In “Again” JohnA Passaro wrote, “In some aspects losing a child is like a wall, but instead of getting over it, you must carry the wall with you, wherever you go, for as long as you live.” A compassionate waitress eased that burden — however briefly — for one grieving Texas couple.

Parents Shaun and Debbie Riddle frequented the West Side Cafe in Fort Worth, Texas, enjoying time out with their newborn daughter, Glory. The trio was such a frequent visitor that when they arrived to the restaurant last week without their baby, their waitress, Kayla Lane, noticed. She innocently inquired about Glory’s whereabouts and was shocked and saddened by the answer. Glory had passed away in her sleep at just nine-weeks-old.

Initially, Kayla balked with guilt. Lane told CBS Dallas, “I’m like, ‘Oh gosh, I made them remember!’ even though it’s going through their minds all day, every day.”

However, she wanted to do what she could to lighten the couple’s load. In lieu of a bill, when the couple’s meal was finished, she brought them a note that said, “Your ticket has been paid for. We are terribly sorry for your loss. God Bless. -The West Side”.

But The West Side hadn’t paid the couple’s ticket, according to the restaurant’s manager. Lane had picked up their tab herself and even refused a tip from the couple.

This isn’t the first time Lane has performed similar acts of kindness. She has often picked up tabs for members of the military and the fire department.

According to the restaurant, “Kayla’s uncommon act of kindness is a common virtue shared by so many of our great coworkers. But this is just a reflection of the warm and loving appreciation which we receive from so many of our great guests.”

In Grieving Parents: Surviving Loss as a Couple, Nathalie Himmelrich writes, “It is time to teach society on how to be empathetic with people grieving.” Kayla Lane is giving us all a lesson in empathy.

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