On an ordinary night at work, Brianna Siegel, a 21-year-old waitress in New Jersey, experienced an extraordinary act of generosity that left her speechless. As she served a couple who had only ordered two cheeseburgers and drinks, she had no idea the evening would end with a life-changing surprise.
After enjoying their meal, the couple handed Siegel an envelope, instructing her to open it at home. “They came up and said, ‘You were a great waitress and we’re giving you this envelope. Don’t open it until you get home,’” Siegel said. “I honestly thought maybe it was a prayer card or a little Bible, so I stuck it in my apron until I got off at 10:30.”
Brianna Siegel looks a copy of the note and check two customers left for her. Photo by News 12
Once at home, she opened the envelope. And the shock hit her immediately. “I nearly fell to the floor,” Siegel said. “This shows that there are still nice people out in this world. I’m still in shock, to be honest.”
I never thought I would ever get something like that in my lifetime.”
The note left by the couple read, “Bri, God cares for you. This is not a coincidence… whenever it gets hard KNOW God got you.” It also included a reference to the Bible verse 1 Peter 5:7, which advises to cast your cares on God. The couple’s generosity and message deeply moved Siegel.
Siegel, who has been working at Bar Louie for only three months, plans to use the money to pay for nursing school and a new car. “I just want everybody to know that there are still really good people out in this world. I can’t even say how thankful I am,” she said.
The note left for Brianna Siegel by two customers. Photo by News 12
Brent Ruhkamp, the general manager at Bar Louie, had nothing but great things to say about Brianna. “She’s always willing to come in. Always willing to help out. She’s a great worker for us,” Ruhkamp said. He added, “In all the years I’ve been in the restaurant business, I’ve heard of people getting $100, $200 tips, like around the holidays. But I’ve never heard of anything quite like this. It’s nice to know there are people out there like that.”
The couple, who wished to remain anonymous, had been engaged in light-hearted conversation with Siegel during their meal, discussing her career aspirations and religious beliefs. Siegel said she is a practicing Catholic, and had mentioned her hopes of pursuing a degree in nursing.
“They were honestly the nicest customers I’ve ever had,” Siegel said. “Even if they wouldn’t have given me the tip, they were just really nice people.”
She said she just wanted others to know that good things can happen in the world. “I just want everybody to know that there are still really good people out in this world,” Siegel said. “I can’t even say how thankful I am.”
Sources: Daily Mail | Today | Patch.com
