|
I'm eight months pregnant, and wait tables every Friday night at a Santa Monica, California, restaurant. Since I started showing, my customers have asked nice questions about my pregnancy. I recently decided to take maternity leave because waiting tables is taking its toll on my pregnant body.
My last night, I worked a private party for 150 people. I passed small appetizer trays around and got drink orders. One particular group
asked about my obviously pregnant belly; I told them it was my last night
working.
Two hours later, after dinner, one guy from that group said they needed my attention. I thought maybe they spilled a drink or needed more
cocktails. Instead he led me to the stage, next to a fellow holding our
microphone.
I was really confused and started to creep away to the side where the
other servers and restaurant managers were standing. Another lady on the
stage wouldn't let me leave! The microphone holder said, "Welcome, thank
you for coming to this special night for Safeco. We had a great year
this year..." I was more confused to be up there with them -- I'm not part
of their company!
He continued, "May I introduce Karen So, she's eight months pregnant
and working her last night. Her baby girl due in March will be named
'Soleil'-- that's 'sun' in French. We took the liberty of asking you all
to make a small donation for her. We present to you, Karen, a gift from
all of us." He gave me an envelope with a thick wad of cash in it! I was
so shocked, I started crying! He continued, "We collected a little over
$300 for you and wrote you a poem titled 'Karen So, Best Wishes for Your
Impending Arrival':
A boisterous, jovial crew we are,
Of giddy, playful adventurers.
Who have traversed distances afar,
To sample pleasures of inn and bar.
To chance upon fair Karen So,
Soon to embark upon Motherhood.
To wish her well our glasses raise,
And herald the arrival of young Soleil!"
Tears couldn't stop streaming down my eyes! I asked the lady where
they were from. She replied, "Mostly from Seattle, also Denver and other
places, for a convention." The guy on the microphone joked, "A note to
management, this is a gift to Karen, not the tip." I was so elated; I
couldn't believe a group of complete strangers could have such a heart for
me, their waitress!
I couldn't stop saying "Thank You!" As people left they came up to me, congratulated me and I hugged and thanked them. A manager told me they
asked for the envelope about half an hour after the banquet started.
No matter how bad the world seems to be doing, amongst all the chaos
are people out there with amazing hearts. The world that I'm bringing
Soleil into isn't a bad world, but a world that already loved her before
she was even born. |