Going through some old papers this weekend, I ran across a menu from a Thai place in Berkeley. I had forgotten about it, and looking at it made me realize I had some unfinished business to take care of. Some years ago (maybe 3 to 10), I had found myself at the counter ordering lunch at this place. When I opened up my wallet to pay, I saw I only had $2.00. I had forgotten to go by the ATM, and my heart sank. I was also pretty embarrassed that I had not checked the wallet before ordering. I told the guy at the register that I only had $2, I was sorry, but he would have to cancel the order. Instead, he smiled, said $2 was fine, and I could pay him back in the future.

Although I wasn’t on my last dime, it felt a little like that. Over the years, occasionally I’ll end up with just a dollar or two in the wallet. Although I don’t do it on purpose, I kind of like it. It keeps me humble, and reminds me that a lot of people in this world ARE on their last dollar. Sort of a quick reality check, to remind you that the day’s sometimes petty problems are nothing compared to someone who doesn’t have enough to eat, or can’t afford shoes, medical care, etc.

Anyway, as I walked over to a table and sat down, I remember feeling grateful that he would do something like that. He didn’t know me from Adam, and he might never see that money again. Many of these small food shops also are not rolling in the dough, so every dollar helps. So I took a paper menu sheet with me as I left, and I vowed to myself that I would repay him back someday.

Although I’m a little ashamed to admit it, that menu has been sitting in a pile of papers ever since. Once in awhile I’ll come across it and say “Oh yeah, I should go back there.” Yet something else always seems to come up. This past weekend, I just got the feeling it was time to clear the debt.

So today, I was going past Berkeley, and it worked out that I had time to pop in for for lunch. I drove up the street, not even sure the place was still there. I’d feel even worse if they closed and I could do nothing more. As luck would have it, they were still there, so I stopped and went in. I ordered something, then gave the lady a $20 and told her to keep the change. I figured a $13 pay back for a $3 gift was fair. I handed her the menu copy, and told her my story. She said the menu was from about 7 years ago, and that that man behind the register at that time was her husband. She had a huge smile on her face, and I was thrilled to be able to repay the good deed. Made me smile even more when I heard her telling the cook about it (in Thai, though).  The excitement and happiness in her voice was music to my ears.  The only bad thing was that her husband was not at work today. I would have loved to meet him face to faceagain. As I left after lunch, I told her to please tell her husband “thank you”.

Felt a little lighter walking out that door, a little more at peace with the world. It feels good to do good.

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