Mother shares special restaurant experience that left her in tears
NEW YORK (FOX5NY) - A Georgia mother shared a touching story about a recent visit to a Cracker Barrel and the kindness of her server. Here is her story:
"I had a good cry walking out of our local Cracker Barrel in Pooler, Ga this evening...I had posted earlier about the trials and adventures of trying to have a dinner out when you have a child with autism. It is truly hit or miss...most days we do ok. After Chris and Ian left, our waitress came to ask if we were ordering. This was probably her 5th or 6th time stopping by the table...I said yes, a to go order, just for me. She asked if my husband or son wanted anything and I said no, my husband took our son home to reduce stimuli around him. I told her Ian was autistic and had had a long day, awards, karate, Wal-Mart.... His breaking point was the Nemo/Dory toy-that was neither of those characters. By this time I was crying and having a moment, not because I was embarrassed that my son is autistic, but because he is a good kid and I didn't want anyone to think he was just a spoiled kid being a brat. Our server was gracious and sweet. She said it was not a problem, that she would get my order in quickly. I sat quietly and made a post to my page about the realities of autism that you never quite know until you experience it. About 15 minutes later, out comes my server with my bag of dinner. She smiled and told me that my dinner had been taken care of, no need for payment. I started crying all over again. I asked if she was sure and she reassured me it was taken care of, not to worry. I cried walking out, sure the other customers and employees thought I was crazy. There was a piece of paper stapled to my bag, I thought it wad the receipt.....no.... it was something far more precious. In the midst of my own meltdown she reached out with words of encouragement and a kind heart. I am very thankful."
She later added: "Little did I know this was TRULY a collaboration and work of love between two dedicated employees, Kailyn & her manager, James. When she didn't have enough tips to cover, her manager took care of the bill after learning about her actions....She left me the words I needed to hear, that I think EVERY MOM needs to hear. Their caring and thoughtfulness did not go unnoticed...my note from Kailyn is now hanging on my fridge, for those moments I need to be reminded of the kindness of strangers......."