topic Re: I had dinner with a complete stranger🙂 in Community Chat

I had dinner with a complete stranger🙂

homedecor1 — Sun, 28 Jan 2018 03:25:18 GMT

Saturday's are my spouse turn to pick our dinner plans. We were out most the day, had a late lunch & big dinner wasn't on my plans.

He said "let's just go to Wendy's for chili". Sounded like a plan. We are sitting there eating & a very elderly man came in. I'll describe him as at least 90+ on walker & honestly, at first glance I said "OMG doesn't that man look like your dad!" My spouse said "yes it does." I mean same mannerisms, walk,etc.

The man ordered and then I said "yup,just like Pop ...a sr coffee, hamburger & sr frosty". We got a chuckle because that was my FIL order & he loved Wendy's! He passed at 103 and I have the warmest memories of him.

We were sitting facing the pick up area - I saw the man look perplexed how he was going to carry the tray. I got up & went over got the tray & walked him to a table. Of course, I went over to the condiment bar got him napkins, etc. & then struck up a conversation telling him "you so reminded me of my FIL I see you were a Navy man, my FIL too." He continued to tell me he was 96 and one of the oldest WW II survivors. We continued to chat - I looked over & next thing I know my spouse is bringing my dinner over to the table!

We stayed & ate with him. He told us all about his war days, how he is widowed & still lives alone. His family is scattered throughout the country has not seen them in over 20 years☹️. I was shocked he was still driving😮(Then again its FL & honestly, I wonder if he had valid license). He told us Wendy's is his favorite place.

So, we were done told him to have a nice night & we enjoyed chatting with him. He reached his hand out and shook our hand -- with that he thanked us for being kind and taking the time to chat it made his day! Little did he know he made mine too!!!

we got in the car & I looked at my husband. I said you OK he said I can't believe you do that (talk to strangers) but I'm glad you do because he reminded me of my dad & you made his day I'm sure.

I'm still thinking about him...and I never asked his name BUT I hope he enjoyed it as much as we did!

its those little acts of kindness we do that brings me the most joy! Now if only we could spread it around what a better place this world would be!!

Re: I had dinner with a complete stranger🙂

De Anna — Sun, 28 Jan 2018 03:37:51 GMT

That was very kind of you and your husband. I bet the gentleman really enjoyed the conversation and company.

Re: I had dinner with a complete stranger🙂

I am still oxox — Sun, 28 Jan 2018 03:44:57 GMT

We had an uncomfortable meal with a stranger last Summer, we were at a local place with outdoor seating and music. DH and I were sitting at a very small table and all of the sudden a man sits down and proceeds to order dinner, and carry one a conversation with my DH.

By the end of the evening we know too much about his life. I sat there trying to enjoy myself and wishing the evening would end

Re: I had dinner with a complete stranger🙂

sweetee2 — Sun, 28 Jan 2018 03:47:00 GMT

Every now and then we see elderly men sitting alone having dinner. It breaks my heart to see them. I often wonder what their stories are and why their alone. Thank you for eating dinner with him.

Re: I had dinner with a complete stranger🙂

SXMGirl — Sun, 28 Jan 2018 03:49:38 GMT

@homedecor1, thank you for having your dinner with him. Loneliness is rampant in our country, especially for the elderly, and you gave him friendship, conversation, and caring. How wonderful for all of you.

Re: I had dinner with a complete stranger🙂

homedecor1 — Sun, 28 Jan 2018 03:50:45 GMT

@I am still oxox

that's too bad! This man did not impose himself on us...and if he was rude (or anything else) I would not have continued to chat with him. Every situation is different, right?

While vacationing with my cousins last year we went to "family style" restaurant - little did we know everyone sat with strangers. My cousins were uncomfortable with the concept but we sat with a nice family. Guess we lucked out!

Re: I had dinner with a complete stranger🙂

hellodali — Sun, 28 Jan 2018 03:54:41 GMT

homedecor1 -- what a beautiful story. You made my day and I'm sure you made that gentleman's day!

You and your DH are special people -- may God bless you both!

Re: I had dinner with a complete stranger🙂

TenderMercies — Sun, 28 Jan 2018 03:59:22 GMT

This was very nice. It reminded me of my grandmother who would have turned 100 last week. She passed at 94, and she also loved going to Wendy’s to get a burger and Frosty right up to the end.

Re: I had dinner with a complete stranger🙂

makena — Sun, 28 Jan 2018 04:10:48 GMT

Nice story. But odd that you all didn't introduce yourselves. How do you eat dinner with someone and exchange conversation without knowing a name.

Re: I had dinner with a complete stranger🙂

homedecor1 — Sun, 28 Jan 2018 04:16:38 GMT

@makena

guess at that time we we're just chatting & didn't seem all that important! Wasn't making a friend I guess just being helpful & it led to conversation. I'm sure we will never see this man again!

Re: I had dinner with a complete stranger🙂

quadmimi — Sun, 28 Jan 2018 04:19:40 GMT

@homedecor1 Just a lovely story to share..I love visiting with older folks.

Our former Church had a group of us that would go visit those that could not attend any longer.

I learned so many things I would of never known about. I think I enjoyed the visits as much as they did.

Thanks to you & your Husband for sharing your day with another..

Re: I had dinner with a complete stranger🙂

Desertdi — Sun, 28 Jan 2018 04:20:48 GMT

I've done that many times. When I worked in the Chicago Loop, it was not uncommon at lunchtime for the maitre'd to ask if you would share a table with another single lady.

Re: I had dinner with a complete stranger🙂

KitTkat — Sun, 28 Jan 2018 04:23:59 GMT

@homedecor1

I think you did a beautiful thing. You didn't just share a meal, you shared kindness. Not everyone in this world so readily shares that. So, thank you. I'm sure that gentleman was grateful for you. I wonder how many other meals he's had alone? But this one I'm sure will be one to remember. God bless you for your kindness.

Re: I had dinner with a complete stranger🙂

Katcat1 — Sun, 28 Jan 2018 04:26:51 GMT

@homedecor1 Of course he enjoyed talking to you. If he lives alone he only has the TV to keep him company. That was nice of your husband to bring over your tray. It's always nice to throw a little kindness at someone's way.

Re: I had dinner with a complete stranger🙂

webbgarner1 — Sun, 28 Jan 2018 04:31:21 GMT

@homedecor1 What a wonderful experience. My parents had their children older in life. If my father were still living he would be 101 this year and my mother would be 94. I thank the Lord they never had to be alone like this wonderful little gentleman and am so greatful you assisted him to the table and shared your meal. I agree with the one poster that spoke about lonliness in the elderly population.

In my line of work on many occassions I had the opputunity to speak with several of our Worl war 11 vets and Korean war vets when they became elderly. IThey have amazing stories and I am so appreciative of the sacrifices they have made. They are a unique generation, and are dying out.

What a beautiful thing that you and your husband did. Thank you so much for sharing.

Re: I had dinner with a complete stranger🙂

NicksmomESQ — Sun, 28 Jan 2018 04:35:18 GMT

The world needs more acts of kindness!!

A few years ago my son bought a homeless man a meal from Burger King. He was in the parking lot & everyone just walked by him.When my son handed him a bag of food the man jumped to his feet.He thanked my son profusely.Told him that he had fallen on hard luck.

The man told my son that he was determined to turn his life around.He said that he hoped to pay my son’s kindness toward him forward some day!!

We must never forget our humanity. “There but for the grace of God go I !!”

Re: I had dinner with a complete stranger🙂

kcladyz — Sun, 28 Jan 2018 04:44:06 GMT

That was a sweet story. Dont get teary eyed over not seeing kids in 20 years. He may not be as sweet as you think. Something probably went on in his past. I have not seen my family 20 to 35 years not my choice. My dad remarried and he cut me off simply because his new wife told him too.

Re: I had dinner with a complete stranger🙂

TX-starlight — Sun, 28 Jan 2018 04:49:18 GMT

@homedecor1 You just made me cry! What a sweet story. Old people can be so lonely.

Re: I had dinner with a complete stranger🙂

Group 5 minus 1 — Sun, 28 Jan 2018 04:58:39 GMT

One of the most inspiring books I have ever read is called "Dinner with a Perfect Stranger".

Re: I had dinner with a complete stranger🙂

panda1234 — Sun, 28 Jan 2018 05:03:24 GMT

@homedecor1 what a very sweet story. Small acts of kindness have a beauty all their own.