For the first time in months, Jackie was finally able to go out for dinner with her husband. Although it wasn’t exactly the perfect date just like they used to have years ago, it was a much-needed break for both of them. Thinking she’d have some peace and quiet at the restaurant, Jackie soon realized it had all been a mistake. As the waitress left their table, Jackie spotted her husband smiling at the woman. He was looking at a note and Jackie felt the blood rising. What was the waitress thinking when she did that? Jackie got back from the restroom and sat down, confused and feeling betrayed. Nothing could have prepared her for what happened next…
The Third Baby
A couple of months have passed since Jackie and her husband have welcomed a new baby in their life. With two other kids and a baby, Jackie had her hands full, but she didn’t mind it at all. Nonetheless, that night out would be refreshing, she thought. Little did she know she would experience a wave of mixed feelings that night!
Relationships
It’s never easy to have a relationship, especially when the focus shifts more on the kids than on you as a couple. As soon as the two held their first newborn baby in their arms, they knew that priorities had shifted. So, as with all young families, parenting comes with ups and downs, but it’s a task shared by both mom and dad. Now, looking at the scene in front of her, Jackie thought for a second about how it would feel like being a single mom and tears welled up in her eyes…
Trying to Calm Down
Holding back her emotions and trying not to make a scene, Jackie took a deep breath and waited a couple of minutes before asking what was going on. Her husband’s reaction didn’t help with his case. He looked down at the note and refrained from saying anything else. Instead, he handed her the note. Meanwhile, Jackie was conflicted, wondering if her husband had met that waitress before.
Starting a Family
Iowa native Jackie Johnson-Smith served her country before she settled down and started a family with the man of her dreams Tom. That was back in 2007, when they got married. Her priority changed after becoming a veteran and meeting her husband.
Celebrating Together
As years passed, the family extended, and now Jackie and Tom have three beautiful boys. Looking back in time, Jackie knew this was everything she had wished for. But people change, and you may never know where life takes you. That day, Jackie was in tears as she returned to the table.
The Fong’s Restaurant
Jackie’s birthday was getting close, and although she didn’t want to plan anything special for that day, she agreed that it was time to enjoy herself. On that July day, she won’t wash the dishes or cook. Instead, she’d take the family out for dinner. She had no idea what to expect during her dinner!
Confrontation
As a U.S. Army soldier veteran, Jackie knew for to control any kind of situation. Her husband had been by her side before she retired and now that she was at home being a full time mom, they got to spend more time together. But what Jackie couldn’t control was the outcome of that night. That whole event changed them all!
Long Days and Short Nights
With two little boys and a baby, Jackie and Tom were facing some long days and the nights seemed too short for them to actually get enough rest. Washing clothes, making meals and changing diapers was part of an endless cycle and now Jackie was finally taking a short break and working on herself. As she dressed up and put makeup, she looked forward to her birthday dinner at the restaurant…
Keeping the Spark Alive
Jackie wanted to look as good as she looked when Tom first met her. So, she put on lipstick and a nice dress, and packed everything for the night out. The kids would be on their best behavior, as she taught them. It nearly felt like Jackie and Tom were on a date, but with the kids. Then, she saw him smile at that note and Jackie fumed!
Emotional
We all know that the months after giving birth are very stressful to parents. Moms go through some emotional swings and it can put pressure on marriage and their relationships. Jackie knew it too well, since she’d experienced some difficult moments herself. However, she had no idea she’d start crying in the middle of the restaurant…
An Ideal Couple
Being married for over 10 years, everyone saw Jackie and Tom as the perfect couple. They had a fairy tale wedding and now with three children, it seemed things were going into the right direction. Nobody ever thought something could break them apart. Yet, Jackie feared their relationship wasn’t exactly perfect.
Kids Came First
As with most families that have kids, they are the number one priority. Tom could still remember how Jackie looked when she said yes, and now, seeing her around the house, with the kids, he knew things had changed. She was going through some rough moments, the house was a mess, and she even started yelling. Now he could see her face change when she saw him read the note from the waitress.
Jealousy
Although Jackie wasn’t a jealous person, she knew her husband was attractive. She saw women turning their heads to give him a once over, but she knew he loved her and only her. Now with so many emotions built up inside her, things weren’t as clear as before…
A Happy Birthday Dinner
Jackie thought the dinner out on her birthday may help relax the mood. The past weeks had been rough for her. Tom was coming earlier from work, he was spending time with the two boys while she cared for the baby, but it seemed as if he was distant. Was she overthinking it or was she insecure about her marriage?
Pushing The Thoughts To The Side
Tom noticed Jackie had been on edge, but he just blamed the stress and lack of sleep. He thought maybe a few more weeks will pass and things would go to normal. After all, this was the third baby, and they had been through the same phases in the past. But this time, it was different…
Frustration and Stress
Perhaps all the stress has make Jackie worked up and irritable. She was stressed, and couldn’t exactly be the same calm woman with all the work and chores around the house. What Jackie didn’t know was that her relationship would be redefined that night after Tom’s interaction with the waitress. Here’s what happened.
The Date Night
Jackie and Tom couldn’t leave the kids with the grandparents for their date night. After all, Jackie’s birthday was an event they would celebrate as a family. So, with all the squad ready for the night out and Jackie looking stunning, it was time to unwind. They got seated at a table and ordered pizza for everyone.
The Friendly Waitress
As the friendly waitress smiled at the two and took the order, Jackie had no idea what would happen an hour later. Minutes passed and after the pizza arrived, Jackie noticed the baby was fussing. She opened the bag and started looking for the bottle when realization hit her…
She Forgot the Bottle
You know you’re in trouble when a hungry baby is missing his bottle, and Jackie knew it was only a matter of time until he started crying. So, trying to hush him and hoping he’d fall asleep, Jackie whished for the best. That’s when he started crying and as minutes passed, Jackie had no other option than do this...
Time to Eat
Jackie’s baby wanted what everyone just had – food! And if the bottle was not there, then the best solution was to drink straight from the source. Looking around her and seeing everyone glance at their table, Jackie took the baby in her arms and started breastfeeding him at the table. She felt all the eyes was on her, but also noticed the waitress staring at her husband.
Post-Partum Emotions
Holding your newborn baby, feeling all eyes on you when you’re doing a natural thing and handling the post-partum emotions can be overwhelming. So even though Jackie wasn’t a softie, she continued doing so. If people ate their pizza, then her boy needed to eat as well, no matter what others thought. But why was the waitress staring?
An Intense Stare
Jackie felt the waitress’ eyes on her and on Tom. Maybe it was the first time she saw a mom breastfeeding a baby in the restaurant, but no matter what excuses she tried finding, she was suspicious something was off. She’d learn about it soon enough.
Going to The Restroom
After nursing the baby, Jackie went to the restroom while Tom asked for the bill. What was odd was when the waitress returned with the bill on which she left a note. Jackie wasn’t around when that happened, so imagine her reaction when she saw her husband turned around towards the waitress and smiling at her!
A Genuine Smile
Tom has never smiled that way at strangers, and when he looked at Jackie, he saw her frown. He put the note down and that’s when Jackie saw it. Something was scribbled on that note by the waitress that had been staring at them half the time they’d been there. What was she thinking when she did that? Jackie’s heart sank, imagining the worst.
Speechless
Jackie was speechless for a few seconds, not knowing how to approach this situation. She was boiling inside and felt tears welling up. He even took out his phone and seemed as if he was noting something. Did that waitress leave her number on the bill? Jackie asked what was that all about, and Tom handed her the note. As soon as she read the words, her vision got blurred by the tears she could no longer hold back.
Smiling
As she read the note, she smiled and looked at him. Tom took her hand and smiled back, with a reassuring nod. Jackie couldn’t believe what she was reading! All she could do was look up and see if the waitress was around. There she was at the bar, was looking towards their table. Jackie smiled and mouthed a “Thank you!” Here’s what the note read.
"Thank Your Wife"
“I bought one of your pizzas. Please thank your wife for breastfeeding!” wrote the note handed by the waitress who was amazed by Jackie’s bravery in public and wanted to encourage this behavior and support moms like Jackie.
A Compliment
The waitress, whose name was Bodi, was a complete stranger that noticed Jackie breastfeeding and felt the need to congratulate her. She spent her own money to give Jackie a free pizza, and Tom was so impressed by the note that he took the photo to upload it later on social media.
A Viral Story
Jackie’s story went viral in just a few hours, and people were impressed with the server’s kind gesture. She was also moved by this note but didn’t expect to see her post start gain traction. Soon, people all over the world were talking about Bodi and Jackie.
Breastfeeding
“I have breastfed three children… I have breastfed them in countless of places both pleasant and unpleasant, discreetly and out in the open. I have gotten many looks and stares, but tonight erases any negativity I have ever received,” wrote Jackie on her Facebook page, sharing the photo of the bill.
It Felt Amazing
Jackie explained that she “ate at Fong’s for the first time tonight. Having a fussy baby I nursed him for awhile in the booth and eventually left the table early as to not disrupt the restaurant.” Then, when she came back she saw the note. Jackie admitted that “although I don’t need a pat on the back for feeding my child, it sure felt amazing.”
Empowering Each Other
Instead of staring at her husband for completely different reasons, the waitress had something else in mind. “It is amazing how we women can make each other feel when we empower each other,” said Jackie.
Sharing Wholesome Moments Together
Since those strange moments after her last pregnancy, Jackie has realized that her relationship has never been stronger and she shouldn’t have worried. Now, she is sharing wholesome moments with the whole family together and they’re indeed picture perfect!
A Photo That Brings You Joy
This is one of the lastest posts Jackie shared on social media. “I wanted to participate in posting a picture that brings me joy,” she wrote. “My kids are absolutely my life. It’s been a weird week, so anything happy is much needed. I had promised to share more of these family pictures and then forgot, but time is in abundance now.”
A Happy Family
It’s great to see the waitress showed her support towards Jackie. The Smiths are a happy family, and they learned that there are kind people out there who want to spread joy and empower others.