Thanksgiving Day Surprise

I visited the Chick-fil-A at La Plata, MD on Tuesday, November 20. After driving 7 hours to visit family, my children and I stopped with 4 hours left on our drive. While there, my 3 year old son became very cranky, so I hastily left. I was very distracted and tired. When I left, my diaper bag containing my wallet was still hanging on the back of my chair. I did not notice until Wednesday evening, Thanksgiving Eve.

When I called and asked if anyone had handed in my wallet, the manager said someone had and asked for my address so he could bring it to me. I explained that I was four hours north, so if he could just Fed Ex it to me I would be very grateful. He said he was going to Fed Ex it right away so that I would receive it ASAP. I was beyond relieved!

The next morning, Thanksgiving Day, there was a knock at my sister-in-law's door. Because we were not expecting anyone, she made a "Who could that be?" face at me. I exclaimed, "Maybe Fed Ex is running on Thanksgiving." When I opened the door, to my utter shock, it was Mr. Flatly, Operator of the store in La Plata, MD. I stood there dumbfounded, knowing that he had to have left at 6:00 that morning just to make it to my sister-in-law's house which is 4 hours north of his store, only to turn right around and drive 4 hours south again. I was so dumbfounded that I did not know what to say or do in that moment. I had no cash, but wished I would have at least been able to give him some money for gas and tolls, though I don't believe he would have accepted.

This was the best Thanksgiving Day I have ever had based on his kindness. When I told my 80 year old grandmother-in-law she cried. I called everyone I know and said my faith in humanity has been restored. This man went not only above and beyond his role as manager, but as a kindhearted human being. Like I've stated, my faith in humanity has been restored. I will be doing my best to pay this kind act forward.