A Nice Thing Happened Today – Pay It Forward
by Dr Kevin McNamee August 13, 2018
Finished my lunch today at the local diner, I gathered my things and prepared to return to the practice for the second half of patient care. I asked the server for the check.
He paused, reached into his pocket and pulled out what looked like a business card and handed it to me. He said there was no charge. It was paid by someone else. I thought, who would do such a thing and why?
I read the card. It said that years ago, his two year old child Reese had died and since then, he has made a point of doing nice things for people. He asks nothing in return except to do, if possible, something nice for someone else in the memory of Reese.
When I went to place a tip on the table I noticed I had to get change. My server was at the register. I tipped my server and handed him the card with the request that I pay for the meal of the woman and small child enjoying lunch together and give them this card.
He smiled and said he would be delighted. As I paid the check, the server said the man comes in periodically to eat. Before he leaves, he walks through the restaurant identifying which meals he will pay. On this visit, another man and I were chosen.
It was a pleasure to continue the very kind gesture shown by a man who suffered such a tragic loss years before. There is something to be said for acts of kindness and to pay it forward. Perhaps Reese would enjoy knowing that happiness is being spread around the community because of him.
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