Heartfelt note from elderly customer leaves waitress and the internet in tears

In a world often overshadowed by negativity, moments of genuine kindness can shine like beacons of hope. Megan King, a waitress at Perkins Restaurant & Bakery in Yankton, South Dakota, recently experienced such a moment that has not only touched her deeply but also resonated with thousands across the internet.

Megan King was working a typical busy Sunday shift when she encountered an elderly woman dining alone. The customer, who had endured significant loss, found comfort in King's warm service. Speaking to Tyla, King recounted, "This older woman came in on a busy Sunday, and about halfway through her meal, it started to slow down. We chatted for a few minutes. Small talk, nothing too deep."

The woman revealed it had been some time since she last ventured out to eat, and she chose Perkins, a place dear to her heart. She was a low-maintenance guest, quietly finishing her meal and departing without much fuss. However, when King went to clear the table, she discovered a handwritten note accompanied by a small tip.

The note read: "Thank you very much for your kind service. This was my first time eating out alone since my husband passed. I was hoping I could get through it." Overwhelmed by emotion, King found herself in tears. "As soon as I read that she'd lost her husband, I lost it. I had to use the restroom to get myself together enough to tend to my other tables even though I really didn't have time to take a rest," she shared.

King later posted a picture on Twitter, showcasing her teary smile and captioned it "in pain," reflecting the bittersweet impact of the note. Her tweet resonated widely, accumulating over 49,000 retweets and 822,000 likes. The responses were filled with empathy and support. One user commented, "Always better to just be a good person to other people because you just don't know what they're going through. You were an angel to that woman." Another added, "Wow, my eyes filled up. A great example of why customer service is so important. You never know how you can change around someone’s whole day."

Reflecting on the encounter, King mentioned she wished she had recognized the woman's quiet demeanor as an invitation for more interaction. "She kept looking up at me, so I assumed something wasn't right with her meal or that she needed something, but every time I checked, she said everything was great and she didn't need anything," King noted. Despite her retrospective regrets, the note confirmed that her attentiveness and kindness had made a significant impact.

However, the story also drew some critical comments, with a few suggesting that King’s tears were due to a meager tip. Addressing these remarks, King clarified to Newsweek, "A lot of our customers are older and living on fixed incomes, so they tip what they can. They are always welcome, no matter how much or little they tip." She emphasized that the elderly woman's gesture was "more than enough," regardless of the amount.

If you’re inspired by Megan King's story, consider reaching out to someone who might be feeling alone. A small act of kindness can go a long way in making someone's day a little brighter.

This article was originally published June 26, 2024. It has since been updated.