This Marine is grateful for the gesture from a kind stranger
A short story I wish I could share with the world.
Recently, my wife and I, along with another couple who are close friends, went to Damon’s restaurant to have dinner and celebrate my birthday. (I’m 79 years old, thank you very much!) We had a nice meal, and when we were finished, I asked the server for the check. She looked across the aisle at a table and turned back to me and said, “He is gone, so now I can tell you that the gentlemen sitting across the aisle said to tell you thank you for your service and that he would be honored to pay your check.”
I was wearing a shirt embroidered US.. Marines with the eagle, globe, and anchor logo, and apparently he noticed it. We were flabbergasted. I expressed my thanks and asked for the rest of the check. She told me he had paid our entire check, including a generous tip.
Mister, I don’t know who you are and I guess I never will, but I hope this letter finds you. Please accept the humble gratitude of this old Marine, his wife and friends. Wouldn’t it be nice if everyone was as thoughtful and appreciative as this gentleman, and wouldn’t it be nice if everyone would pay it forward - as I intend to do.
Michael F. Imperial, Conway
This story was originally published September 30, 2017 at 4:16 PM with the headline "This Marine is grateful for the gesture from a kind stranger."