So I had to work Christmas Day. One of the down sides to working in a restaurant. While we were busy, a phone call came in for one of the servers, I asked to take a message but the caller said it was an emergency. I told the server they had a call and they went and took the phone. Very quickly the server’s face changed. I could tell something was up. She told me that the call was her mom. She was calling to let her know that her dad had a massive heart attack, and by the time the paramedics got there (less than 3 minutes) he was gone. They declared him deceased on arrival.
I told the server if they needed to, to step outside and get their composure, I would watch their tables. I knew that her parents lived out of state, so she couldn’t rush to her mom’s side. I went up to one of her tables to get the drink order, not realizing it was already taken. They got mad when I explained their server was outside and would be back in after a little while. They asked what was so important that their server went outside when it was so busy (with a bit more language and attitude). I told them, “not that it’s really your business, but she just found out a close relative died.” The guy at the table next to them asked me what happened, I have him the brief explanation. When the server came back in, the guy said "I’m so sorry for your loss, I know how hard it is to lose a relative around the holidays."The server was now stressing about how they were going to afford the plane ticket during the holidays with no notice at all. When this guy was about to leave, he gave the server his business card and said “when you call to book your plane ticket, mention my name and you will be taken care of.” Turns out this guy is an executive for an airline. He sent an email to the booking department about the server and told them to 100% comp the plane ticket. A ticket that would have cost nearly $1,000.
I can’t even express how touched the server was by this, and how much it touched my heart that this executive would give the server the best Christmas present they ever got. It’s just amazing how people are in the right place and the right time, how when your holiday is ruined because of something like this, a stranger can turn it around with a simple gesture. I just wanted to share this story, I know it’s off the topic of Lupus, but I figured it may brighten someone’s day and touch someone’s heart like it did mine.
I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays and will have a Happy New Year!
Sad, but happy to hear someone out there has a heart! Thank you for sharing!!!
So very sad. My heart goes out to that poor girl and her family. What a tremendous gesture from a stranger. Thank you for sharing. I love to hear stories about random acts of kindness.
Thank you for telling us this story of kindness! I wish there were many more like it!
Truly touching. Thanks for sharing.
The true meaning of Christmas.
What a great story. Of course so sad to lose a parent, but the generosity of strangers can make such a terrible time a bit easier.
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful story which celebrates what this season is supposed to be about. God bless her and her family during this rough time.
just when you think no one cares any more something nice changes your mind
The true Spirit of Christmas at work....prayers for her and her family!
Jason,
thanks for sharing this! My higher power whom I choose to call God is truly amazing. Is it Odd, or is it God that this executive was in the right place at the right time? Anything you share to brighten our day is part of the topic of Lupus, thank you so much : ) Trisha
So wonderful! Horrible for her loss, but To gain in human kindness at such a time so without words… Happy new year!
That is a very moving story. Thank you for sharing it.
How awesome is that God will always bring or put someone in your present at the right time........That's God and he will also send her a comforter in the physical body........Blessings of God!
Carol
Wow!!!!! that was something to mention . Wish that it was someone who had the cure for LUPUS to give to us all "Living with LUPUS"!!! smile Hope that your holidays are good and relaxing... Beverly L.
Thanks for sharing!! I love finding out that there is still some goodness in the world 
I appreciate you sharing such a moving story. We are all on this boat called Earth rowing. The load gets lighter when we help each other.