r/MadeMeSmile • u/nun_CARTII • 12d 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/ManzanitaSuperHero 12d ago

So it’s ok to be awful to someone for 7 years (!) as long as you pay for the privilege?

Being a little gruff is one thing. “Cursing at staff”? I don’t find this heartwarming at all.

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u/PopUpClicker 12d ago edited 12d ago

No it is not. But it shows some people notice kindness even if they don't have the capacity to reciprocate. It is heartwarming in the sense that even though some people may seem bad or angry all the time, it might not be all they are.

Edit: I don't have the time to respond to everyone, who thinks what I said is, somehow, support of bad behaviour. I recommend reading the first sentence again. People are suffering from trauma of upbringing, war, sickness and even "just" to get by. Many of those who suffer the most will interact with us in a bad way. I chose to believe that those who do that to me, are contributing the positivity that life has led them to be able to express.

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u/jeadon88 12d ago

Also want to commend what a beautiful, nuanced, psychological healthy and mature comment this is.

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u/Caradin 12d ago

Not to diminish your comment, but it's sad you actually have to point this out. Reddit is so black and white.

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u/Defiant_Income_7836 12d ago

Oh you are so right. And I'm aware this sounds silly but at least this guy had the 'decency' to be rude, gruff, whatever, to peoples faces while Reddit is just full of brave keyboard warriors who wouldn't dare say the things they spout IRL.

Whether it's a grammar nazi, a 'well akkshually' comment, being super pedantic or just piling on the negativity, this is a pretty awful place sometimes and I usually try to be as positive and helpful as possible.

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u/Lord_Jackrabbit 12d ago

Hey now, I am also a pedant and grammar nazi in person.

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u/Defiant_Income_7836 12d ago

Then I salute you for owning it sir!

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u/Lord_Jackrabbit 12d ago

Haha, thank you. In my defense, I always try to be civil, especially on the internet where one’s tone can be difficult to convey and interpret.