Today I took Katie and Crystal out for lunch while Emily and Freddy went to an out of town doctor's appointment. We had a nice time and as I was going to pay, I saw a Soldier in uniform sitting with his wife or girlfriend at a table behind us. I paid our bill and went to the van. As we were getting in I told Katie I really wanted to pay for that Soldier's lunch. I asked her if that was dumb and she said no go ahead and do it. So I went back in and one of the owners was standing there. He looked like he was afraid I had a complaint or something because he had just seen us leave. I told him I wanted to pay for the soldier's meal but didn't know how to go about it. He said oh we can do that and asked, just the Soldier? I said no his friend too. So the man walked toward the back and I thought he was going to get their bill from the waitress, but he went and told the Soldier. He was looking up at me and the owner was pointing toward me so I walked over to them. The owner walked back to the counter and I told the Soldier that I really wanted to pay for their lunch and that my son was in the Army in basic training. He shook my hand sort of shy like and said thank you. I thanked him for serving and said God bless you, then I left and paid his bill. I never spent $18.34 that made me feel so great before. Maybe someday somewhere someone will do the same for Bobby. It took a lot for me to step outside my comfort zone and do this but it made me feel great. Just wanted to tell you all because I knew you would "get it". Beth
I live very close to an Air Force base ( like less than 5 miles) and whenever I'm in line in front of serviceman/woman I pay for their whole bill and I always say Thank You for their service. Its the least we can do. Also once a month when I'm in a fast food drive through and there is a mom with a carload of kids or elderly people behind us , I pay for their bill too. Thanks for sharing your story!!!
THats a great random act of kindness. We too live less than 5 miles from an air base, and I wish we could do something like that but its not too possible.
That is so sweet! We are so close to 2 military installations that we see military alot. One thing that has been running through my mind is that one day I would love to do something like that even if it is at the library. I thought it would be neat to give the librarian maybe $5 and tell them to apply it to the next person that has fines. Someday I hope to actually be able to do it and not just think about it!
What a special act of kindness. We had an anonymous man pay for our meal several years ago. He had only told the waiter that we were a very nice family and the kids were so well behaved. I hope that someday I can bless someone they way he blessed us. It is definately an awesome experience.
I KNEW you all would understand. When I told Freddy what I had done he got all choked up. I knew he would. I went to Walmart tonight and the VFW guys were out front handing a Buddy Poppy to anyone who would take them. I thanked them for serving and one very old gentleman laughed and said, "thank the draft board!" He was so sweet and funny. I gave him a wave and a thumbs up as we walked away and he just grinned at me. Now if Bobby would just call it would be the perfect end to a very nice day.
Kris, I have to tell you that your message really confused me for a minute. I was thinking what did Crystal do? I looked back to see if I had written something about Crystal that I forgot about and realized you didn't mean MY Crystal. You had me going for a minute. Have a great weekend!
NICE! That's very sweet to do! I too am glad you listened to your heart---it was the right thing to do! He'll always remember that!
I once helped a young mom at the grocery store. She didn't have enough money, and was choosing baby food to be taken off her tab. I gave the cashier a 20 to cover the rest of the bill. Get this- her scruffy, cigarrette smoking bf was waiting outside, the bum. He can afford smokes but she has to put groceries back on the shelf??
I wanted to tell you all that Bobby got to go an a short pass over the weekend. He and a friend from his platoon rented a room at a local hotel and went out to eat supper and walk around a mall. He bought a cell phone and we got to talk for a long time several times. That was Saturday night. Sunday morning at church I called him and let him talk to his Sunday School teacher and some friends but first I talked to him. He said he and his buddy went to Burger King for breakfast and as they were standing in line a man walked up and handed them $20.00 and said he wanted to pay for their breakfast and thanked them for his freedom. (I cried of course.) Sorry if you are all sick of Bobby stories but I just think of everyone here as neighbors who would want to know just like I love hearing about your kids. Beth
What a wonderful thing to do! (((HUGS))) Beth!!! I'm always too shy to say anything or do anything. I admire that you went out of your comfort zone to do something. You might just have inspired me to do something too.
That is awesome Beth. I am trying not to well up to much, as I am at work. We don't see many service people around here but I would be more than happy to do something like that if I had the opportunity. I will really start watching for them. Thanks for the insperation.
