r/MadeMeSmile • u/nun_CARTII • Aug 23 '26

Good Vibes the value of being kind

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For nearly seven years, waitress Melina Salazar showed extraordinary patience and kindness to Walter “Buck” Swords, a notoriously difficult customer at Luby’s Cafeteria in Brownsville, Texas.

The 89-year-old WWII veteran frequently complained, cursed at staff, demanded piping-hot meals and never left a tip. Despite this, Melina continued serving him with compassion.

After Walter died in 2007, Melina received an incredible surprise. He had left her $50,000 and his 2000 Buick in his will as a heartfelt thank-you for her unwavering kindness.

A powerful reminder that kindness can touch people more deeply than we realize.

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u/ManzanitaSuperHero Aug 23 '26

So it’s ok to be awful to someone for 7 years (!) as long as you pay for the privilege?

Being a little gruff is one thing. “Cursing at staff”? I don’t find this heartwarming at all.

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u/mckittums1 Aug 23 '26

I guess maybe the guy had a hard life. It's no excuse for treating people poorly, but maybe on his deathbed he realized the error of his ways. idk. It's a clickbaity story. I'm not clicking. Treat people how you want to be treated, that's all

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u/-StrawberryJacuzzi- Aug 23 '26

Agreed. As much as I want to boast be kind to others… I didn’t get sent off to war during my formative years and probably see horrific things that you still see every time you close your eyes for the rest of your life. Gotta consider empathy for people who are jerks too

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u/Student-type Aug 23 '26

Truly thoughtful. OOB thinking. Made me reconsider my positions too. Thank You. 🙏

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u/-StrawberryJacuzzi- Aug 23 '26

I wish more internet interactions were like this lol. Have a great night