. I never did find out who did that, but it sure made my day. :^)
ReplyDeleteDoug,
DeleteWow, you have the coolest neighbors. How sweet of them to do that. That is above kindness. I might have fingerprinted the can:) Kidding of course.
YOU MUST GIVE OFF GOOD VIBES, PATTI. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT I NEED TO SMILE MORE ... I THINK I'LL START TRYING THAT AND WILL CHECK IN WITH RESULTS LATER.
ReplyDeleteGinnie,
DeleteI do smile a lot but don't know if he felt my vibes or was just being a really nice man to an old lady in the car behind him. Regardless smiling is fun.
Reading that wonderful story just made my rainy morning as bright as a sunlit sky. How sweet and kind of that man to do that. Truly an inspiration and makes me want to do something like that. Thank you for sharing this moment with us.
ReplyDeleterobin,
DeleteSo happy that story brightened your rainy day the way his action did mine and I hope his action brightened his day also. Those random acts of kindness do spread ripples don't they?
It is a good gesture. I've had things paid for and sometimes I feel an awkwardness. I had someone pay for a bag of potatoes ahead of me. I felt humble.
ReplyDeleteAnn,
DeleteI'm sure they didn't want you to feel awkward but just wanted to be kind. Sometimes it is easier to give than to take.
I have done it and have been the recipient - not on the same day. Most often, though I hand some cash to a guy who sits at the entrance of the restaurant. It isn't always the same guy but they definitely look like they could use a meal.
ReplyDeleteRandom acts of kindness are the best indicator that civility isn't dead.
Eileen.
DeleteThat you have experienced both proves that Canadians really are basically kind people. I agree that the random acts of kindness are a good measure of the actual grace most people possess.
Once when DH and I were in line at a grocery, we started talking with the lady in front of us... and she noticed that we were buying a lot of catfood - we explained that it wasn't for us, we fed the neighborhood feral cats. But after she paid for her groceries, she handed us $20 to help the ferals. We told her she didn't have to do that... but she insisted. Felt a bit awkward, but it was awfully nice of her.
ReplyDeleteRian,
DeleteThat was so special of her to offer and by accepting, you let her feel like she was helping those cats also. Win/win for you both.
Oh, now that was so sweet of him to do that for you. Incredibly kind and generous.
ReplyDeletegigi,
DeleteI know, it was such a delightful surprise. What a guy.
No, that's something new. Perhaps it is a reaction to the Trumpism that's going around.
ReplyDeleteMage,
DeleteI guess Random Acts of Kindness have been around for a while. This was just my first experience with it. I like it and hope it keeps going.
I have a meal bought for me in a drive thru at least twice and I have paid for several myself. It makes your day when it happens to you and you get even greater joy when you pay for someone else's too.
ReplyDeleteMitch,
DeleteWelcome and thank you for stopping by and commenting. I am so pleased you are not only a receiver of these kindness acts but also a giver. Kudos to you and all who participate. I intend to pay it forward to find out what it is like from the other side. Thank you.
How sweet! I've been a giver and a receiver as well, and I do know what a difference a little kindness can make in someone's day. :-)
ReplyDeleteDjan,
DeleteThat you have been both doesn't surprise me at all. It really can put a day on a higher plane.
I have not been the giver or receiver of such an act. I guess the most I have done is let someone with a small amount to buy go ahead of me in the grocery line. I do try to leave people smiling when I interact with strangers in stores. Feels good.
ReplyDeleteLinda,
DeleteI have been one of those let ahead and been the one to let someone ahead of me. It does feel good both ways.
I've bought people drinks, and people have bought them for me. A stranger has never paid for my meal. But ... you've given me an idea next time I'm at a fast food place.
ReplyDeleteTom,
DeleteCool, I hope you blog about the experience. It is a simple way to make a stranger's day.
I've heard of people doing that but have never done it ourselves or had it done for us. I think it's just the coolest thing that someone did that for you. I'm sure he could just see what a lovely, warm person you are, Patti. You must give off that aura. I love it!
ReplyDeleteKay,
DeleteAww, that is sweet of you to say but think it was just random and I got the feeling, he has done it before.
What a perfect day. Maybe he bought yours because it was taking so long. I thought maybe you were going to say he bought 30 burgers for the little league and that was why! Anyway, such a nice thing to do.
ReplyDeleteBarbara,
DeleteActually it was the person in front of him that was holding both of us up. The one in front should have been the one buying. Ooh just thought that maybe he did and the guy in front of me just payed it forward. That would have been double nice.
I don't know, hot young things age, but they never lose that vibe!
ReplyDeletejoeh,
DeleteAww, you say the sweetest things. That was as nice as getting my meal paid for. Thanks.
I have never paid for others or had my meal paid for me, but I have occasionally helped out with a dollar or so at the checkout when someone was short, but never helped if they were only buying cigarettes.
ReplyDeleteRiver,
DeleteMe too and luckily I never had to consider the cigarettes part which is a deal breaker. That is a separate check out line where I shop.
That was wonderful. That has not happened to me yet. Years ago I did read "29 Gifts: How a Month of Giving Can Change Your Life" and for 29-days pulled off make a concerted effort to do something nice. It included verbal complements, sharing a recipe I thought someone would like, etc and that was a fun challenge.
ReplyDeleteSue,
DeleteI love that challenge and should try it myself. I have a friend who was badly injured in Vietnam and he promised God if he survived, he would do one kind act everyday for the rest of his life. That was 60 years ago and the man is still at it. I have been on the receiving end of his kindnesses.
Dear Patti, right now I can't recall either paying for someone's meal or having mine payed for. What I do remember so well is that in the '90s I was very sick for over a year, made little money as a freelancer, but still owed taxes, mortgage, etc. I called a friend who did have a job and some savings to ask for a loan to make a house payment. She gave me--yes, gave--$3,000 for taxes and house payments (which were only $125 a month because I'd bought my home in 1977). And when I stammered that I'd pay her back as soon as all was well, she said, "Dee please just pay it forward." Fortunately, my health got better, my clients offered me more work, and I was able to do that. All of which, along with your story and the comments others have left, really show that we are One--what goes around comes around and the circle of our common good is enriched and enlightened. Thank you so much for posting this story. Your generous and gentle attitude toward life and all those you encounter as you journey through the days and years always inspires me. Peace.
ReplyDeleteDee,
DeleteShe was truly a friend to cherish. Paying it forward is the best return on any loan and I am glad you were able to do just that. She had such a good heart and so do you. I am more impressed each day by the good I see as opposed to the bad we hear about.
I love this random moment of kindness. I need to do more of them myself! It feels great to the giver and the recipient!
ReplyDeleteMargaret,
DeleteMaybe the giver is even better and when it is random, there is no thanks expected. Just that wonderful feeling to enjoy.
That happened to me just last week inside Starbucks. I took the money I'd planned to spend on my coffee and gave it to the person behind me. Love it when that happens!
ReplyDeleteLinda,
DeleteThat's what I'm talking about and how cool you were able to pay it forward right away.
That was Wonderful
ReplyDeleteashok,
DeleteThank you so much. Glad you liked it.
I was behind a harassed young mum with two children in tow in the supermarket and when the assistant rang up her groceries she found she was short by about £3. Tearful, she searched frantically in her trolley to put something back on the shelf. I felt sorry for her and searched in my purse to give her the shortfall. Other people in the queue also passed over money and told her to use it towards her bill. She ended up with quite a chunk off the final amount. She was so grateful to everyone. Now I wish I'd paid her whole bill but I didn't think of it at the time.
ReplyDeleteAMKT,
DeleteThat was amazing but if you had payed for it all, you would have denied all those others that great feeling that they got to enjoy along with you by helping out. I know you made her day and she made yours.
My friend just had that happen to her - the young guy paid for a whole table of senior ladies. It made their day - maybe their year!
ReplyDeleteBarb,
DeleteWow, what a guy. It makes up for all the meanness we read about. I always say, the good out number the bad. The bad just get more press.