The days counting down to Christmas is coming to a close and as this time of year comes the snow starts falling down and so does the customers. Business for a restaurant on the holidays go down significantly and this affects everyone, very much like a trickle down effect. As I was driving to the restaurant, listening to the radio which happened to be playing Christmas tunes, I saw a homeless man holding a sign that read “Do you believe in Karma?” This struck me like a damn thunderbolt. I’m not very religious nor would I fully say that I believed in karma but I somehow found myself giving this man a dollar. I don’t know why, I’m guessing it’s the Christmas songs. I got to the restaurant and left my car feeling good, you know that tingly sensation in your body when you feel that you did something good? I rarely feel that but for today I did.
A man who resembled a Vietnam War veteran came in, holding his wifes hand as they walked majestically towards their table. I couldn’t help but feel ecstatic that I’d be waiting this mans table. He was wearing his military service hat and thick rimmed glasses. I walk over and casually chat with them and immediately got them the drinks they wanted. The man got a nice cold Kirin Ichiban while the madame decided to get green tea. They seemed to know their way with sushi, ordering fish in Japanese as if it was their second language, all while keeping their composure. unbelievable I said as I wrote down every single order that the man had. They have ordered a total of $120 worth of food. Now I know you might say that in a restaurant like that it is not hard at all to go up that much but when you factor in their age and the things they are about to eat, it gets pretty crazy.
As they eat their meal, all I saw was them talking, staring into each others eyes as if they we’re diamonds, this was beautiful to me. In a world filled with nothing but pessimistic and loveless souls, the rare occasion that we do see someone who is passionately in love with one another, we are easily reminded of how we are. I want a life like that.
They hadn’t ate anymore and I decided to run them their bill. I chat some more and they said that they have to get home because the wife had forgot to bring along some of her medicine, so as they we’re walking away, I couldn’t help but think about them. They we’re at the door when the man shook my hand, the grip and dominance of a lion immediately surged through my body, I have nothing but the utmost respect for this man and I’m positive he saw, as I shook his hand firmly.
Time to check how much I made, I casually walked over to the table, taking my time and when I got there I was stunned. They had given me $55, almost 50%. Incredible, and on the ticket a note was left. “Thank you for taking care of my wife and I, I appreciate you for recognizing my service and Merry Christmas to you”. I’d like to say I almost bust into tears but I didn’t. I held it in and was in complete awe. Things like this make my job worthwhile, sure there might be plenty of assholes that don’t even bother leaving you a courteous amount but once in a blue moon we come across people who truly understand and appreciate what we do and to you sir I give my kudos. I hope you have a merry christmas too, and I hope to see you and your wife again.
Have a heart, I was always told by my family and suddenly I remembered this as I read the writings on the ticket.
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays.
Sincerely,
Your waiter today.
waiter days. 