Love is everything. When we are born into this world, most of us are blessed with the love of our family. But there are times that the love, care, and attention that a person needs will be gotten from somewhere else besides our immediate family. Sometimes family may disappoint you and you can only turn to other people around for support. At such times one may realize that love can be given from other places beside our family.
This was a lesson an elderly man learned on his 61st birthday celebration. The elderly man was seen in the restaurant setting up his own birthday party all by himself. The other guests at the restaurant watched on as he continued setting up some tables, the beautiful streamers and even set out some birthday hats and balloons.
Although he was setting up everything for a large group of people, most of the people dinning wondered why he was there setting up the table alone without his family members there to help him.
Soon the old man’s cell phone went off. He had just gotten a text message. No one knew what was in the message he just read but it soon became obvious the moment he read it that it was bad news. His face and demeanor dropped immediately and everyone noticed the sad look on his face.
This could only mean one thing, no one was coming to celebrate his birthday.
But the old man wasn’t about to give up just yet, this was his birthday and he decided to give the celebration one last shot. After being stood up by all his family members he decided to reach out for love from strangers sitting in all around him in the restaurant.
He mustered a grace and strength that was only possible for someone of his age and experience and asked the strangers around him for a heart-breaking favor.
“Please excuse me, but can I have your attention. Today is my birthday, I’m turning 61 years old and I wanted to celebrate with my family. I’ve been waiting for my children and grandchildren, but nobody has come,” he announced. At this point, he got emotional and had to pause before continuing.
“Anyone who wants to can come to sit with me and celebrate my birthday. I would also be forever grateful for a little birthday song,” he added.
On hearing his speech, everyone in the restaurant got up from their seats and joined him to give him the 61st birthday of his dreams. At the end of the day this old man got more than just a birthday song, he got a birthday cake and even a birthday party. Everyone left their table and joined in wishing him a wonderful birthday. Even though his family had let him down, this old man soon realized that there are still people in this world that are willing to shower you with love and kindness when you need it.
Family can sometimes be unreliable, but there will always be good people around to lend a helping hand to those in need. You should strive to be on of such persons too.
