Kindness has a remarkable way of restoring our faith in humanity, and a heartwarming story shared by Yolanda Palacios on Facebook reminded many just how powerful even the smallest gestures can be.
Yolanda recounts a memorable dinner at Olive Garden with her 79-year-old mother, who chose a comfortable corner seat at the table for a bit more space and easy access if she needed to get up during the meal. Everything seemed normal as the family chatted while waiting for their food, but what happened next moved Yolanda deeply.
As their orders arrived, Yolanda was talking to her 15-year-old son across from her. When she turned to check on her mom, she was stunned by what she saw: the waitress, a young woman named Susie, was cutting her mom’s steak.
Yolanda, overwhelmed by this unexpected kindness, thanked Susie, who responded, “No problem, I don’t mind, I have grandparents and I know how it is at times.”
A Heartfelt Act of Kindness
Susie continued to help Yolanda’s mom, gently asking, “Is this ok? Let me cut this one up more for you,” as she took time to make sure her meal was prepared just right. She spent a good three minutes cutting the steak into smaller pieces, and Yolanda’s mom would look at her, smiling with gratitude, while Yolanda smiled back.
Moved by Susie’s compassion, Yolanda made sure to express her gratitude to the restaurant manager, telling him how deeply she appreciated Susie’s caring and thoughtful service. “It’s not something employers teach,” Yolanda wrote. “It’s something that comes from the heart.” She also made sure to commend Susie for going above and beyond in her role, something that is often lacking in many service industries today.
A Well-Deserved Recognition
Olive Garden re-shared Yolanda’s post, thanking Susie for her exceptional kindness and dedication. The restaurant expressed their gratitude for having team members like her, who make an extra effort for their customers.
Many others also took to social media to praise Susie’s gesture, with comments flooding in. “What a wonderful young lady. Wished there were more like her in the world,” one person commented. Another wrote, “She is lovely with so much class.”
This simple act of kindness didn’t just make Yolanda’s night, but it also touched the hearts of many, reminding everyone that small gestures can make a big difference.
