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The Santa Fe Phantom

I live in Santa Fe, New Mexico. I love the food here and have favorite restaurants where I like to eat. One time when I was at one of my favorites, an incredibly surprising thing happened.

When I asked for my check, the waiter said it had been taken care of by The Phantom. I said, “Who”? He said that’s what we call him because he is so mysterious. He shows up maybe once or twice a month and picks out someone to pay their meal. He then leaves before we can inform the lucky recipient. My waiter said he does this at other restaurants, too, but very unpredictably. He said, “Just when you think he won’t return again, he shows up, picks someone he wants to pay for their meal, then leaves.” My waiter said he is very common looking, someone who doesn’t look like he has a lot of money.

My waiter told me he has a friend who works at another restaurant that won’t let this man enter. They even threaten to call the police. They consider this man to be a loser and a jerk because, in their view, he is throwing his money away.

This story really got to me, and I wanted to share it on As We Do Life™. This story has such a beautiful side, but also a very ugly side.

I think it is so beautiful for someone to reach out to others with a gift and remain anonymous. To me, the ultimate in giving is when the giver wants no attention placed on himself.

You can certainly understand the ugly part of the story – when the one restaurant refuses service to this man because they consider him to be a loser and a jerk. How sad!

I agree that he is mysterious, but I’ll bet he is happy and enjoying his life while blessing others.

This person’s actions really touched me. I would certainly like to know him, but that is part of his game plan – he doesn’t want the attention.

His action caused me to submit this story. It has also caused me to reevaluate what kind of a giver I want to be.

George in Santa Fe
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Posted on Tuesday, June 30, 2009 by George in Santa Fe filed under

4 comments (Add your own)

1. MLK, OKC wrote:
We were a wedding party of ten relatives, reunited after separations of many years due to geography. At our hotel we were enjoying a leisurely breakfast. The waitress said, "I have an announcement to make." We thought she was going to tell us to pipe down. She said,"The couple over there just wanted to put a smile on someone's face today. They paid for all of your breakfasts." We were dumbfounded but did smile when regained our composure. They had already left and we could not thank them. So, we'll thank them here!! Thank you so much! What a wonderful surprise and a spectacular "pay it forward." Thank you again. We'll never forget your kindness.

July 9, 2009 @ 11:00 PM

2. Susan wrote:
What a great thing! I'm curious if this act of kindness has made you want to do the same thing.

July 10, 2009 @ 12:05 PM

3. Lillian Brejda wrote:
I think that is tremendous. Am sure the that those who benefited from that mans kindness and also the couples kindness willl play it forward. That's what its all about. Lillian

July 10, 2009 @ 4:59 PM

4. Karen wrote:
Kudos to my husband! He has "paid it forward" on numerous occasions by picking up the check of others in a restaurant. Occasionally he will go to the person(s) eating and pick up the check. I have never heard their response; however, the facial expressions are priceless. Most often he pays for someone as we leave the restaurant and they never know who he is. It's very touching to know how good it makes him feel to be able to share -- especially when he is totally anonymous.

July 30, 2009 @ 9:23 PM

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