Serving the Chef
It was Thursday morning of my spring break week during Junior year, and I was late to meet my friends at the nearby Dunkin' Donuts to get breakfast. As I ran downstairs, I noticed my mom in the kitchen getting ready to begin her day as well. She was headed to her business, Chef Loryn’s, where she stands as the owner and head chef of the restaurant. Racing to find my car keys, I quickly jolted back, turning to my mom in dire need of cash. She salvaged about $4.50 for me, which was just enough for my breakfast. I grabbed my keys as my mom grabbed her coffee cup. I sped out the door to be halted by a loud noise behind me. My mom dropped her coffee and grunted loud enough for me to notice. She was late for work and didn’t have time to get another cup. I drove off to Dunkin' Donuts with my music playing and my phone buzzing with unlimited messages from my friends wondering where I was. I pulled into the parking lot to see them already waiting for me. I entered and waited behind a woman and her son as they ordered their breakfast. The boy appeared to be about 10-years-old and the mom seemed to be a young woman who couldn’t satisfy her son’s need for a chocolate glazed donut with only $3.00 on her. I watched as the worker behind the counter explained to the lady that she has a son the same age who loves donuts and not to worry about paying for it. She reached and grabbed one chocolate glazed donut for the eager 10-year-old and handed it to him. I was truly moved by this simple act of kindness that the worker did for her customer that I was persuaded to do something I wouldn’t have before. Instead of ordering my usual breakfast, I ordered a large hot latte just like my mom likes it. I examined the change I was given and instead of keeping the extra $2.50, I handed it to the woman. I was not expecting to leave a tip, but once I observed a random act of kindness, I couldn’t bypass the opportunity. Once handed the latte, I told my friends I would be right back and I drove down the street to Chef Loryn’s. I walked into the restaurant, latte in hand, and smiled at my mom. She smiled right away embracing me in her arms. At that moment, I didn’t care about my friends waiting for me nor that I didn’t have a blueberry muffin. I was happy that I was able to make someone else’s day by a simple and random act of kindness.