Day 16 - Clovis, NM - Conclusion

I was just going through my list of things that I could have done wrong.

Why was the manager of a Chili's pulling me away from my Mom and Jack???

We sit down in a very tiny booth.

He's a big guy. Balding. Probably 5 years younger than me.

"John, it is really nice to meet you. My name is Mac and I'm the manager of this Chili's."

We shake hands. His friends have to call him Big Mac.

"I know what you are doing here."

My shock is now going in disbelief.

"I know about The Bucket Trip and what you are doing for you Mom right now."

My lip starts to quiver.

Tears are rolling down my cheek again.

"I just want to let you know how awesome it is. What you are doing. It is pretty amazing."

I get out a very weak "Thank you."

"One of your friends thinks it is pretty amazing too. He or she called us to let us know that you were dining with us tonight."

I checked in on facebook. Holy crap.

"I am pulling you aside to let you know that your friend has paid for your drinks tonight. I need you to sign this receipt acknowledging that you approve of this."

I don't remember signing this receipt.

I look at Mac.

"Who did this?" I ask.

"John, your friend requested to remain anonymous and I'm going to honor that. Just have a great trip and come back and see us sometime at Chili's."

I head back to our table, completely stunned.

"The Kids" want to know what is going on and I explain it.

And my Mom gets a smile on her face.

"I'm happy that you have friends that care about you." she says.

So. For the person who did this, thank you.

Your timing was so impeccable that if this had happened in a movie, people watching would have called B.S. on it.

They wouldn't believe that this could really happen.

You instantly brightened the darkest moment of this trip.

And most importantly, you made my Mom smile.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you.