First responders have one of the most difficult jobs there are. What they do for their communities is priceless and we should be so grateful for their dedication and hard work.
After battling a massive fire at a warehouse in North Brunswick, New Jersey, for more than 12 hours, firefighters Paul Hulling and Tim Young wanted to rest and eat something. So they went to the Route 130 Diner. There they talked about their day and the waitress who served them, Liz Woodward, overheard their conversation.
Source: YouTube/ ABC News
When they were about to leave the restaurant, instead of a receipt, Liz handed them a handwritten note that read, ”Your breakfast is on me today. Thank you for all that you do, for serving us, and for running into the places everyone runs away from. No matter your role, you are courageous, brave and strong. Thank you for being bold every day.”
This kind gesture warmed the hearts of the firefighters. Hulling was so touched that he even started to cry. Liz’s act showed that someone appreciated their work, and that meant the world to them.
Source: YouTube/ ABC News
They were very grateful, but gratitude was not the only thing they offered. Instead, Young decided to share the note on Facebook and called on his friends to visit the Route 130 Diner when they had the chance and tip Liz big if she happened to be their waitress.
They also learned that Liz had created a GoFundMe page to help her wheelchair-bound father. It turned out he was paralyzed by a brain aneurysm and she did everything in her power to raise money for a wheelchair-accessible van.
“He needs access to the outside world. He needs to see the world outside of his hospital bed,” Liz wrote in the fundraiser description. Her initial goal was to raise $17,000, but after Hulling and Young spread the word, she managed to raise more than $86,500.
“I don’t even know what to say,” Liz said, tears of joy streaming down her face. That’s incredible — what a way to wake up today. I had no idea today was going to go like this.”
She posted an update on GoFundMe that read: “Our family has witnessed an outpouring of love & support from around the world, and I want to thank each and every one of you beautiful human beings for making this dream possible!”
Speaking about the incredible experience and their kindness, Liz told WPVI: ”All I did was pay for their breakfast, and I didn’t think anything would come about it except they would leave with a smile.”
For more on the story go to the video below. Inspiring, isn’t it?
