A young college student made headlines this summer for the way he treated a patron at the restaurant where he works.
A small gesture, which he didn't think too much of, made a world of difference to one man and the story of that act of kindness went viral. Now they've developed a friendship, and it's thanks to respect, kindness, and compassion.
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Lee is a 51-year-old Kroger employee in Raleigh, North Carolina. He's an independent man, despite his cerebral palsy, but without the use of his hands, he needs help in order to eat.
They decided to try the 42nd Street Oyster Bar. Their waiter, a college student named Five, noticed Lee's mother struggling to feed him in the restaurant.
"Seafood is best eaten hot, so I didn't want her food to get cold. I didn't want his food to get cold," said Five, "I just wanted to help a fellow man out."
Linda appreciated his thoughtful gesture. "He casually came over and asked Lee if he had ever had oysters... Lee told him he had not. So, [Five] asked [if he] could he serve him his first. It was smooth not to embarrass Lee. Just offering [to] share in the experience."
"I genuinely appreciated what he did, an act of kindness," Lee told ABC News.
And posted it to Facebook, calling out Five for being compassionate and amazing. It was shared over 1,300 times and quickly went viral.
He began getting recognized — "I'm going into the gas station and somebody wants to buy me gas, I'm like 'no!'" he said. His boss filled him in on the viral sensation that was his act of kindness.
Even opting to celebrate his birthday at the 42nd St. Oyster Bar. It's not a tough decision when they go out to eat — they go where people literally lend Lee a hand.
Since that first chance encounter, their friendship has grown.
"I'm very blessed," Lee said. "It shows there are good people in the world still."
