Uncomfortable Mess
Uncomfortable Mess
She looked at the sticky mess on the tiled floor but didn’t dare touch it.
She looked at the sticky mess on the tiled floor but didn’t dare touch it.
Breakfast Shift
Everyone else either pretended it wasn’t happening or cast quick glances at the struggle. The other employees weren’t going to do anything about it. They were just waiting for it to end. So, she stepped forward and prepared to intervene.
Everyone else either pretended it wasn’t happening or cast quick glances at the struggle. The other employees weren’t going to do anything about it. They were just waiting for it to end. So, she stepped forward and prepared to intervene.
Breakfast Shift
18-year-old Evoni Williams pulled a rag across the counter and delivered another breakfast order.
18-year-old Evoni Williams pulled a rag across the counter and delivered another breakfast order.
Crusty Customer
The waffle diner was packed and noisy. At least the tips would be good today. But as she poured another round of coffee, a new customer came in. She could tell this one could be a problem.
The waffle diner was packed and noisy. At least the tips would be good today. But as she poured another round of coffee, a new customer came in. She could tell this one could be a problem.
Crusty Customer
The old man hobbled in, leaning on his walker and taking deep puffs from his oxygen tank.
The old man hobbled in, leaning on his walker and taking deep puffs from his oxygen tank.
Best Smile
She had been a waitress long enough that she could peg the cranky ones in an instant – and this guy was extra crusty and would probably need extra attention. The servers watched carefully to see which section he would take.
She had been a waitress long enough that she could peg the cranky ones in an instant – and this guy was extra crusty and would probably need extra attention. The servers watched carefully to see which section he would take.
Best Smile
He wiggled onto a stool and glared at the menu.
He wiggled onto a stool and glared at the menu.
Number Three
Out of the corner of Evoni’s eye, she could see the other girls flashing “arguing” looks as to who would take it. But as soon as the old man looked up and nodded to her, she knew it would be her turn. She put on her best smile and grabbed her note pad.
Out of the corner of Evoni’s eye, she could see the other girls flashing “arguing” looks as to who would take it. But as soon as the old man looked up and nodded to her, she knew it would be her turn. She put on her best smile and grabbed her note pad.
Number Three
She greeted him with the usual, chipper “Hello. What can I get you today?”
She greeted him with the usual, chipper “Hello. What can I get you today?”
Old Hands
It was met with an annoyed huff and a curt answer of “Number Three” – pancakes, ham, and eggs. She rushed the order out so there were no complaints about cold food. But then, something troubling happened.
It was met with an annoyed huff and a curt answer of “Number Three” – pancakes, ham, and eggs. She rushed the order out so there were no complaints about cold food. But then, something troubling happened.
Old Hands
It was like watching a child try to master using cutlery for the first time.
It was like watching a child try to master using cutlery for the first time.
An Unexpected Move
His wrinkled, shaking hands could barely grip the fork and knife. He lost control of the spoon and it fell to the ground with a loud clink. With each attempted, his face turned sourer. He squeezed the utensils hard, as if ready to strike.
His wrinkled, shaking hands could barely grip the fork and knife. He lost control of the spoon and it fell to the ground with a loud clink. With each attempted, his face turned sourer. He squeezed the utensils hard, as if ready to strike.
An Unexpected Move
With a look of determination, Evoni ignored the other diners trying to get her attention and, in a bold move, pulled the old man’s plate of ham toward her.
With a look of determination, Evoni ignored the other diners trying to get her attention and, in a bold move, pulled the old man’s plate of ham toward her.
Took His Utensils
Then, Evoni began to do something to his food that almost made one of the other diners fall out of her chair. She had never seen a server treat anyone this way. She knew what she had to do.
Then, Evoni began to do something to his food that almost made one of the other diners fall out of her chair. She had never seen a server treat anyone this way. She knew what she had to do.
Took His Utensils
All Evoni could think about was if she was in that situation, she would want someone to show kindness.
All Evoni could think about was if she was in that situation, she would want someone to show kindness.
Between One And Ten
He might be a cantankerous elder, but he was still human and in need. She dared to gently take the cutlery out of his hands, cut his food, and gave him a fresh fork. His next words surprised everyone.
He might be a cantankerous elder, but he was still human and in need. She dared to gently take the cutlery out of his hands, cut his food, and gave him a fresh fork. His next words surprised everyone.
Between One And Ten
“Pick a number between one and ten,” he grumbled.
“Pick a number between one and ten,” he grumbled.
Another Order
She stared back, very confused. The silence stretched on longer than expected, as did the awkwardness. Still, the situation hadn’t turned out bad, so she said, “Ummm. Seven?” He gave a curt nod and went back to his meal.
She stared back, very confused. The silence stretched on longer than expected, as did the awkwardness. Still, the situation hadn’t turned out bad, so she said, “Ummm. Seven?” He gave a curt nod and went back to his meal.
Another Order
The old man finished his plate, but then ordered another. This time steak.
The old man finished his plate, but then ordered another. This time steak.
Big Tip
Considering what had happened before, she took it upon herself to cut it up into pieces again before she served it. He chewed back the meal and asked for the bill. He then pulled a pen from his pocket, scribbled on the receipt, and then left without a word.
Considering what had happened before, she took it upon herself to cut it up into pieces again before she served it. He chewed back the meal and asked for the bill. He then pulled a pen from his pocket, scribbled on the receipt, and then left without a word.
Big Tip
Evoni looked down at the change plate with wide eyes.
Evoni looked down at the change plate with wide eyes.
Photos
There was way more there than should have been! The scribbled message told her why. It read, “Haven’t had steak in forever. Thank you. You picked seven. Should have picked ten.” He had left her a $70 tip! But that wasn’t all.
There was way more there than should have been! The scribbled message told her why. It read, “Haven’t had steak in forever. Thank you. You picked seven. Should have picked ten.” He had left her a $70 tip! But that wasn’t all.
Photos
Laura Wolf, a regular patron at the Waffle House, made sure that her cameraphone’s flash was off and snapped the evidence she needed – the photos that would make both she and Evoni Facebook famous.
Laura Wolf, a regular patron at the Waffle House, made sure that her cameraphone’s flash was off and snapped the evidence she needed – the photos that would make both she and Evoni Facebook famous.
Being Filmed
Although her view was partially obscured, she saw exactly what the waitress had done. And soon, everyone would know.
Although her view was partially obscured, she saw exactly what the waitress had done. And soon, everyone would know.
Being Filmed
The young waitress had no idea, but Laura had been watching and filming Evoni’s simple act of compassion and kindness.
The young waitress had no idea, but Laura had been watching and filming Evoni’s simple act of compassion and kindness.
Karma
Laura had watched as Evoni cut up the man’s food before helping anyone else. Witnessing this kind gesture filled her with so much emotion that she had to take pictures and post them online. But what would netizens think?
Laura had watched as Evoni cut up the man’s food before helping anyone else. Witnessing this kind gesture filled her with so much emotion that she had to take pictures and post them online. But what would netizens think?
Karma
Laura Wolf wrote in her post: “Without hesitation, she took his plate and began cutting up his ham. This may seem small but to him, I’m sure it was huge. I’m thankful to have seen this act of kindness and caring at the start of my day while everything in this world seems so negative.”
Laura Wolf wrote in her post: “Without hesitation, she took his plate and began cutting up his ham. This may seem small but to him, I’m sure it was huge. I’m thankful to have seen this act of kindness and caring at the start of my day while everything in this world seems so negative.”
It Came Naturally
A few days later, the post had received 99,000 likes and 47,000 shares. But netizens weren’t done with Evoni yet.
A few days later, the post had received 99,000 likes and 47,000 shares. But netizens weren’t done with Evoni yet.
It Came Naturally
Evoni had no idea that she was being watched, she just did what had come naturally. Even with the kitchen staff shouting about food being left on the pass, she had to help.
Evoni had no idea that she was being watched, she just did what had come naturally. Even with the kitchen staff shouting about food being left on the pass, she had to help.
Recognition
Days later, a television crew arrived with some unbelievable news. Laura's video had gone viral, and Evoni was about to get something bigger than a tip.
Days later, a television crew arrived with some unbelievable news. Laura's video had gone viral, and Evoni was about to get something bigger than a tip.
Recognition
With so much exposure, the post was seen by some people who agreed that what Evoni did was so wonderful that she deserved some recognition for it.
With so much exposure, the post was seen by some people who agreed that what Evoni did was so wonderful that she deserved some recognition for it.
More Coming
When Evoni was working one day, the Mayor of La Marque, Bobby Hocking, showed up to see her. And he had a huge check in his hand. Evoni couldn’t believe it – it was exactly what she had been working for. Where was this check from?
When Evoni was working one day, the Mayor of La Marque, Bobby Hocking, showed up to see her. And he had a huge check in his hand. Evoni couldn’t believe it – it was exactly what she had been working for. Where was this check from?
More Coming
She couldn’t believe it. All she did was help someone.
She couldn’t believe it. All she did was help someone.
New Wheels
The check was for a staggering $16,000 from Texas State University – it was a scholarship for Evoni to attend classes. She said she had helped the man that day because it was the right thing to do. She didn’t expect any recognition for it. When Evoni was handed the check, she broke down in tears. But that wasn’t all.
The check was for a staggering $16,000 from Texas State University – it was a scholarship for Evoni to attend classes. She said she had helped the man that day because it was the right thing to do. She didn’t expect any recognition for it. When Evoni was handed the check, she broke down in tears. But that wasn’t all.
New Wheels
Tears of joy already ran down her cheeks, but when she felt a set of keys placed in her hand, she broke down into sobs.
Tears of joy already ran down her cheeks, but when she felt a set of keys placed in her hand, she broke down into sobs.
A Small Gesture
“You’ll need a car for when you go to school,” the mayor said. The final gift was the best of all. The reporter showed her a video of the old customer and the explanation of his rotten mood.
“You’ll need a car for when you go to school,” the mayor said. The final gift was the best of all. The reporter showed her a video of the old customer and the explanation of his rotten mood.
A Small Gesture
Naturally, her manager was thrilled for her. He was really happy that one of his employees was getting exposure for being such a caring person and such a great waitress.
Naturally, her manager was thrilled for her. He was really happy that one of his employees was getting exposure for being such a caring person and such a great waitress.
Understandable Reasons
What Evoni did was a small gesture, but it meant the world to her elderly customer, whose name was Adrien Charpentier. Adrien had been struggling recently, and his health had deteriorated.
What Evoni did was a small gesture, but it meant the world to her elderly customer, whose name was Adrien Charpentier. Adrien had been struggling recently, and his health had deteriorated.
Understandable Reasons
Because of his severe joint pain, he was in agony all the time.
Because of his severe joint pain, he was in agony all the time.
Mr. Karaoke
It was impossible to be anything other than grumpy. He didn’t mean it, but that was “just the way things were”. He always ate out because he couldn’t cook at home anymore and having upset serving staff was just part of his struggle. He thanked the girl again for her patience and kindness.
It was impossible to be anything other than grumpy. He didn’t mean it, but that was “just the way things were”. He always ate out because he couldn’t cook at home anymore and having upset serving staff was just part of his struggle. He thanked the girl again for her patience and kindness.
Mr. Karaoke
Adrien, or “Mr. Karaoke,” as he is known around town, told Evoni that he had been in and out of the hospital over the past five weeks. “It started with pneumonia,” he told ABC.
Adrien, or “Mr. Karaoke,” as he is known around town, told Evoni that he had been in and out of the hospital over the past five weeks. “It started with pneumonia,” he told ABC.
Grateful
"I can hold a fork fine and dandy -- but to cut it looks like I'm going to stab somebody," he said with a sardonic grin. The muscle weakness in his hands had left him struggling to cut up his food. And Evoni had known just what to do.
"I can hold a fork fine and dandy -- but to cut it looks like I'm going to stab somebody," he said with a sardonic grin. The muscle weakness in his hands had left him struggling to cut up his food. And Evoni had known just what to do.
Grateful
"I was just like, 'Sure! If you need help, that's what I am here for,'” Evoni explained.
"I was just like, 'Sure! If you need help, that's what I am here for,'” Evoni explained.
Touched
"My cook was calling my name to pick up food I had on the board, but I continued to cut his ham... it’s just something I would do for anybody,” Evoni said later in an interview. And Adrien was especially grateful
"My cook was calling my name to pick up food I had on the board, but I continued to cut his ham... it’s just something I would do for anybody,” Evoni said later in an interview. And Adrien was especially grateful
Touched
"It means a lot. I need help and the waitresses issue it to me," Adrien explained later. But social media users couldn’t get enough of the story of a young waitress helping an elderly customer.
"It means a lot. I need help and the waitresses issue it to me," Adrien explained later. But social media users couldn’t get enough of the story of a young waitress helping an elderly customer.
More Attention
But Evoni and Laura Wolf were both especially surprised when the post caught the attention of La Marque Mayor, Bobby Hocking.
But Evoni and Laura Wolf were both especially surprised when the post caught the attention of La Marque Mayor, Bobby Hocking.
More Attention
"Somebody tagged me and it immediately. It just touched my heart... It's so wonderful that the younger generation cares about the older generation," the Mayor of La Marque recalled.
"Somebody tagged me and it immediately. It just touched my heart... It's so wonderful that the younger generation cares about the older generation," the Mayor of La Marque recalled.
Evoni Williams Day
"There is a lot of love in La Marque, Texas, and we intend to perpetuate that," He added. But, how else could he give the young server the recognition she deserves?
"There is a lot of love in La Marque, Texas, and we intend to perpetuate that," He added. But, how else could he give the young server the recognition she deserves?
Evoni Williams Day
Evoni’s kind gesture toward her fellow men touched the Mayor so much that he decided to honor the server in the most breathtaking way.
Evoni’s kind gesture toward her fellow men touched the Mayor so much that he decided to honor the server in the most breathtaking way.
Following Her Dreams
He declared that in La Marque, March 8 is Evoni Williams Day -- Imagine having an entire day dedicated to your one good deed! “It is awesome… I feel excited and happy,” Evoni said.
He declared that in La Marque, March 8 is Evoni Williams Day -- Imagine having an entire day dedicated to your one good deed! “It is awesome… I feel excited and happy,” Evoni said.
Following Her Dreams
"We wanted to reward Evoni's act of kindness and let her know that good deeds do not go unnoticed," said Melinda Spaulding, an administrator at Texas Southern University.
"We wanted to reward Evoni's act of kindness and let her know that good deeds do not go unnoticed," said Melinda Spaulding, an administrator at Texas Southern University.
A New Friend
"She has the character of the type of students we want at Texas Southern University," she added. Hopefully, she can now pursue her dreams of studying and opening her own restaurant and hair salon.
"She has the character of the type of students we want at Texas Southern University," she added. Hopefully, she can now pursue her dreams of studying and opening her own restaurant and hair salon.
A New Friend
Evoni looked around the room, still barely able to speak. It was surreal.
Evoni looked around the room, still barely able to speak. It was surreal.
She wasn’t exceptional or special in the way she treated others. Still, the returned kindness filled her up and gave her hope. She also made a new friend. The old man became a regular customer … and slightly less grumpy one.
She wasn’t exceptional or special in the way she treated others. Still, the returned kindness filled her up and gave her hope. She also made a new friend. The old man became a regular customer … and slightly less grumpy one.