Going out to eat with the family is never a simple task—especially when you have a child with autism.
Jamie Heustess knows the struggle all too well.
Jamie Matthews Heustess
Her son, Ian, has autism, and after a long day of socially-stimulating activities, their meal at Cracker Barrel left this mama nearing the end of her rope. But it was the kindness of a stranger that took Jamie’s stressful situation and turned it into a moment she never wants to forget.
The mother from Georgia shared the experience on Facebook writing, “I had a good cry walking out of our local Cracker Barrel in Pooler, GA.”
She explains the difficulties of eating out with a child who has autism saying, “It is truly hit or miss…most days we do OK.”
Her husband Chris left the restaurant with Ian before their waitress came back to the table and asked if they were ordering.
“This was probably her 5th or 6th time stopping by the table…I said yes, a to-go order, just for me. She asked if my husband or son wanted anything and I said no, my husband took our son home to reduce stimuli around him. I told her Ian was autistic and had had a long day, awards, karate, Wal-Mart… His breaking point was the Nemo/Dory toy-that was neither of those characters.”
Jamie Matthews Heustess
“By this time I was crying and having a moment, not because I was embarrassed that my son is autistic, but because he is a good kid and I didn’t want anyone to think he was just a spoiled kid being a brat.”
Jamie says the waitress was “gracious and sweet,” and told her that she’d get her order taken care of quickly. She waited for about 15 minutes before the server came out with her bag of dinner.
“She smiled and told me that my dinner had been taken care of, no need for payment. I started crying all over again. I asked if she was sure and she reassured me it was taken care of, not to worry. I cried walking out, sure the other customers and employees thought I was crazy. There was a piece of paper stapled to my bag, I thought it was the receipt…..no…. it was something far more precious. In the midst of my own meltdown she reached out with words of encouragement and a kind heart”
Jamie Matthews Heustess
The note read:
“Your child is amazing mommy. Be strong, keep your head up. You are doing a great job. Have a great night. Your server, Kailyn”
After her post captured the hearts of thousands across the Internet, Jamie learned that the kindness she was shown was a collaboration between Kailyn and her manager, James.
It turns out that Kailyn had offered to pay for Jamie’s dinner but didn’t have enough tips to cover it just yet—though she was sure she’d have enough by the end of her shift.
When James heard what Kailyn wanted to do for her customer, he took care of the bill instead. Jamie says the waitress left her with the words that every mom needs to hear.
“My note from Kailyn is now hanging on my fridge, for those moments I need to be reminded of the kindness of strangers.”
