Parents know that going out to restaurant with small children can be tough. It can be great in that you don't have to cook, but it's always a challenge.
At its best, it's hectic, with more wrangling, cleaning, and wiping up going on actual eating. At worst, if the kids act up, it can be stressful and disruptive.
If you happen to be a single parent of three kids, including two who have special needs, you can multiply all of those concerns several times over.
Take the case of one mom, who wishes to remain nameless and has been taking her kids out to a new restaurant every Friday for the last few years.
During one of those meals out recently, she nervously apologized in advance for the noise her family to a man who was sitting nearby. But he didn't mind.
In fact, he paid for her family's meal and left her a note that brought her to tears. Any parent who reads it after the jump may join her in that regard:
"I do not know your back story, but I have had the privilege of watching you parent your children for the past 30 minutes. I have to say thank you for parenting your children in such a loving manner."
"I have watched you teach your children about the importance of respect, education, proper manners, communication, self control, and kindness all while being very patient."
"I will never cross your path again but am positive that you and your children have amazing futures.
"Keep up the good work and when it starts to get tough do not forget that others may be watching and will need the encouragement of seeing a good family being raised. God bless! - Jake."
After receiving such a kind gesture from a stranger, the mom was beside herself.
She told ABC News afterward, "You just don't know what people go through."
"Here I've had the worst few years of my life and I never get recognition like this, I just do what I can to get by. I want him and his family to know that he's awesome."
"You never know who's watching you."
To her, this meant the world, and not just because of the free meal. The fact that a kind soul took such enjoyment in sitting next to her and her family?
Priceless.
The Hollywood Gossip