surprise at stan's diner

we drive a beat up mini van. there is no side view mirror, the right headlight is held in place by duct tape just like the back panel is. when we turn the steering wheel it is like two humpback whales are mating and when we hit the brakes it's like scratching a chalk board with a razor. it is more than a car, it's a legend.

yesterday we were celebrating jamey's senior project completion and decided to grab a bite to eat. my sister carrie had to get back to SLC so it had to be quick and there was a line you wouldn't believe at the Creamery because every one's parents are visiting for graduation and going to the Creamery makes them feel like cougars again. so i suggested Stan's Diner on 9th East, a small trailer-like restaurant we went to once before. (this is fate intervening...)

we order our burgers and such and jamey is sitting at the table with eli. this random guy notices our sweet ride and strikes up a conversation with jamey.

guy: what happened to your car?
J: we got it for free, second hand from her [my] parents so we don't know what happened to it.
guy: is that your mom?
me: yeah, my sister wrecked most of it
guy: that headlight's an expensive fix
j: sure is
me: that's why there's still duct tape on it

so at this point i think the guy is kind of weird and walk away just as he's pulling something out of his pocket. i go tell my mom and carrie that some dude is giving jamey his business card so we'll go get the van fixed. meanwhile the conversation continues...

guy: i remember what it's like to be a student and not have a lot of money
j: yeah (assuming the business card is coming)

now here's the kicker, there's no business card. he lays four bills on the table and jamey protests as the guy turns and leaves the restaurant, hops into his giant truck with his friend trailing him in his porsche and drives out of our lives. which bills you ask? they were the ones with ulysses s. grant on them, yep those are fifties. the guy gave us $200 to fix the legend.

i concluded that someone was paying attention during the sunday school lesson this week about the parable of the good samaritan. my mom and sister have decided to eat at Stan's Diner every day from now on. thank you mr. white truck, thank you!

b