*warning..kind of a long story BUT totally worth reading*
Saturday flew by! I had a fun morning and afternoon with Leslie at “Swiss days” and the evening quickly approached! I was Starving….but the only thing that sounded good was pasta from one of my favorite places “noodles & co”
I played the should I go – should I make something – is it worth the money – I hate to eat alone, so get it to go game for a good 30 min in my head before I found a buy one get one free coupon in my purse that just happened to expire this very day!
PERFECT! I will buy TWO meals and save the other one for dinner tomorrow night …kill two birds with one stone AND save money!
As I walked into the crowded restaurant I got this strange feeling that I needed to give my coupon to someone else….that I should pass it on and just order what I came for and nothing more – at first I ignored the prompting BUT then I kept feeling like I NEEDED to do it
I did a quick scan of the line and surprisingly there were quite a few “singles” in line and only one couple but they were at the very front and I didn’t want to make a scene by running up there to hand them this coupon. I just ignored the feeling and thought about my yummy pasta I was going to order….
UGH there it was again. I NEEDED TO GIVE THIS DANG COUPON AWAY!
SO I decided to look behind me at the couple I could hear discussing the menu items {as it was their first time there} As soon as I turned around my eyes met his
THE MAN IN THE BLUE SHIRT
a sweet older gentleman with kind eyes and obviously a sense of humor as he blurted out “are you buying” as soon as I turned around and looked at him and before I could even muster a word!
“well actually, I sorta am. I want to offer you my buy one get one free coupon for you and your wife to use”
“why don’t you use it?” he replied
“cause I am all alone and don’t need TWO meals”
“well, why isn’t there a good looking gentleman with you” he said with a smirk
I could feel my eyes start to burn and the tear want to well up in my eyes…..it was the first time I was going to have to say it out loud
“cause I am not married anymore..I am getting a divorce”
I could barely say the words holding back my tears….
with not a moments hesitation he put his hands on my shoulders and looked into my eyes and said
“dear, we were MEANT to meet today! I was a family and marriage counselor for 35 years – I know how you feel and what you are going through”
his wife joined him in their gaze of sadness and eyes filled with love
“oh really? well then I guess your here to help me”
i giggled not knowing quite what to say….we chatted back and forth a few min about where I was from, my age, job, etc and then…oh it was my turn
“well enjoy your meal”
I say with a big smile! ALREADY feeling better that these complete strangers had such a sadness in their hearts for ME a complete stranger and were giving such sweet words of encouragement to a girl they just met a mere 3 min ago!
I ordered my meal – got my drink – and waited off to the side…since I was getting it to go after all [remember my anxiety with eating alone]
and then there they were again…right by my side! the sweet older couple.
They both put a hand on my arm and the man in the blue shirt said to me
” we want to be your support, we don’t ever want you to feel alone, if you ever need ANYTHING we are here for you”
“even if it’s just a shoulder to cry on” his wife chimed in
” we would LOVE to have you over for dinner, or take out to dinner any time you are feeling lonely or need someone to talk to” all the while never breaking eye contact or letting go of my arm….”consider us your Utah surrogate parents” he said with a chuckle!
As he hands me a business card from the restaurant – with their names and phone number scribbled on the front
“don’t be a stranger” they say..“PLEASE call us if you ever need anything”
of course I am crying at this point…FATE….I was feeling SO lonely and sad that day and these two strangers came into my life for a reason….even if just to let me know….everything will be ok. I will be ok. I will heal….and there are so many people who love me and are here for me….even if some of them are strangers!
So to the man in the blue shirt {and of course his wife}….THANK YOU! you made my day and I do believe you were right…we were meant to meet that day!
there was reason I was tainted to go to “noodles” and there was a reason I felt the urge to give away my coupon…to meet them! The sweet couple out to dinner on a Saturday night
{one of my fav signs from Barn Owl Primitives}
I cried again reading this. Love you so much and so grateful for this sweet couple!! :)
Isn’t God wonderful? Here you are trying to bless someone with your coupon because of this “feeling” you have. Because you were faithful you received the actual blessing God had intended for you. Thanks for blessing me with your story- I just started reading your blog recently.
Awwwwwww, what a beautiful story and beautiful couple! It was meant to happen, thanks for sharing.
Well..now you’ve made ME CRY!! AND I am NOT a cryer! Sheesh! :) That is seriously awesome B. And just KNOW I love you and you are NOT NOT NOT ALONE!! Love you to bits!!!
I’m so glad you listened to your promptings, even though it was scary and out of your comfort zone. So many times in our lives we’re searching for answers and comfort, and God answers our prayers through other people. You were both able to bless each other’s lives that day and I know with all you’re going through and your family so far away that this was the exact moment you needed in your life. You are so amazing and beautiful, talented and strong. I know you will continue to be blessed on your journey to a happy, beautiful life. :) <3
What an amazing example of listening to the spirit. You were a blessing to them and they were a blessing to you. Isn’t it amazing how much our Heavenly Father loves us and how important each of us is to him that he sees our every need and is there to help and guide if we will just listen!! Thanks for sharing dear!!
What a beautiful story. So glad you followed that inner prompting. A lot of people would have ignored it and then missed out on the gift. Divorce is a difficult passage. Best of luck to you.
*tears*!! Love you and that story! Blessings come in the most unexpected way. I can only imagine how difficult this time must be. Sending prayers of peace and comfort your way!
Brittany, I’m sorry! I didn’t realize this was going on :( What a wonderful thing to happen out getting dinner!
Amazing how people show up exactly when you need them. Prayers for you and I hope that your heart is healing hun. All things take time and anytime you want to chat I’m here. xoxo
What an inspiring example to always listen to that little voice and do what feels right. I’m so sorry about what you are going through…but it is such a reassurance to know that you aren’t alone, isn’t it? I will keep you in my prayers!
Im so sorry you are going through this difficult time but so happy for you to have met such a wonderful couple. Take them up on their offer. I know it’s hard but keep your heart open! xoxo
Oh Brit I balled my eyes out. I am so glad you met these lovely people and they could help you through a though and lonely moment. Make sure to give them a call and see them again when you need it. I am sure they meant what they said and would love to see you take them up their offer. I know it’s a though time right now but things will get better :) Sending lots of love your way xoxo
That’s amazing.. someone is surly watching over you!
{{HUGS}} So sorry you’re having to go through this!
Love you friend!! I’m so glad that man and his wife were there. Remember, I’m always hear to chat whenever you need it! xo!!
That is so sweet and special. I’m so glad that happened to you. I hope you are hanging in there my dear! xoxo
Oh, wow.
This story is amazing.
You are such a beautiful person, and I am so glad that you ran into them at just the right time.
If you ever need a penne rosa partner in crime, I’m your girl!
I am bawling. You have NO idea how badly I needed to read this. I know it’s your story; it was your fate/spiritual moment, but it has touched me more than you will ever know.
I have been going though a rather difficult time recently and have been feeling very “forgotten” by Heavenly Father. Typically, whenever I hear stories like this I only feel envy. Envy that Heavenly Father reached out to them, and not me. BUT.. for whatever reason, I really cannot explain it, your story touched me in a way that I haven’t felt in a long, long time.
I feel that my faith in Heavenly Father has been restored, even by just a teeny tiny bit. I can see, through the prompting you felt, that He does love us, and comes to our aid in the most surprising places (um, hello… Noodle & Co.?? lol). I just need to be patient and wait for my turn. I am sure it will come.
Anyway, you probably think I’m nuts. I probably am. But I just wanted to thank you for sharing your story. THANK YOU! Not everyone would have done that. Many would have just kept this spiritual moment to themselves…. but you choose to share it, and for that, you have no idea how grateful I truly am. Thank you.
I just want to scoop you up and hold you tight.