An older man named Lee had just lost his wife of 43 years but instead of crying in his entree, he looked around the restaurant on his first night dining out alone and became inspired by a young couple in love.

He paid for their meal, scribbling a touching note on a napkin…

“You don’t know me, but my beautiful wife of 43 years died last week. Tonight I dined alone for the first time. You remind me of us many years ago. Please allow me to buy your dinner.. It will put a smile on Carol’s face and make me happy… for now. Happy New Year!”

He signed the note “Lee B.” and added a postscript, “Pay it Forward,” which he hoped would inspire them to do something nice for a stranger — maybe even an elderly man sitting alone in a restaurant.

Hat tip for Elite Daily! – Photo via Imgur