Island visitors discover random act of kindness | Letters | March 26

Published 1:37 pm Friday, March 26, 2010

We own a small family business that we started three years ago. We are from Texas and needed to come out to Seattle for a sales call. As the kids were on spring break, I decided that we should go mix a little business with a lot of pleasure.

After my appointment, the family headed to Bainbridge on the ferry for dinner and some awesome views of Seattle. We checked “Yelp” and found Doc’s Marina Grill.

While we were waiting for a table, I struck up a conversation with a couple perhaps in their 60s. They strongly recommended Doc’s, which made us feel better about our decision.

Toward the end of the meal, my son and I went to the bathroom and passed by the couple. They asked us if we liked the food and we assured them that we did. We chatted for a few more minutes before heading back to our table.

We went to pay the bill only to find out that this couple had paid it for us! We were stunned to say the least. The waitress told us that they wanted to do this and leave before we could thank them. A “true” act of kindness.

What this couple did not know is that my wife and I sold our home to start this business after losing my job a few years ago. Every penny counts, so this act was just that much more special.

We will never forget the kindness of this anonymous couple, except to say that when we are in the position to do the same thing for someone else, they should rest assured that we will!

Ken Proctor and family,

Houston, Texas