Matt Ruark has made a career of rushing into situations others are trying to leave. He’s a firefighter and EMT. He’s used to being called out on emergencies at all hours of the day and night. So, it wasn’t a surprise when he was recently called away from a family dinner.
What happened next, though, was a surprise.
Empty Chair
Ruark’s wife, April, posted a picture to her Instagram account. “De you see this chair”? she asks. “Do you see the full plate sitting in front of the empty chair?”
In her post, April tells how their family decided to stop for dinner in Clarkesville after attending the Habersham County Christmas Parade on December 14 in Baldwin. They had just settled in to enjoy their meal together when her husband was suddenly called away to a wreck.
“Matt throws me his wallet and hollers how much he loves us as he is running out the door. All while each child and myself all say ‘I love you too.'”
As Matt rushed to the scene of the accident, his wife and kids were left to finish their dinner. His empty chair and full plate were a reminder of the many other family gatherings that have been interrupted by emergencies over the years.
A stranger’s generosity
After they finished their meal, April asked for the check. The waiter told her it was already paid. The gentleman in the booth next to them picked up the tab. The waiter delivered a message for him, “Merry Christmas. Please tell your husband thank you for all he does.”
“At that moment I wanted to cry,” says April, “mainly because there are still good people who respect first responders (and also) respect the families who live this life.”
She used her Instagram post to say thanks to the anonymous gentleman. “I pray the Lord blesses you in many ways.”
