I had dinner with a complete stranger🙂

homedecor1 · ‎03-09-2010

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!!

De Anna · ‎01-02-2017

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

I am still oxox · ‎03-09-2010

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

Stop being afraid of what could go wrong and start being positive what could go right.

sweetee2 · ‎06-21-2015

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.

SXMGirl · ‎07-07-2010

@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.

The next time that I hear salt and ice together, it better be in a margarita!

homedecor1 · ‎03-09-2010

@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!

hellodali · ‎03-16-2010

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!

TenderMercies · ‎06-03-2017

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.

makena · ‎10-29-2016

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.

homedecor1 · ‎03-09-2010

@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!