Gratitude Goes a Long Way: How a Waitress’ Small Act of Kindness Changed Her Life
First responders are everyday heroes who risk their lives to protect and serve their communities. Their bravery and dedication deserve our gratitude. One story from North Brunswick, New Jersey, reminds us of the incredible impact of kindness and appreciation.
After battling a warehouse fire for more than 12 hours, exhausted firefighters Paul Hulling and Tim Young stopped at the Route 130 Diner for some well-earned rest and a meal. As they sat discussing the intense day, Liz Woodward, their waitress, couldn’t help but overhear. When it came time to pay, Liz did something extraordinary. Instead of handing them a receipt, she passed them a handwritten note that read:
“Your breakfast is on me today. Thank you for all that you do, for serving us and for running into the places everyone runs away from. No matter your role, you are courageous, brave, and strong. Thank you for being bold every day.”
The heartfelt gesture left the firefighters deeply touched. Paul was so moved he shed tears. Liz’s simple act of kindness made them feel seen and appreciated, a sentiment that often goes unspoken in their line of work.
But the story doesn’t end there. Paul and Tim, wanting to give back to Liz, shared her note on Facebook. Tim encouraged his friends to visit the diner and tip Liz generously if she happened to be their waitress. That’s when they discovered Liz had been working tirelessly to raise funds for her wheelchair-bound father, who was left paralyzed by a brain aneurysm. She had started a GoFundMe campaign to buy a wheelchair-accessible van, hoping to give her father more freedom and improve his quality of life.
Moved by her story, the firefighters went a step further. They encouraged their social media followers to contribute to Liz’s fundraiser. Her initial goal was $17,000, but thanks to the viral post and the outpouring of support, Liz’s campaign raised over $86,500!
Liz was overwhelmed with emotion when she saw the donations pouring in. “I don’t even know what to say to that,” she said tearfully. “That’s incredible — what a way to wake up today.” In an update on GoFundMe, she thanked everyone who supported her cause: “Our family has witnessed an outpouring of love & support from around the world, and I want to thank each and every one of you beautiful human beings for making this dream possible!”
Reflecting on the experience, Liz humbly remarked, “All I did was pay for their breakfast. I didn’t think anything would come of it except they would leave with a smile.”
This story reminds us that even the smallest acts of kindness can ripple outward in extraordinary ways. It’s proof that appreciating and supporting each other can create life-changing moments. Let’s continue to value the heroes among us and pay kindness forward, just like Liz did.
