On our way to the beach Betsy and I spent the night in Simpsonville, South Carolina. We were hungry after a day of visiting waterfalls and went to Ryan’s Steakhouse for dinner.
While we were eating I noticed a man talking to the young cashier. They talked for a while and then the cashier came over to a table near us and told the family sitting there that their dinner was being paid for. She took their receipt and went back to the front. I saw the man who had been talking to her give his credit card to a man who turned to out to be the manager. The manager processed his credit card, gave some cash to the young lady, who then brought it over to the family.
This happened at least four times. Finally the cashier brought the man around and introduced him to each of the tables as the man who had paid for their dinner. Of course, everyone thanked him profusely. No name was mentioned, but it did not appear that the people whose dinner he paid for knew who he was. He told each table that he was happy to be able to do it and he wanted them to remember this when they had the chance to help someone out. Of course, they all said they would.
We have no idea who the man was. We got the impression that he was known to at least some of the people in the restaurant, but not all. Regardless of who he was, he brought a great deal of happiness to some strangers and gave Betsy and me something to think about.
Tags: American Life, Travels
Senior Moments 
May 13, 2010 at 7:30 am |
What a fantastic gesture to witness!!!
May 13, 2010 at 7:33 am |
I wonder who he was?!?!? I just heard a great story on k-love radio station yesterday about paying it forward. By the way, did you and Betsy ever see the movie Pay it Forward? It’s a great movie. Has some adult themes in it but all in all a great message.
May 13, 2010 at 8:28 am |
I have to tell you that I did that once only because the person eating could not pay and I thought–why not. It is a simple thing to do for someone and gives both parties pleasure. PAY IT FORWARD yes indeed. MB
May 13, 2010 at 9:18 am |
Wow…I love this…thanks for sharing!!!
May 13, 2010 at 9:31 am |
That’s so awesome! I wonder what the total was, my goodness!
May 13, 2010 at 11:27 am |
What a joy to be able to bless others in this way! God will reward those who have a generous spirit. I just love hearing stories of folks who have been blessed and who have remained anonymous – as in only God knows! That’s too cool! Thanks for sharing this story!
May 13, 2010 at 1:37 pm |
How nice! 🙂 I love stories like this. Makes you realize that there are lots of good and caring people out there!!
May 13, 2010 at 2:07 pm |
What a very interesting event! Of course here come my questions. Was the restarunt very full, and did he do it for just a few? If so, I wonder how he choose them? Perhaps he picked the ones who seemed not well off. I know about the movie, but have never actially seen anything like this done!
May 13, 2010 at 2:54 pm |
This is very touching.I am sure the people who received a free meal that day will remember this for a long time.This is something we could all do in some way.Perhaps it might be in a smaller form,but given from the heart God can use any gift.
Blessings,Ruth
May 13, 2010 at 3:15 pm |
That’s a great story. However, if it had been me I would have sent each table a note because I would NOT have wanted them to know who did it. I do NOT like to be fussed over when I do something like that. I just want to fade into the background.
May 13, 2010 at 5:21 pm |
Think I’ll go visit this place George.lol.
May 15, 2010 at 2:50 pm |
What an inspiration! I hope they all follow through and “pay it forward”. We need more people like this in the world.
May 21, 2010 at 12:58 am |
George, How are you and Betsy?
Thanks for sharing this experience you witnesses. Did you know International Pay It Forward Day is April 29, 2010. This worldwide movement started in Australia and has rocketed around the world.
Perhaps this person was inspired by this day.
September 5, 2013 at 12:35 am |
Hello from RI How are you and Betsy?. I have not been able to find the time to blog as much as I previously had with my chatwith Kathleen.
Thank you for sharing this man’s generosity and act of kindness.