A Random Act Of Kindness

It was a hot day in L.A.  I was heading into the office when I spied the In-N-Out Burger a few blocks ahead of me.

It was nearly time for lunch and I was hungry.  “I haven’t enjoyed an In-N-Out Burger for a year and a half,” I thought.

In the past I’ve used the drive-through, but the line of cars stretched part way around the block.

“I can eat in a restaurant again,” I thought.  So I decided to enjoy a respite from the heat.

As I began to munch my first burger (if one is good, aren’t two better?), the man who was bussing tables approached me.

“Would you like a glass of water?”

I was startled.  There are no waiters at In-N-Out.

“Sure.”

“With ice?”

“Uh, okay.”

He promptly brought me a glass of ice water. I responded with a heartfelt “thank you,” and gave him a tip.  Five minutes later he asked me if I would like a refill.  That’s better service than I remember receiving at some sit down restaurants in the dim and distant pre-Covid past of eighteen months ago.

Unfortunately, I’ve also noticed that many people who are out and about after isolating for what seems like forever have forgotten how to be civil. Earlier in the day I saw a near–collision when one driver brazenly failed to stop at an intersection, nearly hitting a car in front of them.  When I drive, I always think it’s more important to arrive safely, not quickly.

I believe that one reason we’re here is to help each other out.  After all, no one makes it very far in life alone.  And don’t other people – our families, our children, our friends – provide our greatest source of joy and happiness?  And maybe the stranger who brings you a glass of water on a hot afternoon?

That single, random act of kindness made my entire day.

I’m doing what I can to pay it forward.

Alan

P.S.  The burgers were pretty good too.