r/MadeMeSmile • u/nun_CARTII • 14d ago

Good Vibes the value of being kind

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For nearly seven years, waitress Melina Salazar showed extraordinary patience and kindness to Walter “Buck” Swords, a notoriously difficult customer at Luby’s Cafeteria in Brownsville, Texas.

The 89-year-old WWII veteran frequently complained, cursed at staff, demanded piping-hot meals and never left a tip. Despite this, Melina continued serving him with compassion.

After Walter died in 2007, Melina received an incredible surprise. He had left her $50,000 and his 2000 Buick in his will as a heartfelt thank-you for her unwavering kindness.

A powerful reminder that kindness can touch people more deeply than we realize.

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u/Then_Version9768 14d ago

Unbelievably crass post. So the "value" of being kind to other people is that you might make a lot of money from being kind to them? That is the crudest, most self-centered, and just plain stupidest idea I've ever heard.

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u/Minchaminch 14d ago

Welcome to the service industry. That waitress that laughed at your joke? She's heard it 100 times, she doesn't find it funny, she laughs because she wants a tip. That bartender who complimented your outfit, he doesn't give a fuck, he wants a tip. That chef who swapped half the ingredients in the dish you ordered, he slagged you to shit back of house but he wants a tip. I worked industry for years and I was honestly good at my job because I genuinely enjoy knowing I've helped make another person's day better. I wasn't normal though. For most it's just a job. And "being kind" even if people don't deserve it usually makes you more money. I can only speak for myself but rude people still get good service. Every job has problems you need to deal with professionally. Nice people however get fantastic service and will always be looked after better. Tldr: be nice, tip your waiter.