A Single Mom Was Surprised By a Massive Act of Kindness at a Popular New Hampshire Restaurant

There's no denying that the world is a volatile place right now. It's not at all outside of the norm to be walking through a store and see two strangers screaming at the top of their lungs at each other and, if viral videos on social media are any indication, get physical.

And speaking of social media, you only have to scroll for about 5 seconds or less before you're met with comments on a topic that aren't so much about the actual topic, but rather just pure vitriol tossed from one keyboard warrior to another. Simply put, the world is a pretty toxic place right now.

That's what makes the pure, good things like this stand out even more.

Ralphie's Cafe Italiano is on Route 28 in Salem, New Hampshire

Erin Gardner is a single mom living in Salem with her 9-year-old son, Cam. This past Friday night, she did something that she does quite often for her and Cam -- wrapped up her work day at Patriot Nissan, and went next door to Ralphie's to order takeout. While she was waiting for her food, she sat at the bar and ordered a drink.

As posted by Erin in the Merrimack Valley Eats group on Facebook, the couple seated near Erin started engaging her in conversation as she was sipping her drink.

"I never even got their names, but we got to talking about how I’m a single Mom who works 2 jobs and I’m taking my son to Disney World for the first time for his 9th birthday in 2 weeks."

It was actually Erin's second attempt to bring Cam to Disney World

On top of being a Disney fan, Cam is also a wrestling fan. Back in 2020, WWE Wrestlemania 36 was scheduled to be held at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa on March 26. So, Erin decided to plan the most epic trip for Cam -- not only would he be live in attendance for Wrestlemania, which is known as the Super Bowl of professional wrestling, but Erin was also going to take him to Disney World in Orlando right after.

But like most things in 2020, the pandemic crushed both of their hopes and dreams, and the trip was canceled.

Erin surprised Cam with a brand new Disney trip on Christmas 2021

In what was one of the most adorable posts to social media on Christmas Day last month, a video shows Erin watching Cam unwrap his last Christmas present. The gift included a mask that said "Birthday Boy" in Disney font, a stuffed Mickey Mouse dressed as Santa, some Disney t-shirts, and a box that changed it all for Cam and had him smiling ear to ear...

...Disney MagicBands.

That's when Erin received a surprise of her own

During the conversation with the couple, Erin received a phone call she had to take and excused herself from the bar. Upon returning, the couple had already left. Erin finished her drink and went to pay for her food -- except she wasn't able to.

The bartender explained to Erin that while she was on the phone, the couple had not only paid their own tab, but also for Erin's drink and her and Cam's dinner. They didn't leave a note or message, but simply paid Erin's bill and left.

And in today's world, THAT'S the type of stuff you won't hear reported on. Because it's actually something that reeks of positivity. For all that couple knew, Erin was at a struggling point in her life and that simple gesture of kindness could have turned it all around for her. And the best part? They kept it anonymous -- they did it because they genuinely wanted to do something helpful to someone who clearly does any and everything for her son. They didn't do it for the recognition.

And that's when it means the most and has the biggest impact.