Dad of Twins Left in Tears After Stranger Leaves Note and Pays Tab at IHOP
These days, it’s not uncommon to see a few “eating out at restaurant” stories in your news feed. And sadly, it’s not all that uncommon to cringe at the disheartening outcomes.
Sometimes you read about a belligerent exchange with a patron. Other times, you learn that a disgruntled guest refused to tip due to the server’s attitude, shirt color, hairstyle, or perceived lack of skill.
The point is, dining out used to be viewed as a special treat. It was a time for friends and families to enjoy a warm welcome, a good meal and some encouraging hospitality in a relaxed setting.
But if you judge based upon various social media posts, today’s dining out experiences have become synonymous with stress and dissatisfaction. And that’s truly a shame — because those isolated instances of friction and conflict can prompt us to assume the worst about people.
But one appreciative Redditor recently changed all that. This individual goes by the username neroiscariot.
His post was simple and unassuming enough. Yet so far, it’s received more than 1.3 thousand supportive comments.
He merely uploaded a single snapshot. The photo depicts a crumpled piece of paper that bears a short, handwritten note.
By way of explanation, he also included a brief caption. “A stranger picked up our tab at IHOP while my wife and I were struggling to keep our twin babies calm,” he said.
The grateful dad added, “We cried.”
Ever tried caring for twins yourself? Apparently, an increasing number of U.S. parents are learning the ropes firsthand.
According to a 2014 report on birth data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, twin birth rates are on the rise in this country. It’s tough to know exactly what’s causing this trend.
However, researchers theorize that assistive reproductive technology is at least partly responsible. New methods have been introduced over the years, with many couples opting to consult specialists in this area.
And make no mistake: The arrival of twins is certainly a tremendous blessing. But caring for those tiny bundles of joy can also represent quite a challenge.
Loving parents are tasked with satisfying two miniature-but-ravenous mouths at once. Daily diaper changing is also double the mess and chaos.
So understandably, an extended twin sobbing jag can practically send many young parents over the edge. And when that sobbing jag occurs in a public place, it’s especially exasperating.
That’s why this compassionate note left by a fellow IHOP diner is striking such a chord across social media. Accompanied by a hand-written smiley face, it reads, “Just breathe — you’re doing great.”
Evidently, this kind-hearted fellow patron paid the family’s bill, jotted these reassuring words on the receipt, and strolled out.
What makes this gesture all the more poignant? According to a subsequent comment from neroiscariot, his grieving family was actually headed to his brother’s funeral.
A comment from another Redditor probably sums up the collective community reaction best. It’s similarly short and sweet: “Reestablished my faith in humanity!”
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