Anonymous gift brightens day

The spirit of the Christmas holiday season kicked off early this year for a group of friends.

We call ourselves the Golden Girls and say we’re a Saturday morning breakfast group.

We’ve been rotating where we dine. On this day, when we asked for our individual bills the kind waitress informed us our food had been paid for by a group who wished to remain anonymous. She was not allowed to tell us until they left the restaurant.

The gesture was more than a thoughtful and delightful surprise. It was a reminder we all should find things in life we can do for others without recognition.

Each person in our group was thankful for the gracious gift bestowed upon us.

In truth, we are much more than a group going out to eat on the weekend. We came together through time and we are always there for each other.

Many of us have known each other throughout our lives, but didn’t see each other on a routine basis. Others have met through the group at a time in each of our lives when we needed each other.

We came individually. We’ve lost some members to death. Others have moved away, but God puts the right person in our paths when we need each other.

There is nothing official about our group, but we are there for each other and our families in sad times, as well as happy times.

I’d like for the folks who picked up our check that day to know some of our group will carry on your tradition of being anonymous donors and brightening others’ days. Some have been doing it already. Sometimes the folks know and other times, they do it anonymously like you.

May your families have a holiday season full of wonderful surprises, treats and nonstop laughter. Our group said “thank you” and will spread your caring message on to others.

Barbara Ann Horton is a staff writer at the Daily American Republic. She can be reached bhorton@darnews.com.