As we walked in the practically empty dining hall, I noticed a man sitting solo with just a glass of red wine. He greeted us with a smile and a nod as if he were the establishment's owner. But the gadgets on his dusty belt coupled with steel toed work boots suggested he may have been a contractor.
We were famished after a busy day leading right into an away-lacrosse game. Son Colton had scored his first two goals in a 6-0 game and we were celebrating.
We ordered typical tavern fare for six, and as usual, I found myself wishing my grown children were little enough to find the kids' menu appealing after a mental tally of the tab. I attempted to compensate by ordering water for myself and a less expensive plate.
Sometime during the meal, one of us sneezed and a 'God bless you' came from the loner across the room.
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed the man rising to leave. He said goodbye to us as he passed.
After enjoying our meal we asked our waitress for the check. She confessed at that time that the man who had been the only other patron in the place with us was a regular there...and he had paid for our meal before he left.
We spent the ride home recounting our feelings on the event which suddenly trumped the lacrosse goals. We discussed the value of giving something freely and anonymously.
FREE AND ANONYMOUS.
We also agreed upon how our family will 'pay it forward'.
In Humility,
ciao.
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