Finding Hope

So I had a table tonight with an older man about 55, eating alone. And it always kills me when I see older people eating alone. So I sat down and talked with this man throughout his dining experience. When we were talking, he told me about how he had just had all of these surgeries and how he’s been really sick lately. He told me everything has just been going downhill since his wife died back in February. I told him I was sorry to hear that and that I was sure she was eating with him in spirit. I got to know a little more about this man and his children and how he met his wife. When he was done eating, I noticed he had barely touched anything. He ate about half of his steak, half of his baked potato, and maybe 3 bites of his salad. I asked if he wanted a to go box and he said no because he wasn’t very hungry to begin with. I told him he could take it home and save it for later but he said, “honestly, with you being so sweet and talkative with me; I’ve eaten more tonight than I have in the past 3 months”. When I took his plates away, I realized it had been 3 months since his wife died. I was instantly crushed, wishing there was more I could do. I told him goodbye and to come back and see me again. He left me a $20 tip on a $20 tab. Some days, I can’t stand work. Other days, I’m grateful to have met some of the people I serve.