Family

A set of new parents, Debbie and Shaun Riddle, had to experience the most horrifying thing any new parents could ever imagine dealing with. They had lost their newborn to sudden death. Before that, though, the two would often visit their favorite diner in Fort Worth, TX called the West Side Cafe. It was a place for locals to meet and talk, and the Riddles particularly loved the kind waitstaff. They had a favorite waitress who would always serve them. The Riddles would always bring their newborn in, a baby girl named Glory. But one day, the Riddles didn't bring Glory with them to the cafe and their waitress, Kayla, took notice of it. Debbie and Shaun Riddle / Courtesy Photo Kayla notices the new parents grieving Kayla had noticed that not only was baby Glory not accompanying the two parents, but their usual cheerful demeanor had changed and they seemed anything but. She decided to ask how Glory was doing, to which the couple had to sadly report to their waitress that their baby had died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and doctors had no idea why it happened. Kayla felt awful that she had even asked and caused a couple to relive the pain when they just wanted to go out to eat and probably get their minds off it. Baby Glory, of Debbie and Shaun Riddle / Courtesy Photo Kayla didn't have any children, but was an aunt to a little boy and sympathized with these parents as she couldn't imagine having to go through the loss of their child. She wanted to do something for them. When Debbie and Shaun were finished with their meal, instead of dropping the check on the table, Kayla dropped a slip of paper on the table with a note that read, "Your ticket has been paid for. We are terribly sorry for your loss! God bless. -The West Side." Kayla had paid for their meal in full out of pocket. The Riddles were completely touched by her act of kindness. Waitress pays for couple's meal after the loss of their baby / Courtesy Photo After Kayla had extended this gracious act of generosity, the Riddles wanted to pay it forward even further. They chatted with the manager of the diner and found out that Kayla was working at the diner to help pay for school. So, they started a scholarship program to help kids get through school, inspired by one of Glory's onesies that said: “Kisses 25 cents – I’m saving for my college fund…” Not only was the scholarship program a great way to keep their baby's memory alive, but they were also helping Kayla and people like her trying to pay their own way through school. Kayla says she wasn't expecting any form of reciprocation and just wanted to try and be of help to the grieving family, but is "eternally grateful." Waitress pays for couple's meal after the loss of their baby / Courtesy Photo We can't imagine how grateful this couple must feel to be surrounded by people who are so caring and generous during their hard time! Take a look at this story of another waitress who served a grumpy old man for seven years, then received a life-changing gift from him after he passed away!