SERVING ANGELS

The McCormack’s have a large family. Nine kids. As you can imagine, raising nine children is a true labor of love. And with all the laboring it takes to clothe, feed, and educate their ever-growing brood, Mr. and Mrs. McCormack have learned to be frugal, stretching their limited dollars as far as possible.

And that’s why, when they planned a family outing one day in early October, the McCormacks packed enough food for a picnic lunch.

The kids were loaded in the family’s ancient van. With Mom at the wheel and Dad beside her, they set out for a scenic drive along the backroads of their state, where autumn was showing off God’s glorious colors.

After a full day of sightseeing, rest stops, and their homemade picnic lunch, they were heading back home.

“Daddy, we need to stop,” said little Maeve.

“It will just be a little longer, and we’ll be home,” her exhausted father replied.

“We need to stop NOW,” Maeve insisted. And when Maeve insists, she means business.

Mrs. McCormack spotted a restaurant that wasn’t too far up the road. The van slowed down and pulled into the parking lot.

Immediately, they realized this was a fancy restaurant with valet parking and a tasteful sign, small and pretentious. But Estelle’s Fine Cuisine was their only option.

Little Maeve led the way with Mr. McCormack in tow.

“I’m sorry to bother you, but my daughter needs to use the restroom.”

“The restroom is only for our dining guests, but I can see the urgency. Go ahead quickly; I’m not supposed to do this.” The hostess said kindly.

No sooner had Mr. McCormack and Maeve stepped out of the restroom when the maitre’d blocked their way.

“Who gave you permission to use the restroom?” He demanded.

“The facilities are for customers only, and you are obviously not our customer.”

Mr. McCormack waited for the hostess to speak up, but out of the corner of his eye, he could see the young woman was shaking like a leaf, obviously afraid of the consequences if her boss knew she bent the rules.

“Oh, so sorry for the confusion, but you are mistaken. My family and I are here to have dinner; I just hurried in to bring my daughter to the restroom first; the rest of the family are coming in presently; we will be a table of twelve.”

The maitre’d peered out the window and saw the beat-up old van and all the children inside. He gathered his composure and began barking orders at his staff to set the large table.

Mr. McCormack texted his wife and told her to give the valet the van and bring in all the kids. They would be eating at Estelle's Fine Cuisine.

The kids were so excited. They’ve never eaten at a fancy restaurant before. They look at the menu; they have never seen such prices before! Their server takes their large order and goes back to the kitchen.

The meal was served, and everyone enjoyed their food. Next, much to Mr. McCormack’s surprise, a cart is rolled out with desserts of every kind.

“You must have made a mistake; we didn’t order dessert.”

The waiter said, “Estelle, the owner, sent over the dessert cart with her compliments.”

When the family finished the sumptuous meal, Estelle came over to the table and spoke to Mr. and Mrs. McCormack.

“Lucille, our hostess, told me what happened.” She explained.

“Lucille needs this job, but your kindness so overwhelmed her that she confessed to me that she permitted you to use the restroom. She fully expected to be fired. Many of us here in the restaurant business are accustomed to being treated badly by rude customers. And you came along, protecting our sweet Lucille. It’s a kindness that can only come from God.”

Estelle continued. “Your entire meal is comped.”

Mr. McCormack protested. “We ordered the food and ate a delicious meal; we will pay our bill.”

“You don’t understand. We only charge human beings in this restaurant. You are an angel, and angels don’t need to pay.”

This is inspired by a true story.

By Susan Diamond

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