A few months ago a friend and I were at Denny’s for our weekly cheese fries and smoothies. We noticed an older couple a booth away from us that were celebrating the husband’s birthday. He was joking that he was only 35,having a good time, and it was obvious that he was just a happy person. On our way out we stopped and talked to them. The next day the couple came into my job and instantly recognized me. Ever since then, when ever they would come in, I would find a few minutes in between bagging orders or running drive-thru to talk to them. Every time I would see this couple and how in love they still were after all that time, would automatically make my heart melt. About two weeks ago the husband came in and I asked where his wife was. He told me that she was in and out of the hospital waiting for bypass surgery. Last night while I was on headset I heard that familiar voice order nothing but a milkshake and simple plain sandwich. I knew he sounded off, but I was not expecting what was next. When he pulled up to the window I asked how he was and asked about his wife. He teared up and told me that she had passed, and that the funeral was held yesterday. I teared up instantly and he said “nothing will be the same now you know?”. The minute he pulled away I handed my manager and asked him to watch drive while I cried for about half an hour, because I did know. I watched how things changed after my grandfather died  not only for my grandmother, but everyone’s life that my grandfather has so kindly touched. It is sad. In fact, sad isn’t even the word for the pain and grief that comes along with loosing someone so close to you. I hope that who ever I end up with passes first so they never has to feel that pain. Because the only worst than dying yourself, is others dying while you are left behind. Left behind to pick up the pieces and try and move on. The typical lessons will come with this sad story. Don’t take others for granted, live life to the fullest extent, and never leave anything unsaid for time is short. However, there is another important lesson that I wish everyone would take away from this; Be kind to strangers. If we had never stopped to talk to them at Denny’s that night, then they would not have noticed me from the other crew members at my job. Taking the time to appreciate others and spend a few minutes here and there with people can make a difference. Everybody has a story, this is true. The thing to remember is that you might not always know that story, so be kind. I work drive-thru most of the time, so believe me I know that people can drive you crazy!! But, it is so important to remember that these people are people who are living their lives just like everyone else. With all of the pain, grief, laughter, happiness just like you. Remember that.