The Long Wait

I often reminisce those good old days when life was relatively simpler, and people were much more humane and gentle. Recently, to my surprise, I got the opportunity to experience that same warmth that I thought had disappeared from the world.

I was out shopping the other day with my wife, three daughters and son. It was a very hot and humid day, and we were all visibly tired and hungry. We entered a restaurant, looking for some food and comfort.

To our dismay, all the tables were occupied and no one seemed in a hurry to get up. We waited; tired, hungry and impatient. After quite some time, one table was vacated, but that could seat only two of us. My daughter made me sit along with her mother, while she and my other daughters and son stood alongside.

We looked all around us, waiting for another table to be vacated soon. At the next table, two young girls were sitting at a table for six and enjoying their meal. We decided to move to their table, once they were finished with their lunch.

Since the girls had just got their order, I knew it would be a long wait. As we were deciding on what to order, one of the girls got up and offered their table to us. She said they would move to our table so that my family could sit together.

We were very appreciative of their kind gesture. We thanked them profusely and moved to their table. The girls quickly picked up their plates and glasses and went to sit at our table.

That day, I thought to myself there still were some kind, civil and helpful youngsters in this fast moving non-caring world; and my faith in humanity was restored once again.