It was a typical Sunday brunch at a local restaurant. Families were enjoying good food, coffee, and conversation. Sitting across from one another in a booth, an older couple was oblivious to those around them. The frail woman was engaged in conversation with her husband. He acted like a high school boy out on a lunch date. He was joking with her as though he was trying to win her affection. A gentleman in the restaurant noticed to couple and approached them with two questions.

“Excuse me for interrupting, but you look so happy together. I have two, quick questions for you. First, how long have you been married? And second, what were your professions?” The wife stated that they were married right after the husband returned from World War II, and they have been married for 64 years. She went on to say that she was an LPN in southern California, while her husband was a county comptroller.

The couple shared how the wife recently had surgery. She became septic while hospitalized and almost died. She and her family did not know if she was going to survive. Her husband remained by her side for several weeks. Eventually, her condition improved and she was allowed to go home. She told the man this was not an ordinary Sunday. In fact, this was the first time she was able to get out of the house in several months. Their hospital experience made them realize the importance of cherishing every day as a precious gift. Perhaps that was why they appeared to be so happy. After all, they had a lot to be thankful for.

The gentleman who took the time to speak with the couple was deeply moved. In fact, he felt the need to pay for the couple’s meal. As he left the restaurant, he told the older couple that their meal was paid for, and they questioned, “Why?” Holding back a tear, he told them how much he appreciated the husband’s service to our country, and the wife’s care for the sick. He told them this way a small way to say thank you for giving us an America we can be proud of, and a thank you for blessing him on that Sunday. As the man walked out the door, he hugged his wife. I was touched by the scene, and I realized in that brief moment that one act of generosity can impact many in ways never imagined.

Jeff
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