Note: The following story is being republished, originally making headlines in October 2015.
An incident at a Tennessee Waffle House caught the attention of many when a server was surprised by the message on a customer’s receipt.
Lauren Ball, a resident of Kingsport, Tennessee, was concluding her shift around 4 a.m. when a customer entered the Waffle House.
“Although I was eager to head home, I found myself as the sole waitress on duty,” Ball recounted to WJHL.
Unbeknownst to the 21-year-old, a remarkable event was about to unfold.
Facing financial strain after covering her 2-year-old son’s birthday celebration and preparing for a vacation to Florida with her father, Ball was uncertain about her financial situation.
It was a midweek night, and Ball anticipated earning around $30, maybe $60 if it was a particularly good night.
Engaging in friendly banter with two of her patrons, Ball stepped outside for a cigarette break. One of the customers followed her out, hinting at a significant tip left by his friend. Skeptical, Ball returned inside only to be astounded by the truth.
Reported by the Kingsport Times-News, the customer had indeed left Ball a $600 tip, leaving her in disbelief.
“It completely took me by surprise,” Ball expressed. “It was overwhelming in the best possible way.”
As news of the generous tip circulated among the staff, others sought confirmation of its authenticity. The cook approached the benefactor outside, verifying the gesture, to which he affirmed.
Upon the customers’ departure, Ball rushed outside, tearfully embracing the man who had left the sizable tip, expressing profound gratitude for his act of kindness. She had never encountered him prior to that evening.
“I was moved to tears and told him he was an angel, emphasizing the significance of his gesture,” she recounted.
Inquiring about his motivation, Ball learned that he simply enjoyed extending kindness to others, leaving an indelible mark on her.
Reflecting on the incident, Ball pledged to never forget the man’s benevolence, aspiring to pay it forward in the future by extending kindness to strangers.
The heartwarming story garnered various responses on social media, with readers commending the anonymous benefactor’s generosity and Ball’s diligent efforts as a single mother.
Sources: Kingsport Times-News, WJHL
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