The First Time This Ever Happened To Me, I Was At Cracker Barrel
It's no secret. I've written about it many times. I love going out to eat, and Abilene has some of the best eateries around. It's not that I mind cooking at home. I fancy myself quite the chef actually. But there's just something about going out and being treated to good service and a great meal.
You would think as much as I go out to restaurants, the following instance would have happened way before now. But, this day was my day I guess.
OMG, THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED TO ME...AND IT WAS AT CRACKER BARREL
It was a Sunday morning, and my lady and I decided to go out for breakfast. We were in the mood for some downhome cooking and ended up at Cracker Barrel. Before we even put our name on the list, stopping to shop at the country store was an absolute must. There are all kinds of doo-dads and knick-knacks, but my favorite part is checking out all the classic candies and soda from back in the day.
It didn't take long to get seated. I was ravenous. I hadn't eaten much the night before and a big ol' country breakfast sounded like it would hit the spot. The waitress stepped over and I didn't hold back. The order was turned in, and we began visiting about what the events of the day were going to be.
Before I could finish my first cup of coffee, the food came out. Eggs over easy with sausage and a biscuit with jelly. I call it the breakfast of champions. It was much better than a bowl of Wheaties for sure. We thoroughly enjoyed our breakfast. I was a happy man. What I didn't know was that things were about to get even better.
Our waitress came over to the drop off the check...the bad news. But then...the ticket was zeroed out. Nothing owed. I asked what it was all about. She politely told us that a couple from across the way paid for our bill. As I looked over to see if I knew the couple, they had already gone.
I've paid it forward a few times in my life, but this was the first time it has ever happened to me. It sure is great to see there are still good hearts and kind people out there. So, this is my official "thank you" to the nice folks who bought our breakfast. It definitely made my day.
I suppose the lesson here is to pay it forward when you can. You never know when it's going to happen to you. Restaurants are a great place to do this, and Abilene has some of the best. Look below to see what I mean.