Cailey Marie Sparks from Georgia took his mom out to eat at Texas Roadhouse in Savannah when her attention suddenly became focused on a veteran at a nearby booth.
As she sat and watched this lonely man, she couldn’t help but notice what was taking place at his table and other people’s reactions as they walked by.
But when the fellow diner decided to do something about it, Cailey got a surprising answer in return.
One evening at Texas Roadhouse, Cailey Marie Sparks noticed that a veteran with long gray hair and a scruffy beard was sitting at the outside patio.
Apparently, the gentleman was waiting to be seated in the restaurant. The patches on the vet’s jacket stood out to Sparks, showing that this proud patriot had seen a lot in his day, while honorably defending our country.
Cailey was impressed with this stranger’s sacrifice for their country – but other patrons were not.
The veteran was friendly to each and every person that walked by him in the restaurant.
Not a single customer went in the restaurant that he didn’t greet by saying, “Hi, how are you all tonight?” or left without hearing,
“Bye, I hope you have a good night.”
This former military man treated everyone as his friend who deserved attention, even though he didn’t get it from each one in return.
Sparks described the situation in a Facebook post.
“Most people reacted to him, others completely ignored him,” Sparks wrote.
“That didn’t stop him from greeting every person who walked by.”
Soon, Sparks and her mother were placed at a table across from where the veteran was.
Her attention remained, as he watched the veteran eat his meal with a huge smile on his face.
The veteran was sitting by himself, but not for long. A young waiter later approached him to have a conversation.
In a busy restaurant full of people, the patient waiter went beyond his duties and took particular care of this veteran.
He made sure he gave him all the time in the world to listen to his stories, laugh with him, and provide a little company for this guy who shouldn’t have to eat alone.
Nobody really expected this of of him as a waiter, but it was crystal clear that the servant had deep respect and general compassion for this man.
Moved over the gesture and the incredible customer service, Sparks whipped out her camera to snap a picture of their friendly and down-to-earth interaction.
Wanting to show appreciation to the kind veteran, Sparks and her mom flagged the manager down and offered to pay for his meal.
They called the manager over and asked if they could cover the veteran’s tab.
Surprisingly, the manager proudly replied, “Ma’am, someone else already has.”
Evidently, everyone seated in the veteran’s section felt the same way as Cailey, and everyone wanted to pay for this man’s dinner.
”Everyone in the section grinned when the waiter told him that his meal was covered. The man then left, telling everyone on the way out that he hoped they had a good night”, Sparks wrote.
We need to watch out for our veterans and be kind to them.
A small act of kindness, even just a simple “thank you” and a handshake, which don’t cost a thing, could mean the world to many of these veterans.
We need more stories like this to remind us that there is still some sane, caring people in this messed up world!
t’s moving to see that regardless of how many people ignore this man, there are more amazing Americans who recognize him for the hero he is
This story shows there are many, many Americans who appreciate, respect and value our military, both active and retired.
Bravo to the Texas Roadhouse restaurant and its patrons!
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