It's a Festivus Miracle!

[Green Lantern]

So Mrs. Lantern and I took the kids out to eat on Friday night. We wanted to try this Salvadoran place we had seen but it was closed. We then went way out of our way to try a Mexican place for which we had a coupon. Also closed. By this time we just needed to find a place quick so we could get the baby home at a reasonable time so we just went to the first Mexican restaurant we saw.

It turned out to be a perfectly decent family restaurant but the big surprise came at the end of the meal when my wife asked for the check. The waiter said "I'm afraid I have some bad news there. I can't give you the check because the couple that was sitting over there [at a now vacant table] paid for your meal."

We were both just dumbfounded since the people were complete strangers and we hadn't so much as made eye contact with them. We asked the waiter "Are you serious?" And he said "Yep. They said Merry Christmas!"

I have to admit, I was pretty touched and now my wife and I feel inspired to do the same next time we're out to eat. Anybody else have any experiences like this?

[Fiyero]

Anybody else have any experiences like this?

Not since I was a missionary, but that's great that it happened to your family.
There have been times when a member of my party unexpectedly announced that he would pay, but that's different than a complete stranger.

[HuskyFreeNorthwest]

So Mrs. Lantern and I took the kids out to eat on Friday night. We wanted to try this Salvadoran place we had seen but it was closed. We then went way out of our way to try a Mexican place for which we had a coupon. Also closed. By this time we just needed to find a place quick so we could get the baby home at a reasonable time so we just went to the first Mexican restaurant we saw.

It turned out to be a perfectly decent family restaurant but the big surprise came at the end of the meal when my wife asked for the check. The waiter said "I'm afraid I have some bad news there. I can't give you the check because the couple that was sitting over there [at a now vacant table] paid for your meal."

We were both just dumbfounded since the people were complete strangers and we hadn't so much as made eye contact with them. We asked the waiter "Are you serious?" And he said "Yep. They said Merry Christmas!"

I have to admit, I was pretty touched and now my wife and I feel inspired to do the same next time we're out to eat. Anybody else have any experiences like this?

Please tell me where your family will be eating at tonight.

Cool story, did you guys look frustrated and down trodden?

[Surfah]

Not since I was a missionary, but that's great that it happened to your family.
There have been times when a member of my party unexpectedly announced that he would pay, but that's different than a complete stranger.

Same. Happened to me a few times as a missionary. But not before or since.

[cougjunkie]

One time I was in line at a gas station and a soldier in uniform was in front of me, as he went to pay for his gas and snacks, a guy behind me walked up and took care of it. That was nice to see as I did not even think about being that generous so I told myself if I was ever in that situation again I would do the same. I have yet to be in that situation however.

[Green Lantern]

Please tell me where your family will be eating at tonight.

Cool story, did you guys look frustrated and down trodden?

Well, we have two small children. So probably.