Many years ago, a 10-year-old boy walked up to the counter of a soda shop and climbed onto a stool. He caught the eye of the waitress and asked, “How much is an ice cream sundae?”
“Fifty cents,” the waitress replied. The boy reached into his pockets, pulled out a handful of change, and began counting. The waitress frowned impatiently. After all, she had other customers to wait on.
The boy squinted up at the waitress. “How much is a dish of plain ice cream?” he asked. The waitress sighed and rolled her eyes. “Thirty-five cents,” she said with a note of irritation.
Again, the boy counted his coins. At last, he said, “I’ll have the plain ice cream, please.” He put a quarter and two nickels on the counter. The waitress took the coins, brought the ice cream, and walked away.
About ten minutes later, she returned and found the ice cream dish empty. The boy was gone. She picked up the empty dish—then swallowed hard.
There on the counter, next to the wet spot where the dish had been, were two nickels and five pennies. The boy had had enough for a sundae, but he had ordered plain ice cream so he could leave her a tip.
In a world that constantly tells us to get all we can, every so often it’s important to be reminded of the power of generosity.
—
Winged Avenger says
Once this kid learns percentages, he’ll kick himself for overtipping.
di says
I don’t think he will…
tudza says
A touching fairy tale. Did he leave at least 15%?
di says
He left almost 30%.
MathMagician says
He left 43%
20% would have been 7¢
which he had the change to give.
Ellem says
Great story-a hearat grabber. Despite all, the boy was true to himself.
Jarrod@ Optimistic Journey says
I loved this story. The little boy could have easily gave the whole 50 cents away and got the sundae. It’s the principal behind this story that we can learn from. Thanks for sharing!!
Christine says
Heather – I know exactly what you mean! I had tears in my eyes when I read this story.
Debbie@happymaker says
That is just a wonderful story and I do hope that the waitress learned from the little boy. Children can teach us so much if we just pay attention.
Thank you for sharing.
Debbie
Lyndit says
A beautiful heart warming story. The power to share is my favorite ability.
heather says
children being more gracious than adults always puts me on the verge of tears, for some reason. i guess it gives me hope about the future of humanity…
Christine says
Halfway through the story I said to myself, “He is going to use the money for a tip!” This story is adorable. Thank you for posting it – I think we can all learn something from it!
Melissa Schmalenberger says
Thanks for the reminder of how we should all lead our lives!