
Free Lunch

While
waiting for a doctor appointment, I decided to go into the coffee shop for
a soda. The only other customer was an elderly woman eating a small lunch
at a nearby table. When I paid for my drink I told the cashier that I would
like to pay for the lady's lunch.
By
coincidence, when I was waiting for the elevator after my appointment, the
lady came down the hallway. She said, "Oh, you're the nice lady who
bought my lunch. My husband died last year, and I was sitting there feeling
sorry for myself. It perked me up when the waiter told me you had paid for
my lunch. Thank you...You're so kind."
So
my "random" act was not anonymous anymore, but it was gratifying
to think that I could cheer someone up, even briefly.
I
do have one regret. I wish I had asked her to join me. She probably would
have appreciated that even more, but then again, maybe not. Sometimes people
aren't ready to connect with a stranger, but they like reminders that the
world can still be a friendly place.




