Pay it Forward

Good Morning....paying it forward.... In 2008 I met a father and son dou. The dad was a retired farmer and suffering from dementia, his son had retired early from his job so he could take care of him full time. Everyday they would make their way to town and sit at the CIG for lunch....their outing for the day. These two became part of our CIG family. We laughed together and cry together as the son would tell me "how bad things were getting". When I received the call in 2010 that his dad passed my heart broke for him.....his world completely turned upside down. The next few years brought health problems to the son, now a dear friend....and his presence at the CIG became non-existence. I called from time to time just to check on him but never heard back. His number was on a sticky note taped to my computer and when I moved my office to the new location, I tucked his number in one of my desk.....still wondering what happend to my friend.... A few days after our grand opening, Alysha comes to me and says.."Go check out 61".... there sitting in booth 61 was my friend that I had not seen or talk to in almost a year...." I have missed you, what happened?" with tears rolling down his face and now mine, he tells me the memories at the old place were just too much for him....that was his "dad's place". We hug and talk like two old friends that had not been apart. We promise each other "new memories wil bel made at this new joint. Happy Beauitful Wednesday yall.... my friend has been in almost everyday since to eat, laugh and make "our memories. Last night, Shelby and I wander in to the mexican food place in Idalou and there sitting at a table was my sweet friend eating with some of his friends. As he is leaving he comes and sits with us and we visit for a while, I am enjoying every minute.... when he gets up to leave he learns from the waitress his bill has been taken care of.....I was thrilled for him!!A while later Shelby and I are about to leave and Shelby tells the waitress please give me the check of the older couple sitting behind us...no we do not know them but we wanted to make a difference in their night. We go to the cashier to sign the card and realize it is just 1 check....Shelby says, "ok now I need mine!!" sir your's was taken care of by the genteman that was sitting down with yall. A small simple random act of kindness brought such joy to Shelby and I....the cashier looks at us and says..."When you are a blessing , you will be blessed"......... my friend made a difference in my night and we paid it forward to someone else.... today choose to give a blessing to someone....you never know the difference you will make...as the CIG walls says.."see how beautifully God has added one more day in your life, not necessarily because you need it but because someone might need you". Amen !!! I waited for my sweet friend to return to the CIG....God knows our hearts and what is going on and he places people in our paths to make a difference....make a difference yall and pay it forward!!