Those with goodwill........

Have you ever had a guest give you the great sense of hope................ I have.

One evening in a fine establishment downtown a guest came in and ordered a drink. The guest took his drink and sat at an outside table, he then took out his pipe and tobacco. While he was enjoying his pipe I went out to see if he needed anything else, he replied no, paid his tab, tipped and was on his way.

The next day I saw this same person in line at the soup kitchen down the street. I thought nothing of it. That evening he returned ordered a drink, got out his pipe and continued to enjoy himself, just as before. On about his fourth visit the owner asked who he was and what he was doing here. I told the owner what had transpired and that he wasn't bothering anyone. The owner told me he was homeless and that he wasn't welcome. On his next visit I told him what the owner said, he was very polite about the situation and went on his merry way.

A week goes by without seeing him on the streets or in line at the soup kitchen. I went back to my regular routine and thought no more of it.

Two week go by, I'm in the Goodwill downtown dropping stuff off, when who do I see,
him, shopping for some nice clothes. After his purchase we went outside to talk. I ask him where he been and if he was working anywhere. He was, and staying in one of the local shelters. After a short visit we parted ways.

Not 2 days later, you will never guess who shows up at the restaurant on a friday night............. He get's a table and request that I wait on him. He orders a glass of red wine and a appetizer. He continues with his entree order, filet of beef, medium rare. While this is going on, I am thinking to myself how much trouble I would been in if the owner saw all this. As the evening continues my guest finishes dinner, orders dessert and another glass of wine. As my guest is taking his last sip of wine and ask's for the check, in walks the owner and 3 guests. They sit down at a four top right next to the table I have waiting on. I am now scared as hell. What happens next is something only God know's. My guest strikes up a conversation with the owner. he tells him how great everything is. Me still scared........ My guest pays his check and tips over 25%. After my guest leaves and I am bussing the table, the owner tells me how the my guest enjoyed himself and spoke very highly of me. Me still scared......

The next day while getting ready for dinner service I am asked to come to the office. I am still scared about last night. In the office I am given a card, that was left taped to the front door. Once again the owner complimented me about the gentlemen from last night. I said thank you and went back to work. Just before service I opened the card. Inside was a note of thank you. He thanked me for a great exerience and not judging him.

To this day the owner still does not know the person that sat next to him and shook his hand and thanked him for the wonderful time.