Breakfast With Strangers

My family and I experienced a random act of kindness this morning.

This morning I decided to meet my parents for breakfast before coming into work. We went to the Capri restaurant on Fairview in Boise. (If you haven't been there, you should check it out, They have really good breakfast! ) When I got there, it took me awhile to find a parking spot because it was so busy. There was a line of people waiting outside the door.

When we finally made it inside, we noticed a women and an old man waving us over to their table. They were sitting in a corner booth, and said "We've got all this room. Would you like to share this booth with us?" My parents and I looked at each other for a second somewhat confused, and then sat down. Just to clarify, we had never met these people before.

After we sat down, we introduced ourselves. The woman's name was Gayle, and the elderly man was her father, Sam. She was from Fernley, Nevada, and was in town taking care of him. He was 99 years old! It was kind of humbling to be in his presence, and couldn't stop thinking about all of the things that he'd seen and experienced during his lifetime. He didn't really say much. He'd occasionally look up and smile, but for the most part, he was just there for breakfast.

Gayle, on the the other hand, was very talkative. She told us about her family, and also taught me a few tricks to having better luck at the slot machines in casinos. She said "Always go early in the morning, and find the dirtiest ashtray. Put $20 in, and if you don't win, find the next dirtiest ashtray and do the same thing." I don't usually play slot machines, but I think I'm gonna try it out next time I go to a casino.

The whole experience was really cool, and was a great way to start the day. It was definitely a random act of kindness. If I ever see them again, I'm definitely going to pick Sam's brain a little more, and ask him about some of his life experience. I'm sure he's full of wisdom.

Thanks to Gayle and Sam for their generosity. It was great to make new friends, and have breakfast in good company. Today, I am thankful for you.