I had dinner at a place in Tyson’s with TierPoint when they were visiting ARG. It is one of those very nice steakhouses that I simply don’t go to unless someone else is footing the bill. I didn’t stay for the whole engagement but asked if my dinner could be put in a to-go container. The waitress, who had been a wonderful server throughout, said she would be happy to take care of me so I could get home to my family. She mentioned that she knows how hard it is to be away from hers because she takes a few serving gigs in Tyson’s even though she teaches school in Woodbridge. I was blown away and sheepish, considering how much I take my 30-minute commute for granted. I’m able to spend so much time with my family and here is this hard-working woman, treating me with such respect and with a HUGE smile on her face. I fumbled in my purse for the stash of money and then excused myself to go to the restroom. I found her by the kitchen and pressed $40 into her hand. I told her that the table would tip her, but this is for her to use on gas, or food, or stuff for her kids – that the ARG RAK program is exactly for people like her! I got a bit choked up so she hugged me (comforting me, no doubt). Her generous spirit that night completely moved me. Again, so thankful to be part of a group that allows such a story!
– Meredith Vines
