Today’s feels: This restaurant bill sums up the power of compassion
Debbie Davis Riddle and her husband, Shaun Riddle, are frequent customers of the West Side Cafe in Fort Worth, Texas. Back in May, they took their newborn baby, Glory, to the diner. But when they went there on Thursday, Glory was not with them.
“. . . we just went there this afternoon and our waitress Kayla remembered us and asked where our baby was,” Debbie wrote on Facebook. “Sadly, we had to tell her baby Glory passed away and is with God now. She felt so horrible for asking but she was so sweet.”
When it came time for the bill, Kayla simply handed them a guest check with a note on it. The note read “Your ticket has been paid for. We are terribly sorry for your loss. God Bless. -The West Side.”
“She didn’t even want us to tip her because she said the company took care of her tip as well,” Debbie, pictured middle below, continued on Facebook. “We hear so much negativity on the news and so that is why I felt led to share this story in hopes that Kayla and this restaurant will get some good recognition.”
She then implored readers to share the picture, and share they did—it has been shared over 9,000 times and is quickly going viral. News outlets have also been sharing the story ever since that fateful Thursday.
“I did pay for their meal,” Kayla said on Facebook. “I didn’t want any recognition. . . I just simply wanted the satisfaction of being a helping hand in a time of deep sorrow for this family. . . What I didn’t expect is how much of a blessing their family would be to me. . . The downpour of positive words and chain of love that this story has started around the world is more than I could have ever expected and makes my heart so happy.”
As for the Riddles, they are totally floored by the attention this story has received, as well as the uplifting comments from others. “We are just so overwhelmed by all of the support we have received,” Riddle told WFAA. “I have so much more I could add but can’t find the words to truly express what a profound impact this ‘random act of kindness’ has had on our family, Kayla’s family and hundreds if not thousands more people worldwide. Loss is an unexplainable tragedy, but this is proof that one person can make a difference.”
We are so filled with happiness that such a small act of kindness could do so much for a grieving, heartbroken family who has had to endure more tragedy than anyone should in a lifetime. One person can, indeed, make a difference. Thank you to the Riddles for sharing your inspiring story, and to Kayla, for reminding us to be kind every single day.
“I’m humbled by this experience and thank the Riddles so much for being the wonderful people that they are and now blessing me with their friendship,” Kayla wrote. “I am eternally grateful.”