In mid-February, a pregnant waitress who worked in a busy diner didn’t expect that she would experience the positive effects of unexpected kindness from a customer, least of all from a police officer. The lunch was simple, the service went on like a routine, and the cop was charged with $8.75 for his meal. However, when the officer was already nowhere in sight, it was only then that the pregnant waitress discovered what the cop had done. It left her running in tears.
Making Ends Meet
Courtney English is a 23-year old woman living in Camden County. She is a cheerful lady who has a smile ready for everyone. Aside from this, she is industrious and hardworking. Pretty much, it’s her attitude that made her great and well-appreciated in her job.
For almost two years, Courtney worked on an “on and off” basis at Lamp Post Diner in Clementon, New Jersey. She was never ashamed of her work, and she had other part-time jobs in the past that made her working schedule tight. Even when Courtney got pregnant, all the more she aspired to take her shifts in the diner so that she was able to make ends meet.
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Saving Money
Unlike most women who tend to stop working when they got pregnant, Courtney knew it would never work in her situation. She had some rough times before and she needed to save money for the delivery of her baby. She chose to stay committed to her job as a waitress.
Somehow, she had gotten used to the job and although it was always a busy day at the diner, the pleasant people there whom she already treated as her friends made everything more comfortable and smoother for her. Moreover, she had gotten used to regular customers, and every one of them was excited for her.
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The Reason Behind
Courtney’s life was an open book to her friends and workmates. She fell in love and felt excited to build a future with a man she met at one of her odd jobs. They lived together at her boyfriend’s small flat and there, they began to dream about a family.
Even though she was young, she felt sure she had found the love of her life. Despite her father’s advice about being aggressive and impulsive, Courtney was deeply in love. She felt as if she was more than ready to face the world. However, it seemed that some good things in life were never meant to last for her.
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Parting Time
They had been only living together for months when her ex-boyfriend had shown his true colors. He had some dirty dealings in his jobs, and couldn't keep his faithfulness to their relationship. She had forgiven him the first time he was caught. However, it soon became a hobby for the abusive man.
The time Courtney finally realized she had enough, was also the same time she discovered she was pregnant with his baby. Hoping that it would be the start of something new, she excitedly told him about her condition. However, he saw her pregnancy as the bomb that shattered their dreams into pieces.
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A Father’s Love
When Courtney realized she had fallen in love with the wrong man, she had no choice but to leave him. She was pregnant at the moment and only had some part-time jobs to live by. She was already twenty, yet she swallowed her pride and found herself on her father’s doorsteps.
Seeing her daughter helpless and crying, Brian Cardigan didn’t have second thoughts of taking her back. For him, Courtney will always be her little girl. He promised to himself that he will always be her knight in shining armor. Thanks to his love and guidance, Courtney found herself back on track again.
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Saving As Much as She Can
Typically, a pregnant woman is being advised to take a rest and avoid physical activities, especially during the third trimester. As a waitress, Courtney was well aware that her job was physically demanding. However, she had no choice as she needed all the money she could get. She was determined to stay at the diner until the end of February, her pregnancy already in its eighth month.
Aside from the risks she was taking every day at the busy diner, Courtney was not ashamed to admit that she was still staying with her father. She couldn’t afford to rent her own apartment, at least, not at the moment. All she could think of was to deliver her baby safe and healthy in this world. For her, the other plans for the future could wait.
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Busy But Happy
Lamp Post Diner is a small but famous destination for the locals. The foods are delicious, and they are always served fresh. Moreover, the menu is pocket-friendly. Like any other food hubs in the area, the diner has its own regular customers.
Every day, Courtney expects to see them, and they would catch up with one another. The atmosphere within the diner is friendly, and the people can easily see they are dining with family. She had no trouble working hard and was used to giving her best smile to everyone.
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Customers Turned Friends
Since Courtney is naturally friendly and courteous to everyone, the regulars are happy to have a chat with her whenever there’s a chance. She always wears a beautiful smile, and she genuinely cares for everyone.
Soon enough, she had developed friendships with her regular customers, and they have the habit of updating each other about their personal lives. Of course, most of them are excited for her and her baby as well.
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Staying Strong and Focused
Although Courtney had so much to do every day, the thought of becoming a mother crossed her mind from time to time. Mostly, she would look at the families dining together and imagine what her daughter would look like.
At times, there’s a pang of pain whenever she thinks of her ex-boyfriend. It’s not because she was still in love with him, but because Courtney believes she won’t be able to give her daughter a complete family. But as fast as that thought crossed her mind, she would also remember his loving father as well as her supportive friends who always assure her that everything will be alright. But, despite all of that, she knew she has the sole responsibility for her future. It’s the persistent thought that’s giving her the strength and the courage to go on with her life day by day.
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Pulling the Days
The days seem to fly for the mother-to-be as she was always busy at the diner. Whenever her schedule was light, she would talk to her baby and smile at the thought of seeing her soon. She couldn’t wait for her due date.
Her manager at the diner as well as her co-workers had been very supportive. As much as possible, they give the pregnant woman lighter tasks so that the safety of her baby would not be compromised. They knew how hardworking Courtney was and she deserved all the help she can get. Although they were not able to help her financially, at least, they know they were making it a little bit smoother for the nice mother-to-be. However, Courtney had no idea that before she was able to file her maternity leave, something unforgettable would happen at the diner.
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Not a Regular
Friday is the start of the busiest days in Lamp Diner Post. Customers come flocking at the end of the week, and Courtney had to move fast but efficiently. Since she knows exactly what her regular customers want, she often finds time to entertain other diners who are new to the place.
It was a Friday when a police officer stopped by at the Diner for lunch. Although he is not a regular patron, Courtney knew that it wasn’t the first time the cop had entered their place. Since the other waitresses were busy, she went on her way and politely asked the police with her most cheerful smile. He seemed to be on the rush when he gave out her order.
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Prompt Service
The lone man was a Voorhees Township police officer. Aside from his uniform that gave away his job, the other waitress told Courtney that the guy comes at the diner to grab something to eat every now and then. He ordered a salad and a glass of water and waited for his order patiently.
Since Courtney was naturally efficient with her job, the cop’s order was delivered to his table in no time at all. He muttered a word of thanks and started to eat right away, looking oblivious of the surrounding. So when Courtney moved over to the next table for a quick chat with her regular customers, she had no idea that the cop’s ears were still on her.
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Extremely Excited
The family on the other table next to the Voorhees Township police officer was close to Courtney. They casually asked about her pregnancy and even advised her to take her maternity leave. Her belly was already large, and somehow, her customers were growing quite concerned about her situation.
In a determined voice, the pregnant waitress told her regulars that she planned to work until the end of the month. The doctor had given her a due date on April 1, and for her, she needed all the shifts she can get. It was a casual talk for Courtney, and she had no idea that the man from the other table was intently listening to every word she says.
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Asking for the Bill
Perhaps it’s true that cops are always on the rush. It didn’t take that long for the police officer to finish his salad. He promptly gestured Courtney for the bill. The simple lunch of the man had cost him a total of $8.75. Courtney had taken the receipt from the register and brought it to his table.
Perhaps it’s true that cops are always on the rush. It didn’t take that long for the police officer to finish his salad. He promptly gestured Courtney for the bill. The simple lunch of the man had cost him a total of $8.75. Courtney had taken the receipt from the register and brought it to his table.
He was poker-faced as he handed the bill to Courtney. She thanked the man and wished him a good day as he left the diner. As part of the protocol, she took it to the cashier and went on to continue with her job. But within a minute, she was informed of the surprising news!
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The Sweet Note
When the cashier showed Courtney what had been written on the receipt, Courtney had to double-check. On the tip section, the cop had noted $100. At the side of the paper, he also scribbled a personal message that made her eyes water in an instant. His order hadn’t cost him ten dollars, and it was a real surprise to leave such generosity.
Since the cop was only gone for only a few minutes, Courtney ran out of the diner and checked the parking lot. She looked for a cop’s car and scanned the vehicles leaving the premise. However, Courtney failed to see the generous customer. When she returned inside, the real essence of what had happened came to her in full blow.
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Almost Speechless
Aside from the $100 tip, the cop had left a sweet message. It was not unusual for the customers, especially her regulars, to give her extra tips every now and then. However, it was the largest so far, and the thought that it came from someone who seldom visits diner was quite appalling for the pregnant waitress.
But aside from the surprising act of generosity, it was the note that baffled Courtney’s mind. She tried to remember what happened earlier. She was sure she had only asked for the cop’s order, delivered him his meal, and attended to him only when he had asked for the bill. There had been no casual conversation between them. For a moment, Courtney thought it was just a random act of kindness. But what about the personal note?
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Overheard Conversation
Courtney kept on reading the note again and again. “Enjoy ur first, you will never forget it.” Then, in an instant, the realization hit her. She remembered talking to her regular customers on the next table about how excited she was for her first baby. She even bragged that she would have a beautiful baby which she planned to name Kayleigh.
Perhaps, the police officer had overheard the conversation and detected the genuine excitement on her voice. Courtney also remembered saying that she would soon be out of work and was taking advantage of every penny she could get. Even without having a direct conversation with him, she was pretty sure that the mysterious cop had felt she needed extra resources.
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Sharing the Good News
Every staff in the diner is close to each other, and they were extremely happy for Courtney. They have witnessed how she struggled to continue working even if her belly was too big and heavy for the job. Moreover, they knew how she valued her role and her customers.
Well-deserved tip, that’s what they said. But for Courtney, it’s more than just the money. She was deeply moved by the thought that even total strangers can extend their help to someone in need without making them feel less of a person. She was so happy she ran and cried to her boss.
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Taking Notice
When Courtney told her boss about the amazing thing that happened, the manager confirmed to her that the police officer was indeed a regular customer. Perhaps, Courtney hadn’t noticed him all along because she has her own set of regular customers she attends to on a day to day basis. Moreover, people come and go, and they are always busy.
She was quite ashamed at the thought that she had failed to notice him while the cop only needed a few minutes to know she was in need. However, the information she gathered from Mark Patete, the diner’s manager, had made her happy. It meant she had a chance to thank him for his generosity. In her excitement, she called her father whom she knew would be glad to hear the good news as well.
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Spreading the Good News
When Courtney took her break, she snapped a photo of the receipt and texted her father, Brian Cardigan. She had always been a daddy’s girl, and she wanted him to know how much a stranger had made her happy that day.
On the other line, Brian couldn’t help but smile about the random act of kindness from the anonymous cop. He could clearly sense how much it made an impact on her daughter. In his mind, he already knew what to do to show his sincerest appreciation.
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A Father’s Way of Extending His Gratitude
Personally, Brian Cadigan had some bad bread for police officers. He knew some officers treated other people like dirt and others take advantage of their position to power trip. They knew they were capable of enforcing authority, they had guns, and sometimes, it doesn’t end the nice way for innocent people.
However, even if the police reputation is heavily marred on his eyes, Brian was aware that not all of them were the same. As a father who was a witness to the struggle his daughter was facing, Brian knew how the act had impacted her in more ways than other people could imagine. So, he felt determined to thank the cop who made him realize an essential lesson in life.
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Turning to Facebook
Since Courtney was not able to personally thank the cop, Brian asked for her permission to post the receipt, as well as the uplifting story of kindness. He wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to express his gratitude towards the officer’s selfless act and generosity.
In his most sincere words, Brian shared his amazement and appreciation of what happened that day at the diner. The picture had a long and meaningful caption. According to him, he just typed in what he really felt. Within minutes, the heartwarming story had gone viral. In a time wherein there is so much negativity surrounding the police officers, Courtney’s story was a refreshing and inspiring moment for everyone.
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What’s In the Post?
In a lengthy message, Brian summed up the lesson he had learned based on Courtney’s experience. A part of the post read like this, “Yes, I am sure there are some bad apples, but most of them are just doing their jobs, they deal with the worst of society every day and have to keep going back every day and deal with it all over again. They risk their lives each day just to do their job, of trying to enforce the laws that they didn’t make.”
Brian Cadigan had no idea that his Facebook post about the generous tip along with the heartfelt note will shed a positive light on the way people see police officers. In no time at all, positive reactions came flooding his feed. It might be a small deed for others; however, it matters to a lot of people in their locality.
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Never to Leave Her
Brian was extremely proud of her daughter who’s doing everything it takes to be able to provide for her daughter. She would become a single mom in a month as her ex-boyfriend who impregnated her had left her just like that.
Although he wanted to make a move and fight for her daughter’s rights, Brian chose to respect Courtney’s decision. The mother-to-be did not want anything more from the boneless man who ditched her when she accidentally got pregnant. Somehow, Brian knew the irresponsible man would just be an additional burden for her. So when he found out that someone had made her incredibly happy, it surely meant something to him.
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Chain Reactions
The grateful father also called the anonymous cop a wonderful person. He shared that the lovely message, as well as the generous tip, had not only made her daughter’s day but instead, it made her entire year.
Here is that part of the post: “I don’t know you Mr. Police Officer, but you made my little girl cry and made her year. Thank you, I always had the utmost respect for Officers, but you went above and beyond not just an officer, but a beautiful human being. God Bless.”
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The Boomerang Effect
With Courtney’s story suddenly becoming viral, it had opened the door for other people to share their positive interactions with their local police department as well. It turned out that many cops are still committed to their values. Although the other stories were not as exciting as Courtney’s, it doesn’t mean they are not worth sharing at all.
The incredible thing that happened at Lamp Post Diner’s one Friday is another example of how small acts of kindness can result in positive energy being passed on from one person to another. Soon enough, the media had taken a word of what happened and decided to find out who the viral cop is. However, the officer chose to remain anonymous.
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Remaining Anonymous
Leading news outlets in New Jersey had set up an appointment with Courtney as well as with Brian. It was such an excellent opportunity for the mysterious cop to take the entire complement to himself. However, by refusing to appear on interviews, he proved once again that the act of kindness was a selfless one and not just for the show.
Of course, Courtney’s manager had given her the name of the generous police officer. But since he was reluctant to take the credit, the grateful waitress decided to thank him personally and in private. She knew, one day, she would see him again at the diner. Already, she feels excited to share with him exciting news about her baby.
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Charity with Respect
Just like her, Courtney was aware that a police officer in their area was not entitled to a hefty salary. The cop who had eaten at the diner was evidently not filthy rich and yet, he decided to share some of his blessings.
According to Cadigan, their reaction was not sparked by the amount of the tip. It’s the humanity of the action that moved them the most. The cop had seen Courtney as a struggling young girl who worked in a busy diner. She was pregnant, and he knew it wasn’t easy to stand with that kind of weight on her. But despite her condition, she still managed to serve everyone with a genuine smile on her face.
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Filled with Hope and Dreams for the Future
Courtney had already filed her maternity leave. She still had a few weeks to wait for her due. Of course, the 100 dollar tip is not enough to solve all of her financial worries. However, she knows that whatever happens in the future, there will always be signs that every day is filled with hope and life’s surprises.
After her delivery, Courtney will be able to take 6 to 8 weeks off work, which isn't long for a new mother. However, she knows she will know that once her daughter is born, she will always have a source of strength and determination to carry on.
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