One Man’s Kindness

While walking the town of Carmel, Ken and I stopped in at the bustling neighborhood Greek restaurant for lunch the other day: Dametra Cafe. The tiny cafe was bustling with so much life and joy and delicious aromas. The server quickly found us a spot, and Ken and I sat down. Before we ordered, Ken accidentally knocked his full-to-the-brim iced water glass onto the table and subsequently, my lap. My knee jerk reaction was to grab the table linens and protect my legs from the dripping water, as a freezing cold shock pierced through my clothes. Meanwhile Ken grabbed my phone as it sat in a puddle of water. I turned to him, put my hand on his shoulder and remember saying something like, “it’s OK, Babe. That was so refreshing. Like an ice bath. I’m thankful for a husband who refreshes me.”

We laughed together!

The wait staff hurried over and graciously helped us wipe up the table and the floor, as Ken and I tried to help them, apologizing for the commotion. We then told our server the story of how when our kids were toddlers and we would take them to the restaurant for the first time, a child always knocked over a water glass. It was a happy reminder of our kids and that season of life. The server laughed. 

Our restaurant was packed completely and there was barely any legroom for cleaning maneuvers but we all made do. Then, Ken and I enjoyed such a delicious Greek feast! We dined on a grilled eggplant, pepper and squash sandwich filled with melty cheese and pesto. We also shared a lamb gyro with a salty feta, crunchy cucumber and tomato salad. Creamy tzatziki paired perfectly with the bright acidic balsamic vinegar and oil. Fresh homemade bread dipped in the oil and vinegar combo completed what felt like the perfect meal.

As we huddled together at that cozy table, the waiter came over and nearly begged us to get dessert before leaving. We were so content, we thanked him. We didn’t need dessert and set our card out to pay.

At that point, the server chuckled and said, “There was a man at that corner over there – the elderly gentleman – well he’s a regular here and was watching you two during your meal and he was so impressed by how you responded to each other when that water spilt. He paid for your entire meal and insisted you get dessert!”

A few little tears started to trickle down my face at hearing this, as I smiled and thanked our server. A reminder of how people are always watching, and the deep kindness of that man and his generosity.

“He who refreshes others, will himself be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25

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I originally posted this story on my IG and want it to live here also, with my stories. xx