Recently, seven retired teachers met at the Villa Grande for a summer luncheon. One of our friends had recently experienced the death of her husband. When she arrived, we all stood up and embraced her and expressed our heartfelt sympathy.

A gentleman at another table apparently witnessed this exchange. After he left, our waitress told us that he had paid our entire bill plus dessert! We were so surprised and touched by his generosity! I told my friend that a “shared blessing” had today surfaced from her grief and the shared empathy of friends.

From all of us, a sincere “thank you” to the gentleman who extended this blessing. You warmed our hearts (and tummies), reminding us that good people surround us even as we are experiencing life’s sorrows. Your unexpected kindness reflected so beautifully God’s desire for humans to show compassion and generosity to one another without taking credit. You learned the lesson well, sir!

Debbie Pichler,

Butler Township