Working at night is not pleasant. For most businesses that are open 24 hours a day, it’s the dullest part of the day. However, you may find yourself in unexpected situations that will stay etched in your memory for the rest of your life.
At around 5 AM on December 21, 2004, Liz Woodward was closing the 130 Diner in Delran, New Jersey when she noticed two firemen enter the restaurant to grab a bite to eat. When asked what they wanted, one of them said he wanted his ‘largest’ cup of coffee. The firefighters appeared weary to her.
She recognized them as part of the firefighting team that responded to a nearby warehouse fire in North Brunswick. It was one of their largest fires ever in the town. She no longer had to inquire since they appeared to have come from their shift.
It might have been a slow night for her, but this pair of firefighters was not sleeping. She had a feeling they were having a difficult night.
This is what one of the crew, Tim Young, wrote on Facebook a short while later:: “After 12 hours fighting the fire and supplying water, he hadn’t eaten so I took him out for breakfast to the route 130 diner in Delran.”
There’s no doubt that he needed that coffee, and Woodward is more than happy to serve it. They didn’t realize she would do anything more than just give them coffee.
When they requested the bill, a message caught their attention…
It reads: “Your breakfast is on me today – Thank you for all that you do; for serving others & for running into the places everyone else runs away from.”
The two men were shocked to learn that their wives had heard everything. They had no idea that Liz Woodward overheard their conversation. She wanted to pay for the meal to show her gratitude for their bravery and loyalty, and she would always be there when assistance was required.
Because the waitress was so thoughtful, he felt compelled to share it on social media. And, to their surprise, his post went viral!
After hearing about the difficulties that Tim and Paul encountered, Elizabeth needed assistance as well. It was their next goal to assist her after she’d been so generous to them. The two volunteer fire fighters also found out that Liz had launched a GoFundMe campaign for her father, Steve, who had a brain aneurysm burst a year before.
So they decided to assist by promoting the page in the hopes of obtaining additional cash for Steve.
Steve became quadriplegic as a result of his illness. And with his poor health, it became increasingly difficult for everyone in his family to transport him, especially when they needed to go to see the doctor. Their vehicles were not equipped for Steve’s needs. A bespoke vehicle was required, one that was van accessible via a wheelchair.
When the firemen’s station became famous, more individuals gave to Liz’s GoFundMe page. In fact, the news reached Mobility Ventures LLC, a renowned manufacturer of customized vehicles that Steve and his family required.
Then something incredible happened. Steve received an MV-1 from Mobility Ventures LLC!
Steve’s medical costs will be paid using the money raised via GoFundMe. The original goal was $17,000, but it ended up being much higher at $86,500.
Her father and mother, both police officers, were there to witness the incredible chain of events that resulted from a simple gesture of kindness from their daughter. And for Liz, it was only natural to do something kind in appreciation for what these firemen put themselves out for.
