The Handwritten Note Left On Their Bill Moves Firefighters
Not everyone enjoys working the night shift or the “graveyard” shift. Working at night is highly unpleasant. Workers in businesses that are open 24 hours a day, on the other hand, have no choice but to deal with the most tedious part of the day.
But it is during these times that you meet people or encounter situations you will never forget.
Liz Woodward was closing the 130 Diner in Delran, New Jersey, around five a.m. on December 21, 2004, when she noticed two firefighters enter the establishment searching for food. When asked what they desired, one said they wanted their “biggest” cup of coffee.
Even in the early morning hours, the firefighters appeared exhausted.
They were firefighters who had previously responded to a nearby warehouse fire in North Brunswick. The fire was one of the most devastating in town history. She didn’t need to question them because they appeared to have arrived after their shift. But she felt compelled to do something nice for them.
Even though she had a slow night, she felt it wasn’t the same for these two. She was aware that this night would be difficult for them.
Tim Young, one of the crew members, later posted on Facebook:
“He hadn’t eaten after 12 hours of fighting the fire and supplying water, so I took him to the Route 130 diner in Delran for breakfast.”
He needed the caffeine boost, and Woodward was more than willing to provide it. What these firefighters didn’t realize was that she would do more than make them a cup of coffee. When they asked for the bill, they noticed a handwritten note that piqued their interest.
Woodward scribbled on their bill:
“Your breakfast is on me today – Thank you for everything you do; for serving others and for running into places that everyone else avoids.”
And she wanted to pay for the meal as a way of showing her gratitude for their bravery and hard work. She wanted them to know that someone is aware of the sacrifices they were making for the community.
One of the firefighters thought the gesture was too kind not to share on social media. They had not anticipated his post going viral!
Liz had started a GoFundMe campaign for her father, Steve, who had a brain aneurysm, and the two volunteer firefighters discovered this. They understood that by sharing, they would be able to assist. So they did, hoping to raise more funds for Steve.
Steve became quadriplegic as a result of his illness. Still, he requires regular check-ups and therapies, and his family has found it difficult to transport him, particularly to the doctor. Steve’s car was also not designed for his condition, requiring a van that can easily accommodate a wheelchair.
And after learning about Elizabeth’s life challenges, the firefighters knew they needed to do something to help. So, after she’d been so generous to them, they made it their next goal to assist her. Steve’s medical expenses will be covered by the funds raised through GoFundMe.
As a result of their efforts, more people began blessing Steve via Liz’s GoFundMe page. Indeed, when the news reached Mobility Ventures LLC, a manufacturer of customized vehicles, something extraordinary occurred.
Steve and his family received an MV-1 from Mobility Ventures LLC!
Being kind and generous comes naturally for Liz, and hopefully for many people too.
